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Case Study
Governance at Theranos (B): The aftermath

This is a riveting case about poor board governance at Theranos that fostered a culture of deception and led to the company’s collapse and the criminal conviction of its celebrated founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Case B explains Theranos’s eventual collapse and highlights how the board contributed to a culture of deception within the company.

Board Business Ethics Leadership
By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-2668, © 2025
Governance at Theranos (B): The aftermath
By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-2668 ©2025
Summary
This is a riveting case about poor board governance at Theranos that fostered a culture of deception and led to the company’s collapse and the criminal conviction of its celebrated founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Case B explains Theranos’s eventual collapse and highlights how the board contributed to a culture of deception within the company.
Reference IMD-2668
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization Theranos
Industry Manufacturing, Biotechnology
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Case Study
Candles Killer: Lighting up the world at the bottom of the pyramid

Shenzhen Power-Solution (SPS), founded in 2009 in China as an entrepreneurial venture, disrupted traditional lighting markets in African villages with its flagship product, Candles Killer. This solar lamp, priced under $5, replaces hazardous kerosene lamps and has an optimized design (9 components, water-bottle stands). The candles killer solar …

Sustainability Customer Centricity Innovation Strategy
By Winter Nie and Yunfei Feng
Case reference: IMD-2661, © 2025
Candles Killer: Lighting up the world at the bottom of the pyramid
By Winter Nie and Yunfei Feng
Case reference: IMD-2661 ©2025
Summary
Shenzhen Power-Solution (SPS), founded in 2009 in China as an entrepreneurial venture, disrupted traditional lighting markets in African villages with its flagship product, Candles Killer. This solar lamp, priced under $5, replaces hazardous kerosene lamps and has an optimized design (9 components, water-bottle stands). The candles killer solar lamp addresses the critical need for affordable, safe and sustainable lighting for people at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP), a huge market that multinationals struggle to reach. By achieving both low cost and differentiation, SPS created a blue ocean market. The company has made remarkable progress in its mission to provide solar lighting to underserved communities: by 2023, it illuminated over 55 million people across 7.8 million households in 66 countries. Beyond social impact, SPS achieved environmental sustainability at scale, reducing cumulative carbon emissions by 6.7 million tons, the equivalent of planting 368 million evergreen trees. Candles Killer’s success led SPS to expand its product line into a solar home system for phone charging and multi-bulb lighting. SPS also introduced Solar Media, a platform with pre-loaded content (medical tips, farming methods, education) to share vital knowledge in remote regions.
Reference IMD-2661
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization Shenzhen Power-Solution
Industry Energy;Utilities, Electricity Supply;Consumer Goods, Consumer Electronics
Available Languages English
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Case Study
Governance at Theranos (A): A blindsided board

This is a riveting case about poor board governance at Theranos that fostered a culture of deception and led to the company’s collapse and the criminal conviction of its celebrated founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Case A outlines the establishment and growth of Theranos, it’s board expansion and the issues that led to the Wall Street Journal article t…

Board Business Ethics Leadership
By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-2667, © 2025
Governance at Theranos (A): A blindsided board
By Anand Narasimhan and Shruti Bajpai
Case reference: IMD-2667 ©2025
Summary
This is a riveting case about poor board governance at Theranos that fostered a culture of deception and led to the company’s collapse and the criminal conviction of its celebrated founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Case A outlines the establishment and growth of Theranos, it’s board expansion and the issues that led to the Wall Street Journal article that raised serious questions regarding the truth of the company’s claims about its product.
Reference IMD-2667
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization Theranos
Industry Manufacturing, Biotechnology
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Case Study
Essential interpersonal skills for effective leadership

This note provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and developing the core interpersonal processes essential for effective leadership. It identifies and explores seven key processes: Communication, Visioning, Alliance Building, Persuasion, Exercising Power, Negotiation and Conflict Management. Each process is examined in detail, alon…

