BlackBerry CEO John Chen discusses the company's successful pivot from smartphone manufacturing to enterprise security and embedded technology, especially for connected cars. Learn how BlackBerry leveraged its core strengths to find new market relevance and Chen's insights on niche markets for secure devices and the regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles.
Key takeaways
BlackBerry's business model transformation from hardware to enterprise software and embedded systems for IoT, particularly in the automotive sector, showcases a successful pivot strategy for legacy tech companies.
There's an untapped niche market for ultra-secure mobile devices with features like physical keyboards, catering to professionals and government workers who prioritize security over mainstream smartphone trends.
Governments need balanced regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles that foster innovation while ensuring public safety and trust.
Leadership commitment is crucial during business model transformations, as demonstrated by John Chen's long-term tenure and strategic vision for BlackBerry's future.
BlackBerry CEO John Chen talks with Recode’s Kara Swisher about how the once-pioneering mobile phone company has happily pivoted into a new business model, focusing on enterprise security and embedded technology for connected cars. Chen says “somebody should make” a new version of the BlackBerry Bold 9900, explaining that there’s still a sizable audience of professionals and government workers who want their phones to be ultra secure. He also discusses why he took the CEO job in 2013, why he just committed to another five years and how governments should direct their regulation of self-driving cars.
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What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
BlackBerry's business model transformation from hardware to enterprise software and embedded systems for IoT, particularly in the automotive sector, showcases a successful pivot strategy for legacy tech companies.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
There's an untapped niche market for ultra-secure mobile devices with features like physical keyboards, catering to professionals and government workers who prioritize security over mainstream smartphone trends.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Governments need balanced regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles that foster innovation while ensuring public safety and trust.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Leadership commitment is crucial during business model transformations, as demonstrated by John Chen's long-term tenure and strategic vision for BlackBerry's future.
