Beyond mere buzzwords, adaptive agility is a mindset and practice that touches every aspect of business
Words by Himanshu Kapila
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, transformation is not just an option; it is a necessity for survival. The companies that thrive are those that don’t shy away from change but embrace it with open arms. This ability to adapt—what we call adaptive agility—helps organisations remain resilient, even amid the unpredictable storms of the market.
However, adaptive agility is not just a buzzword. It is a mindset, a practice that touches every aspect of a business, from leadership to culture to talent management. To understand how companies master this art of organisational metamorphosis, let’s look at some real-world examples.
Medtronic: Scaling Production and Collaboration Amid Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for ventilators surged as hospitals worldwide raced to treat patients with severe respiratory symptoms. Medtronic, a leader in medical technology, offers a powerful example of how adaptive agility can be achieved by focusing on human capital.
When faced with the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medtronic made the decision to share the design specifications of their ventilator PB-560 online. This bold move required an agile mindset across the organisation & allowed engineers around the world to access the blueprints and offer potential solutions. One of those engineers happened to work at SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space exploration company.
Remarkably, the engineer noticed that a vital part used in Medtronic’s ventilators matched one of the components used in SpaceX’s rockets. Recognising the potential for collaboration, Elon Musk himself reached out to Geoff Martha, CEO of Medtronic, and the two quickly forged a partnership that helped Medtronic scale production of Ventilators at an unprecedented pace.
By leveraging both internal and external resources, Medtronic was able to pivot, collaborate, and innovate in the face of adversity exemplifies adaptive agility in action.
Netflix: From DVD Rentals to Streaming Giant
Another remarkable example of adaptive agility is that of Netflix. In the early 2000s, Netflix was a DVD rental service, sending physical DVDs to subscribers. It was a business model that worked well in the era of Blockbuster stores. But Netflix saw the writing on the wall: consumer habits were changing, and the rise of the internet offered new possibilities. Instead of clinging to their existing model, they metamorphosised.
By 2007, Netflix introduced a streaming service, a bold move that positioned them at the forefront of the digital revolution. This strategic reinvention helped them outpace competitors like Blockbuster, which filed for bankruptcy in 2010. By continually assessing market shifts and making bold moves, Netflix has remained relevant in an industry known for rapid change.
Microsoft: Reinvention from Software to Cloud Services
For decades, Microsoft was synonymous with its flagship products—Windows and Office. However, by the early 2010s, the company found itself facing fierce competition from Apple, Google, and other tech giants. With declining PC sales, Microsoft knew it had to reinvent itself or risk becoming irrelevant.
Under CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft underwent a metamorphosis that emphasised cloud computing and subscription services. Nadella recognized the need for a cultural shift within the company, focusing on collaboration and continuous learning. By placing a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure, the company’s cloud platform, and adopting a more open stance toward rival technologies, Microsoft has become a leader in the cloud industry.
The result? Microsoft’s market capitalization surpassed $3.4 trillion in 2024, a testament to its ability to pivot and respond to changing market dynamics. More importantly, it fostered an internal culture that encouraged risk-taking, experimentation, and a growth mindset.
What can employees do to foster agility?
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Be willing to unlearn outdated skills and relearn new ones. Adopt the mindset that you’re never done learning and seek opportunities to grow professionally.
Be Open to Feedback
Adaptive organisations & employees thrive on feedback loops. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism; use it to fuel your personal and professional development.
Develop Cross-Functional Skills
The more versatile you are, the better you’ll be at adapting to new roles and challenges. Learn how different areas of your organisation work, and don’t limit yourself to just one function.
Stay Ahead of Trends
In today’s fast-moving world, anticipating change is just as important as responding to it. Keep an eye on emerging trends, whether they’re in technology, consumer behavior, or industry regulations.
As seen with companies like Medtronic, Netflix, and Microsoft, the ability to embrace change, foster continuous learning, and remain agile in the face of uncertainty will set businesses—and individuals—apart in the competitive marketplace of today & tomorrow.
Himanshu leads Human Resources for Medtronic India. He has 14 years of across-the-board experience in Business Partnering, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Learning and development.
He joined Medtronic as a Summer Intern in 2011 and has worked with Medtronic in various HR roles in India and Asia-Pacific in the last 12 years. Himanshu chose to build a career in HR because he is passionate about making a positive difference to people’s life and career. He believes in collaboration for shared success.
