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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Digital Darwinism summary
Tom Goodwin
Survival of the Fittest in the Age of Digital Disruption
18 mins
Brief summary
Digital Darwinism by Tom Goodwin explores why most companies fail to adapt to the digital age and how to avoid becoming a victim of change. It argues that embracing innovation and agility is key to survival in the new economy.
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Digital Darwinism
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Digital Darwinism is about adapting to a changing world and having a willingness to make fundamental changes.
We often think in terms of “survival of the fittest.” But what does that mean for businesses today, when rapid global change is an ongoing concern? You may think that the most successful companies will always be the massive ones with teams of experts and billions to spend.
But, as the author sees it, darwinism in the digital age is about being able to flourish by taking advantage of that rapid global change – it’s about being able to adapt quickly to whatever the uncertain future may bring.
Big businesses with a global reach that have been around for 30 to 50 years are no longer the most successful companies out there. In fact, these businesses may be at a disadvantage. After all, they can easily end up so stuck in their ways that they find it difficult to make any changes at all.
For example, Sony invested greatly in making devices such as the Walkman and Discman to play music on cassettes or CDs. This helped them become the market leaders. And then MP3 and digital music happened. Sony could have moved into this new, and potentially very lucrative market. But if this digital music really took off, what would happen to all the Walkmans and Discmans? They’d be outdated. They wouldn’t sell. So, Sony saw the move to digital as a very risky act of self-disruption. As a result, the company was hesitant to move in the new market and it lost its leading position to more disruptive rivals.
Instead, too many businesses are only willing to make small gestures toward embracing new technologies. The author refers to this as a “bolted-on” approach. An example of this is when a bank creates an app that allows a check to be deposited by snapping a photo of it, rather than rethinking the need for using paper checks in this day and age. They’re simply wedging technology into a dying system.
A good analogy is Heathrow Airport, London. Bucket-loads of money have been spent trying to update Heathrow, despite the fact that it’s located in an area that makes it difficult for planes to maneuver and will be an unwieldy mess no matter how many alterations are made. At some point, a new airport will be built with room to grow in a practical location using modern technology at its very core. In other words, simply trying to update a burdensome, outdated system is unsustainable.
For legacy businesses, it’s essentially the same situation. Instead of tweaking an ailing system, you must be willing to make fundamental changes in order to truly adapt.
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What is Digital Darwinism about?
Digital Darwinism (2018) provides some much-needed insight into what makes a business truly disruptive and what executives should be focusing on in order to stay successful in today’s fast-changing global marketplace.
Digital Darwinism Review
Digital Darwinism (2021) explores the impact of technological advancements on business and society, urging readers to adapt and thrive in the digital age. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With fresh insights and thought-provoking analysis, it challenges conventional wisdom about digital transformation and offers new perspectives.
- By revealing the strategies of successful companies and the failures of those who resisted change, readers gain a practical understanding of how to navigate the digital landscape.
- The book's engaging storytelling and real-world examples make complex topics accessible, ensuring readers stay engaged and intrigued throughout.
Who should read Digital Darwinism?
- Entrepreneurs and startup founders
- People in established businesses seeking change
- Marketing and sales gurus
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Digital Darwinism FAQs
What is the main message of Digital Darwinism?
The main message of Digital Darwinism is that digital technology is reshaping industries and businesses must adapt or die.
How long does it take to read Digital Darwinism?
The reading time for Digital Darwinism depends on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Digital Darwinism a good book? Is it worth reading?
Digital Darwinism is a must-read for anyone interested in the impact of technology on society. It provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for businesses.
Who is the author of Digital Darwinism?
Tom Goodwin is the author of Digital Darwinism.
What to read after Digital Darwinism?
If you're wondering what to read next after Digital Darwinism, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Worst Business Model in the World by Danny Schuman
- Build For Change by Alan Trefler
- See You on the Internet by Avery Swartz
- Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein
- Digital Transformation at Scale by Andrew Greenway
- No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer
- Better Small Talk by Patrick King
- Existentialism Is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre
- The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
- Walmart by Natalie Berg and Bryan Roberts