I'm always skeptical about this argument because it can be seen either way, if the old world companies stuck to their vision/mission they might just be disrupted by new/alternate business models/technology and if they try to experiment (Ex: Google) it can be seen as not having a clear vision. There are very few companies that can sustain through 50 yr cycles but even having a clear vision may not help a company succeed if someone else renders their business useless.

Mission/Vision should evolve and sometimes it might be considered luck and sometimes foresight.

Ex: Nokia: Pulp Mill -> Rubber/Tires -> Cables/Electronics -> Phones