How can organizations become more adaptable in a world of constant change? In this episode, Kevin sits down with Phil Le-Brun to explore why traditional change efforts often fail and what companies should do to succeed in today's complex environment. Phil introduces the metaphor of the octopus organization, a model for agility and continuous learning. He contrasts it with the outdated tin man approach that views people as interchangeable parts in a machine. Kevin and Phil discuss the difference between complicated and complex systems, emphasizing why leaders must move beyond linear plans and embrace learning as the path to change. They also discuss how clarity, ownership, and curiosity form the foundation of adaptability and why leaders must foster environments where these traits can thrive.

Phil's Story: Phil Le-Brun is the co-author of The Octopus Organization: A Guide to Thriving in a World of Continuous Transformation with Jana Werner. He is an executive in residence at Amazon Web Services and a former corporate VP and international CIO at McDonald's Corporation. At McDonald's, he co-led the consolidation and modernization of technology across thirty-eight thousand restaurants globally. In his current role, Phil engages with Fortune 500 executives and their teams and with public-sector customers to mentor, advise, and guide them on their journeys to become more adaptable organizations. He is a sought-after speaker and has been featured in Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, and The Guardian.

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Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.

Book Recommendations

The Octopus Organization: A Guide to Thriving in a World of Continuous Transformation by Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner
Genius at Scale: How Great Leaders Drive Innovation by Linda A. Hill, Emily Tedards, and Jason Wild

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The Octopus Organization with Phil Le-Brun