S05E05 Henry Mintzberg and the Idea of Emergent Strategy

In this lecture, we turn to Henry Mintzberg, one of the most influential and critical voices in the field of strategy. Mintzberg challenges the view of strategy as a purely deliberate, top-down process, arguing instead that strategies often emerge from patterns of action, adaptation, and learning. We explore his distinction between intended and realized strategy, the role of emergent opportunities, and his schools of strategy framework, which highlights the diversity of approaches organizations take. Through real-world examples such as Honda and Netflix, we see how Mintzberg’s ideas reveal the messy, human, and dynamic reality of strategy. This episode shows why balancing deliberate planning with openness to emergence is essential for organizations navigating today’s uncertain and fast-changing world.