The Hidden Science of Traffic Jams and Business Collapses

In this episode of The Conant Code, we delve into the intriguing concept of phantom traffic jams—mysterious slowdowns triggered by a chain reaction of human behavior. Using traffic jams as a metaphor, we explore how seemingly insignificant decisions can escalate into significant business failures, with compelling examples from the likes of Circuit City, Kmart, and Pan Am.

We discuss the parallels between a driver's minor overreaction on a highway and small business missteps that, when accumulated, can lead to disastrous outcomes. Learn how the gradual breakdown of giant companies serves as a cautionary tale for anyone in the business world.

If you're interested in uncovering where businesses go wrong and how to avoid these pitfalls, tune in for a deep dive into the mechanics of failure and grab a copy of the recommended book, "Demise," for further insights.