At its peak, Blockbuster operated more than 9,000 stores worldwide and generated billions in annual revenue. Its retail model dominated the home video rental industry, with physical locations, immediate availability, and late-fee revenue forming the foundation of its business. Around the same time, Netflix introduced a DVD-by-mail subscription model that initially appeared limited compared to Blockbuster's extensive retail presence. Although Blockbuster eventually launched its own online service, it struggled to shift away from the business model that had made it successful. As consumer preferences evolved toward convenience and digital delivery, Blockbuster's existing strengths became increasingly difficult to separate from its future strategy. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2010.

At its peak, BlackBerry dominated the smartphone market. Its devices were trusted by governments, executives, and organizations around the world for their security, reliability, and physical keyboard experience. When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007 and the smartphone market began shifting toward touchscreens, software ecosystems, and consumer-focused experiences, BlackBerry continued investing heavily in the strengths that had originally made it successful. Over time, market share declined as competitors adapted more quickly to changing customer expectations and technological trends.

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines experienced one of the most significant operational failures in its history. A severe winter storm disrupted air travel across the United States, yet while many airlines recovered within days, Southwest's recovery continued to deteriorate. Thousands of flights were canceled, crews could not be matched with available aircraft, baggage became separated from passengers, and customer service systems were overwhelmed. The storm exposed vulnerabilities that had been developing long before the weather arrived.