Enabling Speed: Lessons from Leaders in the Arena
What separates thriving organizations from those struggling to keep up? Speed. At our Leaders in the Arena dinner, hosted by Bridge Innovate, a diverse group of executives gathered over dinner to tackle one big question: How do we move faster without breaking what works? The result? A lively exchange of insights, practical strategies, and real-world lessons on enabling speed within organizations.
Why Speed Matters Now More Than Ever
The evening’s discussion was fueled by two insightful pre-reads: Ready, Set, Go: Reinventing the Organization for Speed in the Post-COVID-19 Era and How Companies Use Generative AI to Execute with Speed from MIT Sloan. These materials highlighted how organizations that embrace speed achieve stronger performance, from streamlining decision-making to leveraging AI and flattening hierarchies.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1. Decision-Making at the Speed of Trust
Leaders emphasized the importance of empowering teams to make decisions quickly without excessive layers of approval. One executive shared how their company reduced meeting sizes and eliminated lengthy presentations to encourage rapid, high-impact decision-making.
2. AI as a Catalyst for Speed
A hot topic of the evening was the role of generative AI in accelerating business operations. From automating data analysis to expediting customer interactions, AI is increasingly being used to cut down cycle times and improve responsiveness.
3. Flattening Hierarchies for Agility
The discussion also touched on organizational structures, with many leaders advocating for flatter models that reduce bottlenecks and allow for nimble, cross-functional teams.
4. Cultural Shifts Toward Rapid Experimentation
Many attendees stressed the need for a culture that tolerates imperfection and embraces iteration. Quoting Mark Zuckerberg’s “Move fast and break things” mantra, leaders acknowledged that perfectionism can be the enemy of progress.
Actionable Insights for Leaders
Empower teams – Give frontline employees the authority to make decisions where they matter most.
Leverage technology – Invest in AI and automation tools that enable speed in analysis and execution.
Reduce bureaucracy – Cut unnecessary steps in processes to enable faster responsiveness.
Encourage experimentation – Create an environment where employees can test, fail, and learn quickly.
Looking Ahead
The Leaders in the Arena series continues to serve as a powerful forum for senior leaders to exchange ideas and challenge conventional thinking. As organizations look to the future, those that embrace speed while maintaining quality and alignment will emerge stronger.
Want to dive deeper into these conversations? Listen to the Leaders in the Arena podcast, where we explore the strategies and insights shaping the future of leadership