50 Years in the Making!

Is your life half full or half empty.

I don’t normally do special editions (that’s what makes them special), but today is an exception because it’s my birthday! Time to celebrate another year around the BBoG (Big Ball of Gas, a term equally fitting for both the sun and myself).

So, this is a moment to reflect on the last 50 years and the next 50 to come. My life so far has been exceptionally full and continues to overflow with the kindness of others and the incredible experiences I am privileged to share with them.

I’ve received many wonderful birthday wishes today, and my heart—like my life—feels very full. Yet, I know there is much more ahead, so it looks like I’m going to need a bigger glass!

Here are just a few quick reflections on 50 years from my perspective...

Is change happening faster today than it ever has?

As I work on writing my book about how change happens (based largely on the class I teach at the University of Houston), I’m struck by how many people view the present as an era of unprecedented change. We often hear terms like "VUCA world" (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous), describing rapid shifts and unpredictability. But I always remind my students (and anyone sitting next to me at the local watering hole who asks about the future) that this isn’t entirely new. Many of the "sudden" changes we’re witnessing have been in the works for quite some time—they're just now gaining momentum (climate change, AI, etc.).

However, I often point out that this period pales in comparison to the upheaval brought about during and immediately after World War II. I’d argue with anyone that the 1940s were the most transformative decade the world has ever experienced, especially within such a short span of time. Every sector, every country, and every culture was thrust into rapid internal and external change. Technological innovation reached extreme levels, culminating in a device of mass destruction that still haunts us today. Refugees, migration, economics, gender gaps, transportation, politics, multilateralism—all of these areas were undergoing profound shifts.

Change happens, and it will continue to happen.

Love is the Answer

Yes, many of my insights come from music (thanks John Lennon ). I’ve come to realize that when I get upset, approaching the situation from a place of empathy usually helps me calm down. I may still feel frustrated or impatient, but I’m no longer angry. I also understand that I won’t communicate perfectly with every single person—and that’s OK.

The first thing I try to do in any situation is remove as much entitlement as possible. This helps me keep my own perspectives in check and allows for greater collaboration. It also reduces friction and prevents the "too many cooks" problem.

This only works when it comes from a place of love.

Lead with your heart, examine with your mind, and check with your gut.

The Show Must Go On

• Uncomfortably Numb: Pink Floyd Pink Floyd has long been my favorite band, and one of my most memorable experiences was scoring secondhand tickets (which I thought were nosebleeds) that turned out to be 2nd-row center seats. What a show. So, it was no surprise to me when David Gilmour recently demonstrated how a true professional handles an unexpected situation —breaking a guitar strap during "Comfortably Numb"—and continued to play flawlessly. He expertly swapped out guitars right before launching into an incredible solo, all while smiling through the mishap. His smile when the unexpected happened live on stage was priceless. He initially tried to fix it and failed, but the way he handled the situation was one of the best examples of dealing with unexpected change I’ve ever seen.
• Unimaginable Dragons: While I’m not necessarily a fan of the band Imagine Dragons, I attended their concert with my family last month at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington. The band was significantly late to the stage, with the opening act stalling for time. When they finally appeared, they announced that they had nearly canceled the show due to a serious malfunction on their plane, which forced them to make an emergency landing. It was evident throughout the night that the incident had deeply shaken them, as they paused to discuss it several times. I’ve had my share of near misses, and I know what that feels like—it can give you a much-needed boost of appreciation for life.
• The Only Way to Win is Not to Play: Must the show always go on? I recently read an older article about Chess Grandmaster Anna Muzychuk, who refused to compete in Saudi Arabia in 2017 , costing her two titles. She stated, "I refuse to play by special rules, to wear an abaya, to be accompanied by a man so I can leave the hotel, so I don’t feel like a second-class person. I will follow my principles and not compete in the World Fast Chess and Blitz Championship, where in just five days, I could have won more money than in dozens of other tournaments combined." Sometimes, the boldness of not participating is more important than the competition itself. I’ve had to make similar decisions a couple of times, even walking out based on principles and values. These were some of the hardest choices I’ve ever had to make. I don’t look back on them fondly, but I know they were the right thing to do.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPDATE: One of the most anticipated futures event this year is the Dubai Future Forum in November. I will be there! Are you going? Let me know!

Jobs and the Like

One job stands out this issue - a futures fellowship at UNDP - with multiple positions available! Not only would you work on the same team as yours truly, but you would also get to work with more amazing folks on issues that have a real global impact. This is a remote opportunity. Check it out! Note: What you see in the post is what I know and I cannot give any other insight outside of what is published as that could be an unfair advantage.

THE FINAL WORD

Want More?

Great! Please subscribe and stay tuned. I am always on the look out for interesting topics, recommendations, events, and discussions. Reach out to me if you want to be part of the conversation. You can also read my blog on Medium and contact me on LinkedIn or my website . Meanwhile, keep creating better futures!

Cheers!