Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about disruption, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Thank you for having me. My journey into business innovation and transformation started with a deep curiosity about how companies evolve and adapt in rapidly changing environments. After earning my Master in Business Administration, I joined PwC Management Consulting, where I gained valuable experience in strategic development, change and global market expansion.
Next, was a high impact experience with Microsoft, which involved leading a strategic transformation from on-premise software to cloud solutions. Fundamentally disrupting the global business applications landscape. We introduced new technologies and business models, transitioning Microsoft Dynamics and ISVs to a cloud-first strategy. This shift not only brought a multitenant global scale product offering. But also drove a complete transformation of the partner ecosystem, fostering a more agile and innovative environment. This comprehensive strategic transformation enabled Microsoft to better serve its customers and give them global lead and competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
From there, I moved on to lead Milestone Incubation & Ventures as part of the Canon Group, where I had the opportunity to launch new ventures outside the company’s core business, focusing on transformative innovation. This role solidified my passion for driving disruptive change. Next was to found and launch a corporate venture, Arcules, developing AI-powered computer vision solutions that revolutionized the video surveillance industry. Additionally, I have launched two game changing AI companies as an entrepreneur in situational awareness and sports emotions analytics.
These experiences shaped my approach to business transformation and led me to my current role as Managing Partner at INSTRATE Advisory, where I continue to lead and advice companies navigating critical transitions and achieve their full transformational potential.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What makes INSTRATE Advisory stand out is decades of hands-on top-executive experience in the tech industry, and a proven approach to tailored strategic solutions that address each transformational challenge. We are a commitment to delivering impactful solutions that drive real-world results. We specialize in guiding companies through critical transitions, leveraging deep industry expertise and a proven track record of success. Whether they’re leading through leadership transition, transformations, preparing for IPOs, undergoing major restructuring, or embarking on ambitious global expansions.
One story that highlights our approach involves a global leader in video management. They were a mid-stage tech company facing stagnation and competitive pressure -struggling to innovate and expand into new strategic markets. I brought in my strategic CxO experience leading the strategy development -getting the company ready for an IPO and eventually strategic acquisition. Then followed by the establishment of new Incubation and Ventures as a new Silicon Valley-based innovation outpost to drive disruptive business innovation.
We built the Incubation and Ventures group from the ground up, with a clear vision of exploring new business opportunities outside the core operations. By leveraging Silicon Valley’s dynamic ecosystem, we pushed the boundaries of video surveillance technology and business models. The strategic vision and execution of this venture were key to its success, resulting in innovative projects that eventually generated more than 25% of the parent company’s revenue.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Daring to be different, picking the winning team and leading with integrity, and envisioning to create the future — have been pivotal in my journey, enabling me to drive significant transformation and value creation in various industries.
- Dare to be different: Embracing unconventional approaches has always been central to my leadership style. When I led the establishment of Cognize AI Awareness, we aimed to push the boundaries of technologies from autonomous cars to detect crowd behaviors. Rather than following industry norms, we sought to innovate and explore new business opportunities in applied science and technology into new spaces. This bold strategy resulted in multiple innovative projects, demonstrating the power of daring to be different.
- Pick the winning team and lead with integrity: Success in any venture hinges on the strength and integrity of the team. At Milestone Incubation & Ventures, I was fortunate to work with a group of highly talented individuals. We fostered a culture of trust and integrity, which was crucial during the challenging phases of launching new ventures. Leading by example, I aspired transparency in decision-making and encouraged open communication. This integrity-driven leadership not only motivated the team but also resulted in a cohesive unit that consistently delivered exceptional results.
- Envision to create the future: It’s fair to say it’s hard to predict the future, but the best way to secure future success is to create it. The ability to envision the future and create a roadmap to achieve it has been instrumental in my career. At ENTEM AI Emotions Sports Analytics, we pioneered a groundbreaking approach to sports analytics by integrating artificial intelligence with human emotional insights. Never done before and aimed to revolutionize the sports industry by providing deep, actionable insights derived from the emotional responses of athletes and fans.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
Certainly. One of the most challenging decisions I had to make was during my time with the Canon Group. We were developing AI-powered computer vision solutions. At a critical point in the journey, we had to choose between investing heavily in a promising but unproven technology or sticking with a safer, more conventional approach that would yield steady but incremental improvements.