Leadership Stakeholder Management General Management Communication
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-7-2641, © 2025
Essential interpersonal skills for effective leadership
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-7-2641 ©2025
Summary
This note provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and developing the core interpersonal processes essential for effective leadership. It identifies and explores seven key processes: Communication, Visioning, Alliance Building, Persuasion, Exercising Power, Negotiation and Conflict Management. Each process is examined in detail, along with its supporting skills and practical applications. The note emphasizes how these processes interconnect and build upon each other to create a robust leadership framework. Communication establishes a foundation of trust and clarity, which enables visioning to align teams toward common goals. Alliance building creates strategic partnerships that support the vision, while persuasion deepens these alliances. Power leverages these relationships to direct resources and maintain momentum, negotiation harmonizes diverse interests, and conflict management ensures disagreements don’t disrupt progress. The note also identifies five core supporting capabilities that enable effective engagement in these processes: Mindful Presence, Emotional Intelligence, Communication Mastery, Strategic Thinking and Adaptability. These capabilities form a progressive framework that allows leaders to navigate complex situations, connect meaningfully with others and make informed strategic decisions. Comprehensive and practical, this note serves as both a theoretical framework and an actionable toolkit for leaders seeking to enhance their interpersonal effectiveness. It includes an extensive reading list organized by process, providing resources for deeper exploration of each area.
Reference IMD-7-2641
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Case Study
Six strategies for making better decisions under pressure

This note presents a comprehensive framework for improving decision-making capabilities in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. It introduces six evidence-based strategies that help leaders maintain clarity, focus and effectiveness when facing complex decisions under stress. The note explores each strategy in detail: managing emotional respo…

Decision Making General Management Leadership
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-2676, © 2025
Six strategies for making better decisions under pressure
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-2676 ©2025
Summary
This note presents a comprehensive framework for improving decision-making capabilities in high-pressure, high-stakes environments. It introduces six evidence-based strategies that help leaders maintain clarity, focus and effectiveness when facing complex decisions under stress. The note explores each strategy in detail: managing emotional responses, strengthening situational awareness, training for cognitive agility, using structured decision-making models, enhancing decision speed and practicing under pressure. For each strategy, it provides specific tools and practical applications, illustrated through the case study of AcuWave, a mid-sized consumer electronics firm navigating challenging product launch decisions. Key tools examined include emotional self-regulation techniques, the OODA loop for situational awareness, pre-mortem analysis for cognitive agility, weighted decision matrices for structured decision-making, the 40-70 rule for balancing speed and accuracy, and crisis simulations for practical application. The note emphasizes that effective decision making under pressure integrates emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and structured processes. This practical guide serves as a valuable resource for leaders seeking to develop more robust decision-making capabilities in fast-paced business environments. By implementing these strategies, leaders can improve their ability to assess high-stakes situations quickly, make sound judgments with confidence, and maintain team effectiveness even under volatile and uncertain conditions.
Reference IMD-2676
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Available Languages English
Contact

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Case Study
The new protein buzz: Can Legendary Foods Africa feed the world with insects

The case describes Legendary Foods Africa, a food-tech company founded in 2020 in Ghana by Canadian entrepreneur Shobhita Soor. Legendary Foods Africa is focused on farming, processing and selling palm weevil larvae products for human consumption. Palm weevil larvae, a traditional local food, are rich in protein, healthy fats and essential nutri…

