Lang Lang is one of the world’s leading pianists, recognized both within the classical music world and as a global cultural figure with mass appeal. This case traces his career from prodigy to global phenomenon and examines the strategic choices that set him apart in an intensely competitive field.
Lang Lang eliminated and reduced certain conventional factors of competition within the classical music industry, while raising his investment in others and even creating new factors of competition that few had previously explored. These actions enabled him to seize fleeting opportunities and fully harness and leverage his musical talent to achieve greater success.
Lang Lang’s experience showcases the application of blue ocean strategy at the individual level, illustrating how blue ocean strategy frameworks and tools can help individuals unlock new possibilities and drive personal, professional, and even social growth.
This case is intended for use in both MBA and executive classrooms with the following teaching objectives:
1.To explore the key factors and strategic logic behind Lang Lang’s career success.
2.To examine how Lang Lang’s key strategic decisions shaped his distinctive and high-impact career path.
3.To analyze Lang Lang’s four actions (Eliminate-Reduce-Raise-Create) and learn how to apply the frameworks and tools of blue ocean strategy at the individual level.
4.To appreciate how blue ocean strategic thinking can empower individuals to break away from the competition and achieve distinctive professional and personal growth.
- career planning
- career growth
- strategic innovation
- classical music
- blue ocean strategy
- Q12026