The promising technology had the potential to significantly advance our capabilities and set us apart from competitors, but it also came with high risks and uncertainties, including substantial financial investment and the possibility of failure with technology or a new unproven Go-To-Market strategy. On the other hand, the safer approach would ensure steady progress and give us a traditional strong market position but wouldn’t offer the breakthrough we needed to change the industry.
After extensive deliberation with my team and assessing the long-term vision for the company, we decided to take the risk and invest in the unproven technology and business model. This decision was not easy, as it involved re-allocating and training resources, managing stakeholder expectations, and preparing for potential setbacks. However, I believed that the potential rewards outweighed the risks and that innovation was essential for developing a unique competitive edge.
This decision ultimately paid off. The new technology and new subscription business model not only succeeded but also positioned the company as a leader in AI-powered video cloud solutions. It significantly contributed to our growth and market differentiation. The experience reinforced my belief in the importance of daring to be different and taking calculated risks to drive innovation and long-term success.
This challenge, and the Microsoft experience, shaped my leadership by underscoring the value of strategic risk-taking, thorough evaluation of options, and the importance of having a clear vision for the future. It taught me those difficult decisions, while challenging, are often necessary to achieve significant breakthroughs and drive substantial progress.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. In the context of a business, what exactly is “Disruption”?
Thank you. In the context of business, “disruption” refers to a transformational process where a company with a non-traditional approach, innovative skills and resources successfully challenges established businesses. This often happens by meeting market needs that are shifting or underserved by traditional players, through innovative products, services, or business models. Over time, these new entrants can gain significant market share, change the competitive landscape and forcing established companies to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
Disruption is marked by innovation that changes how products or services are produced, sold, delivered and consumed. It also redefines customer expectations, creating new market segments or transforming existing ones. Additionally, it impacts the economic dynamics of an industry, affecting cost structures, pricing, and revenue models. A notable example is how streaming services like Netflix revolutionized the media and entertainment industry, challenging traditional cable and broadcast television models. In essence, disruption drives significant change and compels businesses to evolve to remain competitive.
How do you perceive the role of ‘disruption’ within your industry, and how have you personally embraced it? Is it a necessity, a strategy, or something else entirely in your view?
Disruption is the only constant in the AI era. Making innovation a necessity for survival and growth. Transformation is inevitable, as businesses must adapt to stay relevant. Disruption can be either an opportunity or a threat, depending on whether you are the new disruptor or the traditional incumbent.
According to PwC, 40% of global CEOs believe their businesses won’t be viable in ten years if they don’t transform. At INSTRATE Advisory, we view disruption as a chance to lead through business innovation. Business transformation involves growing a vision, committing to change, and adopting purpose-driven missions. While challenging, a successful transformation can lead to market leadership, sustainable growth, and significant economic value.
We embrace disruption by addressing shifting market needs with innovative products, services and business models. Our approach is exemplified by our work at with scale-up companies and major global tech enterprise, where we leverage innovative projects to generate transformational revenue growth. This experience underscores the importance of strategic leadership and breakthrough innovation in driving market disruption. Whether a company sees disruption as a threat or an opportunity depends on its ability to innovate and transform. As an advisor we help businesses navigate these changes in transitions to achieve long-term success.
What lessons have you learned from challenging conventional wisdom, and how have those lessons shaped your leadership style?
To create break-through strategies and deliver transformative growth you will eventually have to break some industry traditions and dare to lead in unchartered territory. I learned that throughout my career in big tech and scaleup star-ups. To win the race, innovation and transformation are essential for growth and long-term sustainability. These lessons have shaped my leadership style to be bold, resilient, and forward-thinking. I’ve learned that while disruptive ideas often meet resistance, persistence, team commitment and a clear vision can turn skepticism into support.
Disruptive ideas often meet resistance. Could you describe a time when you faced significant pushback for a disruptive idea? How did you navigate the opposition, and what advice would you give to others in a similar situation?
One significant example of facing pushback occurred during my time at the Canon Group, where I led the establishment of a new corporate venture. This ambitious project required substantial investment and a shift in focus from the company’s core operations. Many stakeholders were initially resistant, concerned about the risks and potential impact on the company’s existing business.
To navigate this opposition, I focused on clear communication and building a compelling case for the innovation and led with the core principles of reinventing new business models within the traditional corporate governance.
