Episode 10: Why Companies Sink with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva in BFM Podcast

Why Companies Sink: The Titanic Syndrome

In this high-energy episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva sits down with the hosts of BFM 89.9 to explore a chilling metaphor: the Titanic Syndrome. Drawing from her research and global consulting work, Dr. Nadya unpacks the fatal mindset that leads powerful companies to fail—not because of one catastrophic event, but due to a cascade of poor decisions, arrogance, and missed warning signs. Together, they explore how iconic businesses like Kodak, Nokia, and Blockbuster fell victim to this syndrome—and what it takes to avoid the same fate.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll discover why even the most innovative companies can sink if they cling to the past or grow too fast. Dr. Nadya introduces the concept of “event cascades” and how small oversights—like lack of trend-watching or cheap shortcuts—can add up to disaster. You’ll also explore how to recognize Titanic Syndrome in your own company, what industries are most vulnerable, and how a proactive reinvention culture can safeguard your business. Finally, the episode touches on case studies from Malaysia and beyond, reinforcing how universal and urgent the reinvention imperative really is.

Who This Is For

• Corporate leaders navigating fast-changing markets
• Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming for long-term relevance
• Strategists and consultants seeking reinvention tools and language
• Innovation and change management professionals
• Anyone worried about becoming “the next Blockbuster”

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvention Fails Without Foresight

Like the Titanic speeding toward an iceberg, many businesses grow rapidly without watching the horizon. Kodak invented the digital camera but failed to launch it in time—proof that seeing the future means nothing if you’re not willing to act on it.

2. Death by Event Cascade Is Real

Titanic Syndrome isn’t about one fatal flaw—it’s a buildup of ignored warning signs, short-term decisions, and organizational denial. Dr. Nadya explains how this slow unraveling plays out in business, from Blockbuster to Blackberry.

3. A Plan B Isn’t Optional—It’s Survival

Whether it’s the lack of lifeboats or a rigid financial system, companies that don’t have agile, responsive structures are doomed when disruption hits. Dr. Nadya stresses the need for continuous reinvention systems—built before crisis strikes.

Resources Mentioned

• “Titanic Syndrome” concept from Dr. Nadya’s reinvention framework
• Historical business cases: Kodak, Nokia, Blockbuster, available in Dr. Nadya’s book

Visit learn2reinvent.com to access tools and courses on reinvention