Most of what we have discussed thus far is tangible – Corporate Explorers fulfilling a strategic ambition using innovation disciplines operating with an ambidextrous organization. However, the intangible factor of leadership is at least as significant to explain why some Corporate Explorers succeed and others do not.

In this section, we will examine leadership from two directions – the senior team and the Corporate Explorer (see Figure IV.1). First, we will look at the silent killers within the core business system that unintentionally undermine the efforts of the Corporate Explorers to build new ventures. We then look at how Corporate Explorers can be as adept at change as they are at innovation – managing a double helix. Finally, we look at the question of a CEO and senior team's readiness to act, and what a Corporate Explorer can do to improve the odds of getting their support.