We gathered data and case studies to demonstrate the potential benefits and market opportunities. I also engaged with key stakeholders through workshops and meetings to address their concerns and involve them in the decision-making process. By showing the long-term value and aligning the project with the company’s strategic goals, I gradually gained their support.
The success of Incubation and Ventures, which eventually contributed significantly to the parent company’s strategy of converging businesses, reinforced the importance of perseverance and strategic alignment in driving disruptive ideas. My advice to others in similar situations is to:
- Build a compelling strategy and case to support the big idea: Use data, market research, and success stories to demonstrate the potential benefits of your business disruption.
- Ring-fence your innovation investment with dedicated financials, resources, talent and transformation process.
- Engage stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders early in the process, address their concerns, and make them part of the journey.
- Stay resilient: Expect resistance and be prepared to navigate challenges with persistence and adaptability.
What are your “Five Innovative Approaches We Are Using To Disrupt Our Industry”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
At INSTRATE Advisory, we are committed to delivering transformative growth and creating lasting economic value. We help businesses not just adapt to change but lead it, where strategic foresight meets actionable business innovation. Here are the five key innovative approaches we use to disrupt your industry:
- Enterprise Innovation Ventures: The goal of this approach is to reinvent part of a traditional enterprise business with innovation ventures to create new disruptive category leaders. To ensure the success of our Milestone innovation initiatives in Canon Group, we adopted a strategy of ring-fencing the investment with dedicated financials, resources, talent, and a structured transformation process. We allocated specific budgets exclusively for innovation projects, ensuring consistent funding without impacting other operations. We recruited and retained top talent, forming specialized teams focused solely on driving these initiatives. Additionally, we established clear processes and metrics to guide and measure progress. By protecting our innovation investments in this manner, we created a focused environment that fostered creativity, minimized risk and maximized the potential for breakthrough success. This approach allowed us to drive significant advancements and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
- Strategy & Innovation Burst and Purpose Driven Missions: Our Strategy Burst approach is designed to facilitate and identify strategic opportunities for transformative growth. This short series of workshops includes assessments and facilitations to explore strategic business opportunities, prioritize high-level business strategy, and evaluate organizational principles for successful execution. For instance, we recently conducted a Strategy Burst for a mid-stage tech company, which helped them pinpoint critical growth areas and align their strategic priorities for market expansion to prepare for a successful IPO. In this innovation and strategy burst we encourage companies to adopt purpose-driven missions that align with their long-term goals, driving both innovation and strong company culture. One of our clients redefined their mission to focus on sustainability and social responsibility, which not only resonated with their customers but also enhanced their brand reputation and market position.
- Business Transformation: Leveraging technology and Artificial Intelligence especially is a cornerstone of our approach to innovation. At ENTEM.ai, a new sports analytics venture, we developed AI-powered solutions that revolutionized the sports performance industry by detecting athlete emotions and team engagement. Our Business Transformation approach provide companies with a high-impact assessment of opportunities and strategies for major market shifts, such as AI. We assess the impact of AI and design a digital transformation plan to deliver strategic change, exploring new opportunities and crafting strategies for lasting value and growth.
- Strategic Expansion & Innovation: We specialize in executing transformative growth strategies with a focus on global expansion and innovation. We analyze value creation potential and architect optimal vision scenarios, business models, and innovative category-leading products. For example, we guided a European client through a strategic expansion into US markets, successfully navigating new market entries and establishing a strong presence in new territories.
- Strategic Agile Leadership: A key component of INSTRATE’s success lies in their strategic agile leadership approach. This methodology emphasizes flexibility, quick adaptation, and proactive planning in response to changing market conditions. Strategic agile leadership ensures that companies remain competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving landscape. The agile framework was adopted by a high-growth tech start-up with cross-functional teams working in sprints, regular stand-up meetings to track progress, and continuous integration of customer insights. This approach allowed the company to launch a series of innovative products that met emerging market needs, significantly boosting its market share and customer satisfaction.
These innovative approaches enable us to disrupt industries, create significant value for our clients, and drive long-term success. By continuously challenging conventional wisdom and embracing change, we stay ahead of the curve and set new standards in the market.
Looking back at your career, in what ways has being disruptive defined or redefined your path? What surprises have you encountered along the way?
