S2E10 - Simon Wardley - The Power of Wardley Mapping

In this episode, Simon Wardley, creator of Wardley Maps, explores how mapping brings clarity to strategy and complex decision-making. Wardley shares how his frustration with vague corporate strategies led to his development of the Wardley Mapping methodology, inspired by a bookstore conversation about The Art of War. Wardley Maps visually map out an organization’s strategic landscape by illustrating user needs, capabilities, and how these evolve, helping organizations understand their context and make informed decisions.

Simon emphasizes that most organizations miss optimization opportunities by relying on narratives and unstructured tools, whereas mapping reveals hidden constraints, avoids unnecessary investments, and fosters collaborative, objective dialogue. From national defense to healthcare, Wardley Maps have proven valuable across industries by providing a structured approach to understanding and acting within a competitive landscape. 

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