“Organizational Velocity is a sweeping overview of what is needed to fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee in this world of rapid change. Without the wisdom contained in the book, you won’t survive. ”—By Richard D’Aveni, The Bakala Professor of Strategy, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and author of The Pan-Industrial Revolution
“Too many organizations fail to survive because their “best practices” were created for a world that no longer exists. Based on his extensive experience managing change at UPS and his research on accelerating adaptation, Alan Amling offers guidance that will help you provoke thought and promote action. ”—Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and host of the TED podcast WorkLife.
“Grounded in robust research, brought to life by compelling stories, Organizational Velocity is a practical guide to leading through today’s uncertain times. ”—Scott D. Anthony, Innosight Senior Partner and author of Dual Transformation and Eat, Sleep, Innovate.
“Today’s executives know that they should be on the lookout for potential disruptions that could threaten their businesses, but few understand how to spot them or proactively respond. Organizational Velocity builds practically and thoughtfully on Clay’s frameworks to offer a must-read playbook for leaders who hope to navigate rapidly changing markets and build enduringly successful organizations. ”—Ann Christensen, President at Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation.
“In Organizational Velocity, Dr. Amling makes a compelling argument for emphasizing technology in the leadership skill profile; a call to action for Boards, CEOs, and all leaders who are building teams and developing talent to lead enterprises in this rapidly evolving digital economy. ”—Jean-Michel Ares, Founder and CEO of Choral Systems, former Chief Technology and Operations Officer at BMO Financial Group and former CIO at The Coca-Cola Company and GE Power Systems
“The road to success is not for the timid. Every success I’ve had, from winning the Baja 1000 to making “Act of Valor” to creating next-generation manufacturing models, has been fraught with uncertainty. In Organizational Velocity, Alan describes the formula to win when others wilt Absorb the bumps and bruises that come with rapid learning to break through the gatekeepers and the doubters and achieve your success. ”—Mouse McCoy, CEO Studio MSD, Director, Filmmaker, Former CEO Hackrod and Bandito Brothers
“Alan Amling’s new book is a welcome antidote to the “Maginot Line” defensive mentality permeating many modern businesses. His solution, and the only defense that works, is to take the initiative and create opportunities. Businesses that thrive will embody his mantra that “there is no sustainable advantage, only persistent advantage, which is cyclical, ongoing, and demands that leaders act amidst uncertainty. ” Alan’s book will show you how to do it. ”— By Chet Richards, Author of Certain to Win: The Strategy of John Boyd Applied to Business
“Technological advances, demanding customers, and disruptive competitors mean that times are anything but business as usual. In Organizational Velocity, Amling provides a compelling case for how successful organizations are taking advantage of this disruptive era by going on offense, creating velocity to propel their organizations forward. The blueprint provided strongly resonates with our experience working with dozens of top companies, and all 21st century leaders would be well advised to use this book as a guide to measure whether their organizations are ready for this new environment. ” —Shay Scott, Executive Director of the Global Supply Chain Institute, Professor of Practice, Benz Supply Chain Leadership Fellow and Ted Stank, Professor, Harry J. & Vivienne R. Bruce Chair of Excellence, Co-Faculty Director, Global Supply Chain Institute
“Organizational Velocity is a thought-provoking book which should inspire leaders across industries to take action in their organizations. Alan dives deep into how we as leaders can change our way of thinking to make a real and lasting impact on our teams, products, and industries—a must read for those wanting to drive transformation at pace. ”—Gil Perez, Chief Innovation Officer Deutsche Bank
“Alan Amling brings to life a profound truth for organizations of any size; moving at the speed of change is a choice, not a circumstance. Organizational Velocity is packed with actionable insights grounded in deep research and personal experience. Consider it your roadmap for navigating the potholes of disruption. ”—Rick Smith, Bestselling author and founder of CNEXT, Fast Radius, World 50, G100 NGL, and Bionic
“Adapting to perpetual, pervasive, and exponential change is our biggest challenge for the foreseeable future. Alan Amling’s Organizational Velocity will help you and your team move at the speed of the challenge and thrive in disruption. ”—Lieutenant General William “Burke” Garrett III, USA (Ret), Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command, 2014–2016
“If you have to limit your reading on impending disruption and how to shape your organization to see over the horizon, respond and thrive—then add this book to the short list. It’s rare to have an entertaining and educational book and Dr. Amling hits the mark. He’s one of the very few that understand the double edged sword of culture and the role of the board in making sure it’s positive and not life threatening. ”—Joseph H. Astrachan, PhD, Professor Emeritus at Kennesaw State University, Affiliated Professor with the Centre for Family Entrepreneurship, Ownership Affiliated Professor at Jönköping International Business School (Sweden), Family Business Scholar with the Smith Family Business Initiative at Cornell University, and a visiting scholar at Witten/Herdecke University (Germany).