In my entire career, being disruptive has been a defining element that has consistently shaped and reshaped my path. Embracing disruption has allowed me to stay ahead of industry trends, foster innovation, and drive significant growth in various roles. Here are a few key ways disruption has influenced my career:
What’s Next: I have continued to focus on disruption through strategic scenario envisioning. With INSTRATE Advisory we develop potential future scenarios for clients, helping them anticipate market trends and position themselves for growth. This forward-thinking approach has been crucial in guiding clients through major market shifts, such as AI and digital transformation, ensuring they stay ahead of competitors and emerge as new category leaders.
Make a Difference: My goal has always been to make a significant impact. During my strategy consulting projects, we helped a client redefine their mission to focus on maximizing economic value along with creating sustainable value for customers. This not only resonated with their customers but also enhanced their brand reputation, showing how purposeful strategies can drive both business success and societal benefit.
Create Landmarks and Inspire to Lead: Creating meaningful milestones has been a cornerstone of my approach to setting a new standard and creating a landmark in technological innovation. Inspiring others to take on leadership roles is essential for sustained success. By fostering a culture of innovation and strategic thinking in different ventures I were able to build a team that continuously pushed boundaries and achieved remarkable results, reinforcing the importance of inspiring leadership at all levels.
Dare to Take the Less Beaten Path: My career has been defined by taking risks and exploring unconventional routes to success. This was evident when we led a strategic market expansion for a mid-stage tech company, navigating new international markets and significantly increasing their market share and revenue, proving that bold moves can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Throughout my career, I have encountered several surprises along the way. One major issue has been the initial resistance to disruptive ideas. Despite clear benefits, stakeholders often hesitate to embrace change due to perceived risks and uncertainties. Navigating this resistance required strong communication, persistence, and the ability to demonstrate the long-term value of disruptive innovations.
Another surprise has been the rapid pace of technological advancements. The speed at which AI and digital technologies evolve has required a constant learning and adaptation mindset. Staying current with these changes has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive significant business outcomes.
Overall, being disruptive has defined my career by enabling me to lead transformative projects, drive innovation, and create lasting value. It has taught me the importance of embracing change, staying resilient in the face of opposition, and continuously seeking new opportunities for growth and improvement.
Beyond professional accomplishments, how has embracing disruption affected you on a personal level?
Adaptability and Resilience: Navigating through constant change and uncertainty in my career has taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience. Facing resistance, setbacks, and rapid technological advancements has strengthened my ability to remain focused under pressure with the long-term success in mind. This adaptability has translated into my personal life, where I am now more open to change and better equipped to handle unexpected challenges with a positive outlook.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Embracing disruption has instilled a growth mindset in me, where I see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. This mindset has helped me to stay curious and open to new ideas, constantly seeking ways to innovate and improve. It has made me more adaptable and willing to step out of my comfort zone, which has been invaluable in both my professional and personal life.
Fostering Creativity and Innovation: On a personal level, embracing disruption has fostered a sense of creativity and innovation. It has encouraged me to think outside the box and explore unconventional solutions. This creative thinking has enriched my personal life, allowing me to approach problems and projects with a fresh perspective and innovative spirit.
Promoting Lifelong Learning: The rapidly changing landscape of disruption has underscored the need for lifelong dynamic learning. I have become more committed to continuous education and self-improvement, whether through formal education, reading, or exploring new hobbies. This commitment to learning has enriched my personal growth and kept me engaged and motivated.
In your role as a C-suite leader, driving innovation and embracing disruption, what thoughts or concerns keep you awake at night? How do these reflections guide your decisions and leadership?
As a CxO leader focused on driving innovation and embracing disruption, several thoughts and concerns keep me awake at night. These reflections are critical in guiding my decisions and leadership approach. Three primary areas of focus are the risk/reward strategy for success and ensuring organizational leadership aligns with a shared vision, all underpinned by cultivating an innovation culture as the organizational DNA.
Risk/Reward Strategy for Success: Balancing risk and reward is a constant concern. In an environment where disruption is the norm, the stakes are high. The potential rewards of innovative strategies can be immense, but so are the risks. I often ponder whether we are taking calculated risks that will propel us forward without jeopardizing the company’s stability. The fear of misjudging a market trend or over-investing in a technology that may not deliver the expected return is always present. To manage this, I ensure that our risk assessments are thorough and data-driven. We continuously evaluate our strategies, using scenario planning and market analysis to understand potential outcomes. This approach allows us to pivot quickly if needed and ensures we are prepared for various scenarios.