Entrepreneurship Sustainability Social Innovation
By Sophie Bacq, Valerie Keller-Birrer and Ruth Shalom Kinyua
Case reference: IMD-7-2632, © 2025
The new protein buzz: Can Legendary Foods Africa feed the world with insects
By Sophie Bacq Valerie Keller-Birrer and Ruth Shalom Kinyua
Case reference: IMD-7-2632 ©2025
Summary
The case describes Legendary Foods Africa, a food-tech company founded in 2020 in Ghana by Canadian entrepreneur Shobhita Soor. Legendary Foods Africa is focused on farming, processing and selling palm weevil larvae products for human consumption. Palm weevil larvae, a traditional local food, are rich in protein, healthy fats and essential nutrients. The company’s mission is to provide affordable, sustainable and nutritious protein to local populations of West and Central Africa. Legendary Foods Africa uses innovative vertical farming techniques to cultivate larvae year-round. This method avoids having to rely on deforestation; in this way it provides efficient production with a minimal environmental footprint. The larvae are sold fresh or frozen as a meat and fish substitute but are also processed into protein-rich products like chili sauce and cookies, offering shelf-stable options for a wider audience. Four years after launch, the company had grown into a 70-person operation and was about to become profitable. Soor was considering various expansion strategies that included growing into new African and Asian markets, broadening the product range and shifting toward a business-to-business sales model. The company would need additional capital to scale production for its expansion plans.
Reference IMD-7-2632
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization Legendary Foods Africa
Industry Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage
Available Languages English
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Case Study
The price of innovation: Will Medacta compromise its DNA by embracing robotics?

Medacta Group SA is a rising star in the orthopedics market, achieving global success through innovative products and techniques, with a particular emphasis on minimally invasive techniques that bring meaningful value to its patients. With its approaches such as Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery (AMIS) for hip replacement and Kinematic Alignme…

Strategy Innovation
By Carlos Cordon, Antonio Di Brino, Jesper Fibiger, Frank Kristensen, Soniya Soniya and Alison End Fineberg
Case reference: IMD-2663, © 2025
The price of innovation: Will Medacta compromise its DNA by embracing robotics?
By Carlos Cordon Antonio Di Brino Jesper Fibiger Frank Kristensen Soniya Soniya and Alison End Fineberg
Case reference: IMD-2663 ©2025
Summary
Medacta Group SA is a rising star in the orthopedics market, achieving global success through innovative products and techniques, with a particular emphasis on minimally invasive techniques that bring meaningful value to its patients. With its approaches such as Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery (AMIS) for hip replacement and Kinematic Alignment for knees, Medacta offers high-quality techniques, supporting tools and cutting-edge implants. It also offers personalized surgeon education through the Medacta Orthopedic Research and Education (M.O.R.E.) Institute. Medacta is situated in an evolving landscape, with competitors including Stryker and Zimmer Biomet investing heavily in robotic technologies. Technological advances are being made in data-driven planning tools – including augmented reality – and research institutes are looking for the most advanced solutions as demanded by many hospitals and surgeons. Despite these trends in the industry, Medacta’s CEO, Francesco Siccardi has concerns regarding the value of existing robotic systems, noting their lack of proven benefits in patient outcomes or cost reductions, especially in a context of increasing emphasis on value-based care and sustainability. The case explores the opportunities and challenges confronting Medacta as they decide whether to enter the orthopedic robotics market. The company wants to continue to differentiate itself and drive growth in line with its foundational principles of patient care, operational excellence and sustainable innovation. Today, Francesco faces a critical decision around whether now is the time to enter the robotics market and, if so, how Medacta should do so to preserve its culture and stay true to its DNA.
Reference IMD-2663
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Organization Medacta Group
Industry Healthcare, Medical Device
Available Languages English
Contact

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Case Study
Building and leveraging your leader amplification system

This technical note presents a comprehensive framework for maximizing leadership impact through a Leader Amplification System (LAS). The note begins by defining one’s unique value-creating purpose, then goes on to explore how leaders can extend their influence and effectiveness by developing four key amplifiers. The note examines each amplifier …