“More than ever, organizations must move with speed, innovation, flexibility, and adaptability. Organizational Velocity is a must read for anyone motivated to improve their organization. ”—Lee McCabe, Operating Partner, AEA Investors LP, former Alibaba Group Vice President, North America
“Real change is not for the faint of heart or the easily deterred. Alan Amling’s new book should be required reading for leaders facing the question of how they should steer their companies through today’s uncertainty. Organizational Velocity exposes the land mines and subtle distinctions in the Leader’s frame of mind that sink transformation efforts, demonstrates how successful leaders think and act differently, and provides practical insights for navigating today’s volatile business environment. ”—Jack Kennedy, CEO/Founder, Platform Science, Inc., Former Executive Vice President: Operations, News Corp.
“Alan’s insights into what it means to have a learning culture is right in line with what we try to do every day at Shaw. Every event is an opportunity to learn and when you have a culture of learning you ensure there is safety in trying new things. From each event, we learn—which makes us better in the future. Organizational Velocity adeptly illustrates that unsuccessful projects are only failures if you don’t learn from them. ”—Kevin O’Meara, Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain at Shaw Industries
“In the cyber world the term “zero-day” refers to the fact that a computer-software vulnerability exists, either unknown to those who should be interested in its mitigation, or known, and a patch has not been developed. In Organizational Velocity, Alan enlightens us on the mindsets that drive organizations and the multitude of ways our mindsets hold us back. He forces us to ask ourselves, where are the zero-day type risks in our personal and corporate mind-sets?”—Charles Adair, Retired Vice Chairman, BMO Capital Markets, Food & Agribusiness Mergers & Acquisitions
“Few individuals are experienced in all aspects of the broad dimensions of technology, regional and global markets, organizational change, relationship management, market influence, and pacing of new product and service Dr. Alan Amling has extensive experience in these matters and reflects on the needed cautions and concerns while being bold about embracing the rapid change that is upon us Dr. Amling’s thinking is itself the product of experience in the rapidly changing global market Each chapter brings interesting and engaging insight and perspective—from technology to trust Organizational Velocity is a guidebook to addressing the challenges of the 21st century. ” —Benn Konsynski, George S Craft Distinguished University Professor, Emory University
“Organizational Velocity builds on author Alan Amling’s rich experience and in-depth grounded field research to provide clear and practical advice to managers facing change. His book provides less how-to than reflective advice for managers to consider moving forward in relentless change. ”—Anne Smith, King and Judy Rogers Professor in Business and Head of Management Department at the Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee Knoxville
“In Organizational Velocity, Alan has captured the fundamental aspects of change that challenge every organization, particularly great ones. His insight, grasp of history, and knowledge of timeless principles of competition and success (like those of Boyd and Sun Tzu), along with his candid and humble perspective, make Organizational Velocity a thoroughly readable guide to navigating the ocean of rapid change and dangerous, shifting currents of supply and demand that emerging technology creates. ”—Col. Howard Marotto, Colonel, Deputy Commander, 4th Marine Logistics Group, USMCR and Business Director, Additive Manufacturing, EWI