The Inertia of Ego: A Threat to Adaptability in the Age of Technological Acceleration

In his essay Situational Awareness, Leopold Ashenbrenner, Head of Alignment at OpenAI, predicts that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) may emerge within 4-5 years. Whether AGI arrives within this timeframe or not, Ashenbrenner’s argument underscores a far more significant reality: we are on the brink of transformative technological shifts. These changes, rather than the precise timing of AGI, will drastically impact industries and reshape how businesses operate. Yet, the real challenge isn’t the inevitability of this technological hyper-shift—it’s the human resistance to the? change it will bring.

Ego and the comfort of familiarity anchor us in old ways. This inertia, paired with fear of the unknown, slows adaptation. Uncertainty is a fact of life, yet many cling to past successes, protecting reputations and identities, rather than embracing the shifts needed to manage the path ahead.

Progress Happens One Funeral at a Time

Max Planck’s postulation—“a new truth triumphs not by convincing opponents, but because its opponents die”—rings true for many businesses today.

Can we afford to wait for each leadership change when technology is evolving at breakneck speed? Clinging to outdated perspectives, driven by ego or fear of the unknown, risks firms missing critical pivot points and becoming obsolete. Darwin’s insight is clear: “It is not the strongest or smartest that survive, but those most adaptable to change.”

The Danger of Technological Denial

Ashenbrenner’s predictions highlight the urgency. AI and machine intelligence aren’t on the horizon—they’re already transforming businesses. Companies stuck in outdated models, unable or unwilling to pivot quickly, will not just fall behind—they’ll vanish. The rapid iteration of tools and workflows demands adaptability at every level of the organisation.

A New Leadership Paradigm

Adaptability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Leaders must cultivate humility, embrace uncertainty, and seek diverse perspectives. The future belongs to those who admit they don’t have all the answers and bring the right capabilities into their counsel. The ability to question, recalibrate, and welcome the unknown will be the mark of the leaders that have a growth mindset and see each challenge as a learning opportunity.

Ego and fear can threaten survival in rapidly evolving and unfamiliar?conditions, where as? humility and adaptability can chart the course to relevance in this age of technological acceleration.

3 Action Points for Management Teams in this Age of Technological Acceleration

Ensure Situational Awareness

Stay informed about how technological advancements are reshaping all aspects of your market, from customers, competitors to distribution networks and key stakeholders. Understand where disruptions are happening and proactively adjust strategies to maintain relevance in this evolving landscape. Keep this view current through an annual and structured planning process.

Invest in Best-in-Class Solutions

To ensure adaptability and long-term success, when making system and or process changes. Avoid compromising on quality—buy up to the specifications that will future-proof your business, enabling resilience and longevity.

Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

Encourage and support lifelong learning across your organisation. With the pace of technological innovation, ongoing education is essential to keep your team at the forefront of industry developments and maintain your competitive edge.