Embracing an Open Mindset of Curiosity and Possibility

Welcome to Mindshift, the RGP newsletter that connects you with the most visionary voices in business. Each month we highlight a unique futurist who challenges us to think differently and drive innovation in a rapidly changing world.

A Conversation with Futurist Brian Solis

Brian Solis is a world-renowned digital anthropologist and futurist who serves as the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. In his role, Brian advises business and technology leaders around the world on business and digital innovation and transformation strategies. Brian is also an award-winning author and global keynote speaker. His latest book, Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future, was published in October 2024.

Brian, before we dive in, can you explain why you named your new book Mindshift? It feels like kismet, as that is also the name of this newsletter.

Though just launched, my book is years in the making.

A mindshift is about adopting a mindset that doesn’t just react to disruption but actually anticipates it, harnesses it, and sees around corners.

The mindshift moment is like a "Ctrl + Alt + Delete" opportunity — a chance to reboot one’s mindset and take intentional steps toward reinvention ... an intellectual and creative upgrade. It’s a decision to break free from legacy thinking, embrace curiosity, and open the door to new possibilities. Ultimately, a mindshift is what enables leaders to navigate ambiguity, inspire teams, and drive innovation in a rapidly changing world.

What is your vision of the “waves of new capabilities, products, ecosystems, and behaviors” that you predict will be coming in the next five years?

The next five years will continue to bring seismic shifts in technology, creating opportunities that stretch beyond our imagination. Ongoing AI evolution, spatial and ambient computing, quantum technology, and blockchain will converge to redefine industries and human experiences.

For CEOs and technology and business leaders, the challenge is to embrace an open mindset of curiosity and possibility. Instead of fearing disruption or responding to disruption with the business-as-usual playbook, they must see themselves as architects of a future that is not yet written. If not them, then who?

Why is storytelling becoming so much more important for leaders in this time of dramatic transformation?

Storytelling is the most powerful tool leaders have to humanize change management and transformation.

Disney would say that a good story is believable, that people can see themselves in it.

Leaders must master the art of painting vivid pictures of the future, a future motivating state, backed by concrete actions that bring those visions to life. More importantly, leaders must paint an aspirational vision that people want to be part of, to inspire new behaviors, and establish new norms. A great story turns transformation into a shared journey, inspiring employees and stakeholders to join in.

Read our full interview with Brian Solis ?

RGP Transformation Barometer Q1 2025

Digital Transformation / AI Takes Center Stage in 2025

• 20% of companies are spending $20 million or more on digital transformation efforts
• 42% of companies are investing $10 million or more on cloud ERP

The findings are based on a poll of more than 200 U.S. full-time professionals conducted January 2-9, 2025. The poll consisted of respondents at the director level or above who influence finance decision-making at organizations with $500 million or more in annual revenue.

Read the findings ?

The Transformative Power of Women in Leadership

Research consistently shows that women leaders bring unique strengths to the table, including enhanced creativity, empathy, and collaborative skills. These attributes are vital for bold decision-making and cultivating new ideas in today’s complex business environment.

Read more in Forbes ?

Driving Office Attendance Without an RTO Mandate

The years long return-to-office battle has seen corporate leaders use layoffs and productivity-tracking software as a pretext for accountability against fears that remote employees are hanging out in their pajamas doing nothing.

Read more in Newsweek ?

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Drops to Seven Month Low

U.S. consumers are worried tariffs will bring the return of inflation.

Read more in Bloomberg Intelligence ?

The Pipeline of Young Talent Is Drying Up. Here’s How Employers Can Prepare

This year’s high school senior class is the last before the declining birthrate in the United States starts to affect our labor force, the most obvious indicators likely showing up through a shortage of interns and new graduate hires.

Read more in Inc. ?

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