Disruption - an overused word but where it happens, a valuable concept - Daily Newsletter

Hi there,

During the late 1990s, the world went dot.com crazy. Any business with even a vague relationship with the Internet found a way to add the suffix to its name. I get the feeling that “disruption” is starting to attract the same kind of attention. People who wouldn’t know a Clay Christensen book if it hit them in the face are gaily using the word to describe their business strategy. Mostly with approaches that are as game changing as yesterday’s newspaper.

South Africa does have disruptors, most obvious of which is Adrian Gore’s Discovery. It’s an organisation that lives the concept by thinking differently. There was a reminder yesterday while interviewing Anton Ossip about progress at the group’s short-term insurance arm. Discovery Insure’s business model is to incentive policyholders to drive more safely, avoid the car during high risk times and check their vehicles more regularly – habits that reduce their risk of accident and become reflected in lower premiums. Sure, I ventured, there’s a sector of society who are prepared to take the trouble to save a few bucks. But surely most people couldn’t be bothered – so how big it the segment you’re targeting?

The answer was pure Discovery. Ossip says he prefers to think differently; that he’s convinced everyone will care enough to drive differently if given the right incentive. Now that’s disruptive thinking. Go have a listen to the interview by clicking here. And while you’re on our Soundcloud Channel, please try out the new Biznews Radio podcast (click here). Although we’re only on day two, got a feeling you’ll find it a welcome improvement on the standard radio fare. Perhaps you’ll even like it enough to allow us to disrupt your radio listening habits….To encourage you, we’ll now be adding yesterday’s best listened podcast to the letter (you’ll find it below the website’s best read stories).

Best

Alec