Leading in turbulent times webinar series: Corporate strategy and economic downturns

This webinar features Patrick Reinmoeller, IMD Professor of Strategy and Innovation, and Goutam Challagalla, IMD Professor of Strategy and Marketing, who take a look into the past, present and future of corporate strategy. They provide several examples of companies that braved an economic downturn and made it out safely to the other side.

Professors Reinmoeller and Challagalla discuss their three key  of the current crisis: mindset matters – companies must stay positive to see new opportunities on the playing field; leverage the lockdown – companies must use this new situation to change their playbook; and rewrite the rules – companies must rethink their strategy to achieve the end goal.

Businesses can struggle even in good economic times, so surviving the total upheaval caused by the coronavirus won’t be child’s play. The professors have created a framework that will result in four different approaches.

By deciding between a “defense”, “offense” or “hybrid” focus, a company can secure its financial future and remain resilient.

“Very often successful companies can be a hybrid of the two – some cost-cutting defensive moves are necessary, combined with increased investment,” says Challagalla. “Those that focus heavily on one or the other tend not to do as well.”

The experts call their next dimension for success “digital imitation” versus digital “digital imagination”.

“Business continuity requires that firms use digital resources to improvise and use their imagination to come up with operational fixes,” says Reinmoeller. “This will help them to defend their position in their sectors.”

“Forecasting is our best friend,” says Challagalla. “There are lots of uncertainties at the moment, but preparation for different scenarios is crucial.”

By learning from the past and using this four-scenario matrix, companies can develop a corporate strategy that fosters resilience and scores them the ultimate goal – survival.

To view all webinars, please visit our Leading in Turbulent Times page here.