Organizational Leadership and Vision Alignment: Another significant concern is ensuring that the entire organization is committed to the same company vision. Driving innovation requires a unified approach where every team member understands and believes in the company’s goals. I often worry about the alignment of our leadership team and whether we are effectively communicating our vision and strategy to all levels of the organization. To address this, I prioritize transparent and frequent communication. Regular town halls, strategy sessions, and one-on-one meetings with key leaders are crucial in maintaining alignment. I also invest in leadership development programs to ensure that our leaders are equipped to inspire and guide their teams towards our shared objectives. These reflections remind me of the importance of fostering a strong organizational culture where everyone feels connected to the company’s mission and values.
Innovation Culture as the Organizational DNA: Embedding an innovation culture into the organizational DNA is essential for sustaining long-term success. I often reflect on whether we have cultivated an environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged at all levels. This involves more than just promoting innovative ideas; it requires creating a culture where employees feel empowered to experiment, take risks, and challenge the status quo. To foster this culture, we implement initiatives that promote continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration to encourage innovation. Recognizing and rewarding innovative efforts, regardless of their immediate success, helps reinforce the importance of innovation. By embedding these values into our organizational DNA, we ensure that innovation becomes a natural and integral part of the daily operations.
In conclusion, balancing the risk/reward strategy, ensuring organizational leadership alignment, and embedding an innovation culture into the organizational DNA are key concerns that guide my decisions and leadership. These reflections push the leadership to prioritize thorough risk assessments, agile strategies, transparent communication, and a strong innovation culture. By addressing these areas, I strive to drive innovation and lead the organization successfully through the challenges and opportunities of disruption.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, it would be a global initiative called “Innovation for Impact.” The goal of this movement would be to harness the power of innovation especially AI transformation to address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. By fostering a global culture of creativity, collaboration, and sustainable development, we can create solutions that improve lives and build a better future for all. Key Components of the “Innovation for Impact” Movement could be:
Innovation Hubs: Establish innovation hubs in communities around the world, particularly in underdeveloped areas. These hubs would provide resources, training, and support to individuals and startups working on innovative solutions to local and global problems. By empowering local talent, we can drive grassroots innovation that addresses unique challenges.
Education and Skills Development: Focus on education and skills development to equip people with the knowledge and tools needed to innovate. This would include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training. By investing in education, we can create a generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
Sustainable Solutions: Encourage the development and adoption of sustainable solutions that address environmental issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. Promote the use of clean energy, circular economy practices, and sustainable agriculture to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
Inclusion and Collaborative Networks: Build collaborative networks that connect innovators, businesses, governments, and non-profits. These networks would facilitate the sharing of ideas, resources, and best practices, fostering a collaborative approach to solving complex challenges. By working together, we can amplify our impact and drive systemic change. Ensure that the movement is inclusive and diverse, embracing different perspectives and experiences. Ensuring that the benefits of innovation are accessible to all. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can unlock the full potential of innovation and create solutions that work for everyone.
Impact Measurement and Scaling: Implement mechanisms to measure the impact of innovative solutions and scale successful initiatives. This would involve using data and analytics to track progress, assess outcomes, and identify opportunities for scaling. By focusing on impact, we can ensure that our efforts lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Innovation has the power to transform lives and communities. By focusing on innovation for impact, we can address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to health crises. This movement would inspire individuals and organizations to think creatively, collaborate effectively, and act boldly in pursuit of a better future.
Moreover, “Innovation for Impact” would create a ripple effect, where small, localized solutions can grow into large-scale initiatives that benefit millions. By empowering people to innovate and providing the necessary support, we can unleash a wave of positive change that has the potential to improve lives on a global scale.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work and stay updated on the latest developments by connecting with me through the following channels:
LinkedIn: Follow my professional profile on LinkedIn, where I regularly share insights, updates on projects, and industry trends. Lars Nordenlund on LinkedIn
Company Website: Visit the INSTRATE Advisory website for detailed information on our services, case studies, and thought leadership articles. INSTRATE Advisory
Medium: Read my “Survival of The Strategic Fittest” articles on Medium, where I discuss various topics related to innovation, disruption, and leadership. Lars Nordenlund on Medium
Professional Blog: Subscribe to my professional blog for in-depth articles, insights, and updates on my latest work and industry trends. Lars Nordenlund’s Blog
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experience with disruptive innovation.