At its peak, Blockbuster was a giant.

• 9,000 stores
• 84,000 employees
• Millions of weekly customers
• A brand synonymous with weekend entertainment

To Blockbuster’s leadership

The Map was clear:-

• People will always want to visit stores.
• Physical rentals are the dominant model.
• Late fees are a strong revenue stream.
• Movies are a retail business, not a digital one.”

But the Territory — the real world — had already begun to shift. Territory of the early 2000s had changed dramatically.

Leadership failed to see it.

🌍 The Territory they Ignored..

• Technology Changed Consumer Behavior.
• Internet Speeds Improved Faster Than Expected.
• Customers Hated Late Fees.
• Customer Want Convenience from Home.

Netflix Understood the Territory Better

They updated or re-write the Maps and rest we call it a History.

Today:-

• Netflix is worth hundreds of billions.
• Blockbusters files Bankruptcy.

A perfect Map that collapses upon contact with Reality (Territory).

• Reality is messy, maps are clean — but do we have the right map?
• Are we looking for reality that confirm our beliefs ?
• Are we ready to admit that I can be wrong based on the presented reality ?
• Are we ready to pause and reflect?
• Am I prepared to remain curious and humble to receive the lessons reality offers?”

The next time a map reaches your desk, will you explore the territory before you decide?”