Innovation is a non-negotiable component for future success.

Through 2020, many companies have rushed to build digital-first business models to overcome pandemic-induced disruptions to traditional business, and to address irreversible shifts in customer behaviour.

For centuries, building businesses was a largely methodical and proven path — we iterated on the lessons of the past to build the future, with innovation off to the side in most cases (with some notable exceptions).

This year we've experienced decades of technological and behavioural evolution in a matter of months — and innovation has become a requirement. A non-negotiable component for future success.

But moving fast comes with peril — especially when we do so into the unknown.

Balancing the undeniable need for progress with the need for structure and predictability will become the dichotomy that defines the next generation of business leaders.