Break the Rules, Make the Rules: When Defiant Companies Reshape Markets

Join us for a roundtable discussion with Alessandro Piazza, Professor of Strategic Management, and his fresh perspective on why some companies successfully break the rules while others face ruin. From Uber's calculated defiance of taxi regulations to the UFC's transformation from banned bloodsport to billion-dollar industry, organizational rule-breaking has become a fascinating strategic phenomenon. Professor Piazza explores how companies navigate the treacherous path between innovation and violation, examining when and why some rule-breakers manage to reshape entire industries while others, like Napster, disappear. His work unpacks the complex dynamics between deviant companies and those who police them - revealing how strategic engagement with regulators can sometimes transform today's violations into tomorrow's industry standards. In turn, this timely exploration offers valuable insights for executives facing regulatory uncertainty and entrepreneurs seeking to understand the high-stakes game of market disruption.

This event is open to all Rice Business students, alumni, Rice Business Partner members, and the Houston business community. The registration will close at 5 p.m. CT on October 13, 2025.