How to build a business that lasts 100 years | Martin Reeves

TED10 minutes read

The human immune system is a robust and adaptive defense mechanism that utilizes diversity and redundancy to combat various threats effectively. Nature's resilience principles, exemplified by successful companies like Fujifilm and Toyota, highlight the importance of adaptability and modularity for long-term success in dynamic business environments.

Insights

  • The human immune system is a sophisticated defense mechanism with elements like leukocytes, B cells, T cells, natural killer cells, and antibodies working together to protect the body by adapting to new threats and retaining memory of past encounters for future defense.
  • Learning from nature's resilient systems, businesses can enhance their longevity and success by adopting biological thinking, emphasizing adaptability, diversity, and redundancy to navigate dynamic environments effectively and ensure sustained growth.

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Recent questions

  • What is the human immune system?

    A complex defense system against various threats.

  • How does the human immune system adapt?

    By developing targeted antibodies and remembering previous threats.

  • What are the key principles of nature's resilience?

    Endurance, diversity, and adaptability.

  • How can businesses thrive in dynamic environments?

    By shifting to biological thinking and embracing adaptability.

  • What can we learn from Toyota and Essilor's experiences?

    The benefits of modularity, embeddedness, and functional redundancy.

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Summary

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"Biological Resilience: Key to Business Success"

  • The human immune system is a new product designed with features like redundancy and diversity to combat various threats effectively.
  • It consists of leukocytes, B cells, T cells, natural killer cells, and antibodies, working together in a modular design for foolproof protection.
  • The system is adaptive, developing targeted antibodies to new threats, reacting prudently, and remembering previous threats for future encounters.
  • Embedded in the human body, it harmonizes to provide high biological protection.
  • Nature's resilience principles, seen in enduring systems like the human immune system, are crucial for long-lived social systems and businesses.
  • Examples like Kongō Gumi's failure due to a lack of prudence and Fujifilm's success through diversity and adaptation illustrate these principles.
  • Toyota's quick recovery from a catastrophic fire and Essilor's avoidance of technology disruption showcase the benefits of modularity, embeddedness, and functional redundancy.
  • To thrive in dynamic business environments, companies must shift from mechanical thinking to biological thinking, embracing adaptability and resilience for long-term success.
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