Ep. 13 Orientation is Everything: Mark McGrath on Boyd’s OODA, Disruption, and Strategic Adaptation
What if the most powerful lever in strategy isn’t action—but orientation?
In this episode of Strategy Meets Reality, Mike Jones is joined by Mark McGrath—Marine veteran, strategist, and expert in John Boyd’s OODA loop—to unpack how orientation drives adaptation, shapes perception, and rewires how organisations respond to disruption.
Mark takes us deep into Boyd’s legacy, revealing why strategy is less about linear plans and more about continuous learning, destruction and creation, and evolving faster than the environment. From Wall Street trading floors to boardroom transformation, this episode is a masterclass in fighting inertia, rethinking time, and breaking free from the guardians of decay.
🔍 In this episode:
Why orientation—not action—is the true source of advantage
How destruction and creation enable real adaptation
Understanding time, tempo, and disruption
What it means to lead with curiosity and humility
Why small shifts create exponential effects
How to challenge entrenched assumptions and power
🎧 Keywords: OODA loop, John Boyd, strategy, orientation, disruption, decision-making, leadership, complexity, learning, strategic advantage
📘 Learn more from Mark at: https://substack.com/@markjmcgrath
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🔗 Full episodes, show notes, and resources: https://www.lbiconsulting.com/strategymeetsreality-podcast
📺 Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@StrategyMeetsReality
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Buzzsprout
💬 Connect with host Mike Jones → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-h-jones/
