Dealing with Darwin by Geoffrey Moore

How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of Their Evolution

Dealing with Darwin quickly captured my attention in a way I hadn’t expected. Geoffrey Moore’s exploration of how companies navigate the complex landscape of innovation at every stage of their growth intrigued me from the start. I wasn’t sure how a single framework could apply to businesses in such different phases of evolution, but Moore's sharp insights made me rethink how companies—whether startups or established giants—adapt to survive and thrive.

The real surprise came from Moore’s approach to innovation, which isn’t just about breakthroughs or cutting-edge technology. Instead, he focuses on how companies can leverage their unique strengths at each stage of their development. Initially, I was skeptical—could innovation truly be sustainable across all phases of a company’s lifecycle? But as Moore unpacked his concepts, I became increasingly curious about how organizations adapt and redefine themselves in response to market changes, competition, and internal growth.

What stood out the most was how Moore details different types of innovation—ranging from product leadership to operational excellence—and how companies must shift their focus depending on where they are in their evolutionary journey. I found it fascinating to think about how different strategies work best at different times, and how understanding this cycle is key to long-term success. His perspective on not just surviving disruption, but leveraging it, opened my eyes to how crucial timing and adaptability are.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dealing with Darwin because it challenged my preconceived notions of innovation. Moore’s ability to blend practical advice with deeper strategic thinking made the book feel both modern and insightful. It wasn’t just about having a good idea, but about knowing how to evolve and stay competitive in a world that never stops changing. Overall, it was a surprisingly engaging and thought-provoking read that left me with a fresh perspective on how businesses can continuously innovate at every stage of their growth.