Thermogenesis
The production of heat by metabolic processes. Endotherms use thermogenesis to maintain body temperature; various forms include shivering, brown fat activation, and hormonal metabolism increases.
Biological Context
Shivering thermogenesis generates heat through involuntary muscle contractions—fast but exhausting. Non-shivering thermogenesis (brown fat, hormonal) is more sustainable. Newborn humans have brown fat for thermogenesis since they can't shiver effectively. Social thermogenesis occurs when animals cluster for warmth.
Business Application
Startup thermogenesis: generating organizational 'heat' (activity, output, growth) during crises. Airbnb demonstrated this in 2008—activating 'brown fat' (creative funding via cereal boxes), increasing metabolic rate (100-hour work weeks), pivoting rapidly. Some thermogenesis is sustainable; some burns out quickly.