E13: Navigating uncertainty & value creation.

This episode discusses the theme of navigating change and creating value. I would like to call John Sanei as a guru of change, and the conversation went into the importance of optimism in times of uncertainty. John expresses his mission to bring more optimism to decision-makers, highlighting optimism as a superpower people often underestimate.

John Sanei shared the societal addiction to certainty and how it affects individuals' ability to be optimistic in the face of uncertainty. He emphasizes the need to develop the skill of optimism, especially during times of change, as it reflects an Explorer archetype characterized by courage and hope.

On the personal side, John shared his journey, stating that he initially led a life addicted to certainty but faced a crisis at the age of 31 when he went bankrupt. This experience led him to reevaluate his approach to life, and he discovered the real superpower of adaptability.

He encourages individuals to shift their focus from comparing themselves to others and measuring success based on their own criteria.

Then, the conversation went into the broader context of the change in society.

John discusses the cyclical nature of change, drawing parallels to historical cycles and the current period of uncertainty. He mentions the concept of the "fourth turning," where every 80 years, humanity goes through a cycle of social unrest, political divide, financial collapse, and war. According to John, we are currently in the crisis aspect of this cycle, with an expected end around 2028-2030.

John advises individuals to understand and accept their place in the current change cycle. He stresses the importance of unhooking from the addiction to certainty and managing expectations. John believes adaptability is crucial in navigating change, as the future is more about how individuals react to what is coming rather than predicting what will come.

The discussion shifts from individuals to companies and how they can navigate uncertainty on a larger scale. The conversation starts by highlighting companies' challenges in the current dynamic and rapidly changing market. John shared that even the world's largest businesses have made decisions that fell short. Many examples of how AI , machine learning and data science disrupting big giants' business.

John notes that the smartest people in the world, with significant legacies in their industries, often struggle to see new opportunities due to their ingrained mindset and educational background.

John argues that today's leaders are excellent at economies of scale and addicted to quarterly profits, which hinders their ability to foresee and seize new opportunities.

John highlights that traditional leaders are so deeply entrenched in their profit-driven mentality and may overlook emerging trends and disruptors. The conversation urges companies to break free from the addiction to traditional profit-driven models and embrace a new level of awareness. It highlights the importance of adaptability and openness to change, urging leaders to reconsider their approaches in the face of uncertainty. The examples provided underscore the idea that embracing new technologies and innovative business models is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of the business world.

They're so addicted to profit and quarterly profits that they don't even know that they're so addicted to it it's so intertwined into their heads they're so programmed for it that they can't even think adaptably. John Said

At the end of the conversation, we agreed that with the rise of AI, specific jobs and industries will inevitably disappear. Still, new opportunities and jobs will also emerge. The example of cyber cafes in the late 1990s illustrates the concept of businesses disappearing while new ones arise.

The discussion explores the idea that AI will lead to the disappearance of certain jobs and industries. However, it also suggests that AI has the potential to create new opportunities and industries that may still need to be fully understood or predicted at present. John stresses the importance of adapting and staying ahead of these changes, urging business leaders and executives to embrace a mindset that focuses on building new capabilities and exploring AI's possibilities.

John highlights that more than traditional R&D and innovation teams within organizations may be required to fully grasp and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI.

Banking is never disrupted by Bankers you know NASA wasn't disrupted by a space guy Elon Musk not a space guy you know Mercedes-Benz wasn't like Tesla didn't arrive from a car guy he's not a car guy is it he's a different guy and so you have to ask yourself like how much are you actually thinking about tomorrow and you think that your R&D plans are going to make it. John Said

so we need for "tomorrow teams." composed of individuals with diverse skill sets, including data science and gaming, who can think outside the traditional industry mindset and develop disruptive ideas.

How that sounds it sounds like you're a petulant teenage boy who doesn't no I'm I'm not thinking about tomorrow I only want to think about today and it's unfortunate that the whole system is built for an old life an old world this this old system doesn't work. John Said

John discusses how various professions, from strategists to writers to speakers, are susceptible to disruption by AI. The analogy of AI being as accessible as electricity in the future conveys the idea that AI will become an integral part of our lives.

We need a positive and proactive approach to engaging with AI, advocating for acceptance and adaptability. The importance of unlearning old patterns and embracing new ways of thinking is emphasized, with the speaker sharing personal experiences of exploring different businesses and experimenting with new ideas.

The concept of a "tomorrow team" is introduced, suggesting the need for individuals and organizations to build teams with diverse skill sets to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and AI.

In the end, John shared a note to reflect on the Gen Z generation, acknowledging their unique characteristics and the need for older generations to learn from them rather than impose their own ways. He expresses admiration for Gen Z's desire for uniqueness and individuality, citing examples of successful individuals from the generation who have created a significant impact in the digital space.

Overall, the discussion promotes a mindset of openness, adaptability, and continuous learning in the face of technological advancements, highlighting the importance of embracing change rather than fearing it.