Ep. 28 Beehives and Viability: Mick Brian on Strategy, Feedback, and Emergent Learning
Viability doesn’t come from vision. It comes from feedback, iteration, and the courage to learn.
In this episode of Strategy Meets Reality, Mike Jones is joined by Mick Brian—a consultant with a military background and a passion for learning systems—to unpack how organisations can survive and thrive in complex environments.
They explore what bees can teach us about decentralised decision-making, how the OODA Loop supports learning under pressure, and why real-time feedback is the foundation of strategic adaptability. From AI adoption to after-action reviews, this conversation connects lived experience, strategic thinking, and practical tools for evolving organisations.
🔍 In this episode:
What organisations can learn from bee colonies
Why after-action reviews matter more than performance reviews
How the OODA Loop supports emergent learning
The role of AI, autonomy, and self-organisation
Why sensemaking starts with feedback
The importance of collective purpose and decision-making at the edge
🎧 Keywords: Strategy, Feedback, Viability, Emergent Learning, OODA Loop, After-Action Reviews, Complexity, Beekeeping, Leadership, AI Adoption, Organisational Learning
📘 Learn more about Mick’s work: Agile on the Beach Sketch
📬 Connect with Mick: Mick Brian on LinkedIn
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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/
