Episode 20: Dr Nadya Zhexembayeva - Author of "The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook" in The Business Bookshelf Podcast by Lance Peppler

How to Reinvent Before You Collapse

In this engaging episode of the Business Bookshelf Podcast, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva explores why companies sink—and how reinvention offers a bold alternative. With stories from Coca-Cola to nonprofit organizations, Dr. Nadya shares the origins of her Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook and what it takes to future-proof your business. Drawing from real-world consulting experience and a community of over 3,000 reinventors, she explains how to turn chaos into a strategic advantage.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn how the “Titanic Syndrome” affects businesses, why traditional best practices often lead to failure, and how to build reinvention-ready systems before your company hits crisis mode. Dr. Nadya explains why budgeting, business models, and leadership thinking must evolve, and how her reinvention methodology integrates innovation, agile, and change management into a single coherent framework. You’ll also discover the power of community, and how reinvention becomes not just a one-time fix but a leadership mindset.

Who This Is For

• CEOs, executives, and business owners navigating uncertainty
• Consultants and coaches seeking to integrate reinvention tools into their work
• HR and strategy professionals building adaptive organizations
• Educators, nonprofit leaders, and policymakers looking for systemic change
• Anyone tired of outdated business models and ready for bold thinking

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Titanic Syndrome Is Real—And Preventable

Even the most celebrated companies can collapse when they cling to outdated thinking. Dr. Nadya introduces “Titanic Syndrome,” where arrogance and attachment to past success blind leaders to change. Recognizing and naming this behavior is the first step to avoiding self-inflicted collapse.

2. Reinvention Is the New Literacy

Just as reading and math defined 20th-century literacy, reinvention is now essential for survival. It’s not just about innovation or change—it’s about integrating foresight, business model design, project execution, and cultural adaptability into a living, breathing system.

3. Business Models Must Be Fluid, Not Fixed

Dr. Nadya shares how tools like the Stellar Strategy Canvas and reinvention cards allow teams to test and redesign their business models—fast. She encourages leaders to view reinvention as a weekly habit, not a last resort.

Resources Mentioned

• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook
• Stellar Strategy Canvas Tool
• Reinvention Society Facebook Group - now Linkedin
• Free business model reinvention cards