Episode 29: How to Reinvent Your Business Story to Thrive in Chaos with Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva in The Business of Story podcast by Park Howell

Reinventing in the Age of Chaos

In this episode, Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, founder of the Reinvention Academy and author of The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook, joins storytelling expert Park Howell to explore the deep connection between chaos, storytelling, and business survival. Drawing from her personal history, global research, and consulting experience with companies like Coca-Cola and IBM, Dr. Nadya explains why the pace of change has outstripped traditional strategic planning—and what every leader must do to stay relevant.

They dive into how to make reinvention a constant capability instead of a one-time fix, why modern storytelling and organizational transformation follow similar arcs, and how reinvention is no longer a luxury—it’s a survival skill.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn why the traditional “business as usual” mindset is outdated, and how even industries built on stability must now evolve or disappear. Dr. Nadya shares research showing that business model life cycles have collapsed from 75 years to just a few—and why this demands a new playbook. She introduces tools like the Reinvention Portfolio Canvas and Titanic Syndrome diagnostic, and explains how storytelling, experimentation, and continuous evolution are the new drivers of success.

Who This Is For

• Business owners struggling to stay relevant in rapidly changing markets
• Corporate executives seeking a reinvention roadmap for their teams
• Consultants, trainers, and HR leaders building future-ready organizations
• Entrepreneurs who want to thrive in uncertainty, not just survive it

3 Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. Reinvention Starts Before You Think You Need It

Waiting until your business hits a decline to make changes reduces your chances of recovery to just 10%. Reinvention isn’t a project you do once—it’s a continuous hygiene practice, like taking a shower. Regular reinvention builds resilience and prevents stagnation.

2. Old Strategy Tools Can Kill Modern Businesses

Most strategic thinking is still rooted in long-cycle, stable environments. But today’s disruptions—from pandemics to AI—require new tools and assumptions. Dr. Nadya explains why sticking to 20th-century planning is not just ineffective—it’s dangerous.

3. Reinvention Is a Team Sport—But Needs Clear Ownership

While reinvention must include voices from across the organization, it also demands clear roles, resources, and authority. Whether through a Chief Reinvention Officer, a transformation team, or a venture arm, companies must treat reinvention as a core function, not an afterthought.

Resources Mentioned

• Learn2Reinvent.com – Home of the Reinvention Academy
• The Chief Reinvention Officer Handbook: How to Thrive in Chaos – Free 85-page sample available
• Titanic Syndrome Diagnostic Tool – Identify risks before it's too late
• Dr. Nadya’s TEDx Talks – Explore her vision for reinvention and adaptability
• Easy Reinvention Lab – Free 5-day workshop open to professionals worldwide