Leadership in Times of Disruption

As a professor of marketing at Nyenrode and instructor for the Disruption, Innovation & Governance module, Kitty Koelemeijer sees firsthand how businesses struggle with these fast-paced changes. "Disruption occurs when developments—such as new technologies or regulations—cause market disturbances, leading to sudden shifts," she explains. "Think of how companies like Netflix and Spotify revolutionized their industries, challenging traditional revenue models."

New Skills for a New Era

Next, leaders must determine which changes are necessary. "They need to move away from traditional strategic thinking—setting a fixed goal and relentlessly pursuing it. That no longer works. You have to constantly adjust," says Koelemeijer. "That can be difficult, especially when investments have already been made. Many managers claim to be open-minded, but truly embracing change requires courage."

Applying New Theories

The Disruption, Innovation & Governance module helps leaders prepare for major shifts within their organizations. Participants explore scenario planning, business models, competencies, and systems to anticipate future disruptions.

“You won’t just learn about emerging technologies like AI—you’ll understand how they transform markets and impact businesses,” Koelemeijer explains. “It’s crucial to identify which developments truly matter and how they affect your company and customers. Separating hype from real trends is key.”