Leadership Data Analytics Decision Making Resilience
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-2658, © 2025
Building and leveraging your leader amplification system
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-2658 ©2025
Summary
This technical note presents a comprehensive framework for maximizing leadership impact through a Leader Amplification System (LAS). The note begins by defining one’s unique value-creating purpose, then goes on to explore how leaders can extend their influence and effectiveness by developing four key amplifiers. The note examines each amplifier in detail: first, the leadership team, which provides the core extension of the leader’s capabilities; second, the support system, including key roles like executive assistants and chiefs of staff; third, advanced analytics and decision-support tools that leverage modern technology for enhanced decision-making; and fourth, a diverse advice network that provides external perspectives and specialized expertise. For each amplifier, the note offers practical guidance on development and implementation, including specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring effectiveness. It also emphasizes the importance of creating synergies among these amplifiers, ensuring that they work together seamlessly to support the leader’s unique value-creating purpose.
Reference IMD-2658
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Available Languages English
Contact

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Case Study
Moving up to enterprise leadership: The Seven Seismic Shifts

This Technical Note explores the significant transition that leaders face when moving from functional to enterprise-level leadership roles. It introduces the “Seven Seismic Shifts” framework, which identifies the fundamental changes in mindset and responsibility required for success at the enterprise level. The note examines each shift in detail…

General Management Leadership Organizational Design
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-2675, © 2025
Moving up to enterprise leadership: The Seven Seismic Shifts
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-2675 ©2025
Summary
This Technical Note explores the significant transition that leaders face when moving from functional to enterprise-level leadership roles. It introduces the “Seven Seismic Shifts” framework, which identifies the fundamental changes in mindset and responsibility required for success at the enterprise level. The note examines each shift in detail: from specialist to generalist, analyst to integrator, tactician to strategist, bricklayer to architect, problem-solver to agenda-setter, warrior to diplomat, and supporting cast to lead role. Using the case example of Johannes Vandervliet, a leader transitioning to general manager at BSC Chemicals, the note illustrates the practical challenges of navigating these shifts and balancing existing skills with new leadership demands. Beyond identifying these transitions, the note provides a comprehensive approach for organizations to assess and develop enterprise leadership talent. This includes rigorous assessment methods, structured developmental experiences, targeted conceptual learning, executive coaching, mentoring and sponsorship programs, and ongoing evaluation systems. The note emphasizes that effective enterprise leadership development requires deliberate effort and organizational support, not just time and experience. It offers valuable insights for both aspiring enterprise leaders seeking to understand their development needs and organizations looking to build robust leadership pipelines to navigate increasingly complex business environments.
Reference IMD-2675
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Available Languages English
Contact

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Case Study
A dynamic approach to developing leadership presence

This Technical Note introduces a new conceptual framework for understanding and developing leadership presence, moving beyond traditional static trait-based approaches. The Leadership Presence Pathway Model presents a dynamic, six-stage process through which leadership presence evolves: Anticipation, First Impressions, Engagement, Messaging, Con…

Leadership Communication Coaching Purpose
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-7-2635, © 2025
A dynamic approach to developing leadership presence
By Michael D. Watkins
Case reference: IMD-7-2635 ©2025
Summary
This Technical Note introduces a new conceptual framework for understanding and developing leadership presence, moving beyond traditional static trait-based approaches. The Leadership Presence Pathway Model presents a dynamic, six-stage process through which leadership presence evolves: Anticipation, First Impressions, Engagement, Messaging, Consolidation, and Reinforcement. The note challenges conventional wisdom about leadership presence as merely a collection of qualities, offering instead a strategic and actionable approach to developing presence through intentional practice at each stage of the pathway. It provides detailed guidance on how leaders can enhance their presence at every stage, from building a powerful leadership brand to maintaining meaningful follow-up communications. Each stage of the pathway is thoroughly examined, with practical strategies and reflection questions to help leaders assess and improve their presence. The note emphasizes that leadership presence is not just for executives but is essential for leaders at all levels, making it a valuable resource for developing leaders across organizations.
Reference IMD-7-2635
Copyright ©2025
Copyright owner IMD Copyright
Available Languages English
Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications