Kurt Matzler has built a distinguished and influential career as a professor, author, and business strategist, known for bridging academic research with real-world application. His work in academia has taken him across Austria, the USA, Italy, Switzerland, and England, enriching his perspective and shaping his approach to research and teaching. Beyond academia, he is a partner at IMP, where he applies his expertise to real-world management challenges. With over 35,000 citations on Google Scholar, he is among the most referenced strategy professors in the world, but his greatest satisfaction comes from mentoring students who go on to excel in academia and business. Kurt is also a solo finisher of the Race Across America and ultra cycling world champion 2024 (master class).
Kurt’s career highlights are underscored by his influential books, which have cemented his status as a thought leader in the field of strategy and management. One of his most significant career moments came over ten years ago when he co-authored the German edition of The Innovator's Dilemma with renowned Harvard Professor Clayton Christensen. This book, which The Economist named one of the six most important management books ever, is a landmark in the world of business strategy, and Kurt is proud to have contributed to it.
In 2021, Kurt’s book Open Strategy was published by MIT Press. It was named the Best Strategy Book of the Year by Strategy+Business Magazine. This was the culmination of four years of hard work, collaborating with co-authors to bring forth fresh insights into how organisations can leverage open, inclusive strategies. Kurt’s dedication to exploring and breaking down complex ideas in business strategy is reflected in the widespread recognition his work has garnered.
Perhaps one of Kurt’s most impactful works came in 2023 with the release of The High-Performance Mindset. In this book, Kurt explores the intersection of extreme sports and high-performance leadership. Drawing on lessons from endurance athletes, he offers unique perspectives on how individuals and organisations can cultivate resilience and peak performance. Forbes Magazine named it one of the top 10 management books of 2021, reinforcing the influence his work continues to have.
These publications are not only milestones in Kurt’s career but also vital contributions to the field of business strategy. They have shaped the careers of countless managers and business leaders, offering practical strategies and insights. The feedback Kurt receives from readers is a testament to his lasting impact. From CEOs making better decisions to individuals feeling inspired to challenge themselves, his books continue to have a far-reaching effect, proving that his words transcend the pages of academia into real-world application.
A key driver of Kurt's success is his approach to goal setting. He believes in pushing beyond conventional limits, whether in his career or personal challenges like the Race Across America. For the 5,000 kilometres of the Race, Kurt applied his strategy of breaking down the monumental goal into manageable, daily tasks. He divided the race into eleven daily chunks, focusing on each day’s specific target rather than becoming overwhelmed by the grand scale of the entire journey. Every day concluded with a simple reward - a few hours of sleep - allowing him to recharge and reset for the next challenge.
Each day was further divided into 8-9 hour shifts to match his crew’s rhythm, giving him necessary breaks and helping him stay focused. Even these breaks were broken into 3-hour segments to keep his energy up. "Without celebrating the small victories, the big goal loses its shine," Kurt reflects. By celebrating these incremental steps, he kept his motivation high and remained resilient.
Kurt’s approach to overcoming challenges also shines through his mindset during the race. He reframed fear into something positive by seeing difficult tasks as exciting challenges. This shift in perspective helped him stay engaged with every obstacle, whether it was enduring desert heat or conquering the Rocky Mountains. “Anticipating the toughest parts of the race became part of the adventure,” he shares. “Each challenge brought me closer to my goal, and looking at it this way fuelled my perseverance.”
Kurt’s ability to set bold goals and view obstacles as opportunities to grow is a powerful lesson in resilience and leadership. By maintaining focus on each step and aligning challenges with a purpose, he achieves success not just in his professional life but also in his personal endeavours.
Looking ahead, Kurt remains committed to exploring new challenges in cutting-edge strategy research, executive leadership development, and endurance sports. In 2025, he will once again take on the Race Across America, with Eqology as a proud sponsor, further demonstrating his dedication to pushing limits and inspiring others. Whether through research, teaching, or personal endeavours, he continues to apply the principles that have shaped his journey: setting ambitious goals, staying adaptable, and finding meaning in the process. His approach serves as a guide for anyone striving to push their own limits and achieve long-term success.
Lastly, Kurt emphasises the importance of maintaining a sense of humility and remembering the initial reasons for embarking on any journey. This perspective, he believes, is crucial in staying grounded and focused on the true objectives, especially as we face challenges and celebrate victories along the way. By keeping this mindset, we can ensure that our goals continue to serve a greater purpose and remain meaningful throughout our journey.
