Embracing Change: The New Era of Innovation

In the past, the phrase "business as usual" was synonymous with success. But today, that concept is dead or dying. In our rapidly evolving world, where everything is connected and excellence is the norm, "good enough" is no longer acceptable. The only space left to innovate is within ourselves.

The Tornado of Change

We find ourselves at the center of a raging tornado of change, fueled by digitization, mobilization, augmentation, disintermediation, and automation. What once was considered science fiction is now becoming science fact. Self-driving cars and computers that can learn and think are no longer figments of our imagination. The way we work and the skills we need are transforming at an unprecedented pace.

Winning and Losing in the Age of Disruption

The stakes are higher, and the game is faster. Winning or losing now happens more quickly than ever before. So, how will you respond? How will you discover new opportunities in one of the most transformational times in human history? Are you driving change, or are you being driven by it? Disruption has become the new normal, and exponential change is the order of the day.

The Intelligent World

Everything that used to be dumb and disconnected is now wired and intelligent. Cars, cities, ports, farms, and even our bodies are equipped with sensors and communicate with each other. These game-changers are combinatorial, amplifying each other and creating a perfect storm of change. Quantum computing fuels Big Data, the Internet-of-things fuels artificial intelligence and deep learning, which in turn fuels robotics.

The Value of Human Traits

However, anything that cannot be digitized or automated will become extremely valuable. Human-only traits such as creativity, imagination, intuition, emotion, and ethics will be even more important in the future. Machines may simulate, but they cannot be. Robots and software will do some of our work, but this will allow us to focus on things that cannot be automated.

Imagining Change Squared

To truly embrace change, we must engage with what might be, not just with what is. We must immerse ourselves in the immediate future, five to seven years out from today. We need to go beyond technology and data to reach human insights and wisdom. Technology represents the how of change, but humans represent the why. The future is about holistic business models, complete transformations, and new ecosystems.

Humanity and the Future

Humanity is where true and lasting value is created. We will engage with and buy things because of the experiences they provide and their transformative power. The future doesn't just happen – the future gets happened! The new way to work is to embrace technology but not become it. The future is in technology, yet the bigger future lies in transcending it.

Conclusion

Let's live and lead from here. Let's embrace the change that is reshaping our world and our lives. The future is bright, filled with opportunities and innovations. It's a time to be optimistic, to be creative, and to be human. The future is ours to shape, and the power of change is in our hands.