Pivot to the Future audiobook cover - Discovering Value and Creating Growth in a Disrupted World

Pivot to the Future

Discovering Value and Creating Growth in a Disrupted World

Omar Abbosh, Paul Nunes, Larry Downes

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Categories:
EntrepreneurshipTechnology & the FutureCareer & SuccessManagement & Leadership

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Pivot to the Future
Trapped Value & The Need to Pivot+
The Wise Pivot Framework+
Seven Strategies to Stay Ahead+
Scaling for Long-Term Growth+
Financial Strategy for Pivoting+
Leadership & Adaptive Culture+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
According to the text, what happens when companies fail to act on emerging technological opportunities and cling to outdated business models?
  • A. They experience a temporary dip in revenue before the market naturally stabilizes.
  • B. They leave 'trapped value' in their models, which disruptors then capture.
  • C. They are forced to immediately liquidate their physical assets to survive.
  • D. They successfully avoid the financial risks associated with unproven technologies.
Question 2 of 8
What is the core concept of the 'wise pivot' strategy?
  • A. Rapidly abandoning legacy products to focus entirely on emerging technologies.
  • B. Transitioning all financial resources into a single, high-growth core business.
  • C. Balancing investments across the 'old' (legacy), the 'now' (core), and the 'new' (emerging) stages of business.
  • D. Outsourcing all core operations to focus exclusively on customer experience.
Question 3 of 8
How does Apple exemplify the strategy of 'rethinking ownership' to stay ahead of disruption?
  • A. By acquiring all of its manufacturing plants to tightly control the supply chain.
  • B. By offering its software for free and only charging for hardware.
  • C. By converting all of its retail employees into independent contractors.
  • D. By outsourcing production to remain flexible and asset-smart while focusing on design.
Question 4 of 8
What lesson can be learned from Netflix's 2011 attempt to spin off its DVD rental service?
  • A. Companies should avoid premature exits from profitable legacy businesses.
  • B. Streaming was not a technologically viable option at the time.
  • C. Spin-offs are the most effective way to scale emerging digital technologies.
  • D. Legacy businesses should be entirely separated from core operations to avoid brand confusion.
Question 5 of 8
How did Uniqlo successfully manage its physical infrastructure in response to the rise of e-commerce?
  • A. By closing half of its physical stores to cut operational costs and fund digital ads.
  • B. By upgrading its physical stores with RFID tracking and digital integrations to improve inventory and engagement.
  • C. By converting all its brick-and-mortar stores into dark stores used only for online fulfillment.
  • D. By entirely separating its online inventory from its physical store inventory to prevent overlap.
Question 6 of 8
According to the text, what is a key characteristic of an adaptive workforce in the face of AI and automation?
  • A. Technology is used to replace human workers to achieve maximum cost efficiency.
  • B. Employees are transitioned strictly into management roles while AI handles all production.
  • C. Technology is used to enhance human employees rather than replace them, combining machine efficiency with human creativity.
  • D. Companies focus solely on hiring new digital talent rather than investing in retraining existing staff.
Question 7 of 8
How did Walmart adapt its corporate culture to support reinvention and its digital strategy?
  • A. By forcing leaders of acquired e-commerce startups to conform strictly to Walmart's traditional retail culture.
  • B. By keeping its traditional retail and digital businesses completely siloed from one another.
  • C. By completely replacing its executive board with tech industry veterans.
  • D. By allowing leaders from acquired e-commerce businesses to influence the broader organization and drive innovation.
Question 8 of 8
How did the South African insurer AllLife leverage data to create a new market?
  • A. By using data to deny coverage to high-risk individuals and improve overall profitability.
  • B. By using AI-driven analytics to offer life insurance to HIV-positive clients.
  • C. By selling anonymized customer health data to pharmaceutical companies.
  • D. By using predictive models to shift their entire business from life insurance to property insurance.

Pivot to the Future — Full Chapter Overview

Pivot to the Future Summary & Overview

Pivot to the Future (2019) explores how companies can achieve sustainable growth by reinventing their existing businesses while embracing new technologies. It introduces the concept of “wise pivots,” strategic shifts that help organizations balance legacy operations with future innovation. Through real-world examples, it demonstrates how businesses can unlock hidden value and stay competitive in an era of constant disruption.

Who Should Listen to Pivot to the Future?

  • Forward-thinking business executives seeking sustainable growth strategies
  • Innovation-driven entrepreneurs navigating digital transformation challenges
  • Curious professionals interested in business innovation and adaptation

About the Author: Omar Abbosh, Paul Nunes, Larry Downes

Omar Abbosh is a business leader and former Chief Strategy Officer at Accenture, where he played a key role in driving digital transformation initiatives. With extensive experience in technology and strategy, he has helped major organizations navigate disruption and unlock growth opportunities.

Paul Nunes is the Global Managing Director for Thought Leadership at Accenture Research and a leading expert on business strategy and innovation. He has co-authored several influential books, including Big Bang Disruption and Jumping the S-Curve, which explore how businesses can stay ahead of rapid market changes.

Larry Downes is a technology and strategy expert known for analyzing digital disruption and its impact on industries. His best-selling books include Unleashing the Killer App and Big Bang Disruption, both of which examine how emerging technologies reshape competitive landscapes.

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