Enduring Success

What We Can Learn from the History of Outstanding Corporations

Christian Stadler

Narrated by Kent Jones

Available from Audible

Book published by Stanford University Press

Enduring Success addresses a key question in business today: How can companies succeed over time? To learn the source of enduring greatness, author Christian Stadler directed a team of eight researchers in a six-year study of some of Europe's oldest and most stellar companies, targeting nine that have survived for more than 100 years and have significantly outperformed the market over the past fifty years. Readers may wonder, "Why European companies?" Yet, Europe is the ideal place to seek the key to long-term success; half of the Fortune Global 500 companies that are 100 years old or older can be found in Europe, as can 72 of the 100 oldest family businesses in the world.

Fifteen years after Collins and Porras' Built to Last, this new book incorporates fresh insights from management science and provides the first non-US perspective on long-range success. Through Stadler's study, a counterintuitive story emerges: the greatest companies adapt to a constantly changing environment by being intelligently conservative. Enduring Success provides a coherent framework, grounded in five principles and practical concepts, for business leaders who are prepared to learn from the history of some of the world's greatest institutions.

Christian Stadler investigates long-living corporations—how they grow, adapt, and consistently beat their competitors. He has shared his ideas with executives and students in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the US. Currently, he teaches strategy at the University of Bath. His work has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company.

REVIEWS:

“This new book incorporates fresh insights from management science and provides the first non-U.S. perspective on long-range success. Through Stadler's study, a counterintuitive story emerges: the greatest companies adapt to a constantly changing environment by being intelligently conservative. Enduring Success provides a coherent framework, grounded in five principles and practical concepts, for business leaders who are prepared to learn from the history of some of the world's greatest institutions.”

—Competitive Strategy Newsletter

“Contrary to much of the modern management literature, Christian Stadler's study is based on the observation of historical facts over sufficiently long periods to be sure that the reasons for sustainable business success (or failure!) have become visible. A must read!”

—Arie de Geus, Bestelling author of The Living Company

“Christian Stadler's analysis of business history is a source of inspiration for the future. As an executive, its perspective and insights keep you humble. Moreover, it is delightful reading.”

—Jeroen van der Veer, Former CEO of Shell

“Christian Stadler's suggestions are surprising, sometimes provocative. A great inspiration for consultants and leaders who want to make enduring success a reality.”

—Burkhard Schwenker, CEO, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants