The New Innovation (AI) Race
In the high-stakes world of tech innovation, there’s a critical leadership challenge that even giants like Google can’t escape.
When VP of Berkshire Hathaway Charlie Munger described Google’s headquarters as a “rich kindergarten”, he touched on a deeper truth: comfort can become the enemy of innovation.
Watching CEO Sundar Pichai navigate questions about Google’s AI journey in an interview recently, I’m reminded that innovation isn’t just about past achievements—it’s about continuous reinvention. Pichai’s defensive response in the interview was telling. He acknowledged the need to evolve, admitting that workplace culture must adapt.
The uncomfortable truth is that Google, once the unquestioned leader of technological innovation, is now playing catch-up. OpenAI and Microsoft have stolen the narrative, challenging Google’s long-held assumption of technological supremacy.
The innovation landscape has shifted
It’s fascinating how quickly the innovation landscape can shift. Today’s innovators can become tomorrow’s followers in the blink of an algorithmic eye.
In the interview Pichai found himself defending Google’s innovation approach against the ‘hard charge’ leadership style epitomized by Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Musk and Zuckerberg represent the ‘move fast and break things’ approach. Google represents a more measured path. But in today’s technological landscape, can measured innovation survive?
Drawing from innovation leadership research, we’re seeing a classic tension between the fast-paced risk taking ‘exploration’ styles, and the more cautious and measured ‘preservation’ leadership styles. But rather than being seen as purely opposing positions, that tension should be identified as a healthy stimulus for sustainable innovation development.
The ‘ambidextrous’ mindset highlights how established companies struggle to balance protecting existing successful business models: both embracing radical innovation and creating a culture of continuous reinvention.
The key insight? Innovation leadership isn’t simply about moving fast—it’s about moving purposefully. It’s about creating an environment where breakthrough thinking can emerge, while still maintaining the core business.
Why we need ‘ambidextrous’ leaders
An article in Forbes titled ‘Google Peacetime CEO faces strong criticism’ points out that Pichai is, “A very strong operator, but not as much of a strategic thinker and visionary. When the dragons come, he doesn’t really know what to do.”
A number of interviewers have challenged Google’s executives on this point. When Steven Bartlett (Diary of a CEO) asked Eric Schmidt, “Why was Google so slow in the AI race with OpenAI?” his defensive answer was, “We were too busy doing everything else.”
My partner Gaia Grant’s (PhD) research on ambidextrous leadership shows how leaders can stay in the innovation race through a sustainable well-balanced approach. It’s worth considering how to develop ambidexterity in yourself and your organisation to better navigate a more sustainable innovation future.\
Article by Andrew Grant
This season of “The Innovation Race” is heating up. Watch the challenging Sundar Pichai interview here (especially from the 14th min):
https://youtu.be/OsxwBmp3iFU?si=5jz7dO19MG3z0H5P&t=828
