David Duncan

David Duncan is a prominent figure in the field of strategy and innovation, currently serving as the Managing Director at Innosight, a consulting firm focused on helping organizations adapt to disruptive changes by developing customer-centric strategies. He has an extensive background in consulting and academia, having previously worked as a Senior Partner at Innosight and as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company.

Education and Career Background

• Education: Duncan holds a PhD in Physics from Harvard University and a BA from Duke University.
• Professional Experience:
  • Innosight: He has been with Innosight since its inception, transitioning from Senior Partner to Managing Director, where he has played a crucial role in advising executives on innovation and growth strategies.
  • McKinsey & Company: Prior to Innosight, he worked for four years at McKinsey, gaining valuable consulting experience.

Contributions and Publications

Duncan is also a bestselling author, known for co-authoring Competing Against Luck: The Story of Innovation and Customer Choice with the late Clayton Christensen. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs through the "Jobs to Be Done" framework, which is central to his approach in consulting.

Focus Areas

His expertise lies in:

• Customer-Centric Strategies: Helping organizations create teams and strategies that prioritize customer needs.
• Innovation Frameworks: Developing methodologies that enable businesses to innovate effectively and avoid the pitfalls described in Christensen's The Innovator’s Dilemma.

Duncan is recognized as a thought leader in his field, frequently speaking on topics related to innovation, strategy, and customer behavior. His insights are aimed at helping organizations navigate complex market landscapes while fostering growth through innovation.