The Reflection Rule

I recently stood on two different stages representing the interests and lives of others living extraordinary lives across several continents. In one sense, I was a voice, and in another, I represented their respective lives through a research seminar and subsequent gala in Stockholm, Sweden.

The two events posed different challenges - on the one hand, I was the opening keynote speaker, narratively connecting a world of natural resource opulence with remote regions across Tanzania. The gala and auction, on the other hand, provided me with the gavel of stewardship, maintaining a keen and distinct focus on WaterAid Sverige 's Resilience Project with the Operak?llaren Foundation understanding that a delicate but commanding voice was necessary to marry vision with purpose for the sake of others.

Reflection is a crucial part of my work. It's not just something I do after the fact or as an afterthought. It's a key component of the entire process, from planning to execution, and it allows me to ensure that every project, production, and overarching objective is met with the best intentions.

Before I took the stage to host the gala, I took a moment to reflect on the evening's purpose. I thought about our trip to Tanzania, the faces and voices of the people we met, and our shared vision for a better tomorrow. I also considered the audience, who may be removed from the daily struggles in East Africa but who are present to contribute to a better tomorrow.

The evening was a wonderful success for all involved and a memory I'll reflect on through countless stories moving forward.

The next time you or your colleagues consider storytelling to counter negative news, highlight a new path or announce a breakthrough, remember the foundational principle of storytelling: painting on a canvas for tomorrow requires brushes soaked in yesterday.

Reflection grounds our stories in the development phase and elevates them into the hands of our audience during the 'telling' phase.

Reflecting On A Future Rx For Planet Earth

I was recently included as a noted 'Voice' in the book "Voices of the Future," published in Dubai by Tariq Qureishy . The book is a collection of 100 innovators from all aspects of life.

One such voice stands alone as a generational mind unafraid of the unknown - Professor Henrik von Scheel, who is considered the originator of the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution' humored me with an in-depth interview reflecting on the roots of his curiosity, the notion of labels and the prospect of an untangled world.

The following is a brief article to accompany our podcast interview.

Henrik von Scheel: The Godfather Of The 4th Industrial Revolution On Life, Love, And Solitude

The left hand slides across the screen, revealing a wry smile as smoke from a half-enjoyed cigar crosses stage left through the theater of Zoom. A man of great distinction known to have a keen eye for pattern recognition welcomed this storyteller as if the sage had just walked off the stage - an equal as a person and a professional primed to unfurl stories and lessons from a life, thus far, well-lived.

Henrik von Scheel is a name synonymous with foresight and innovation. As the originator of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, von Scheel's insights have shaped the business world and the future of entire nations. His work extends across 24 national economies, influencing GDP growth and the strategies of 23% of the Fortune 500 companies. Yet, his journey to becoming the "godfather of the 4th industrial revolution" was far from straightforward.

Henrik von Scheel's early life was marked by challenges, including being born with double deficit dyslexia and a stutter. Despite these obstacles, he persevered. "Dyslexia is... when you see the norm of people... and then you have dyslexia," von Scheel explains. "You want to say day, but the brain turns around and says night."

This condition placed him in a special school for children with disabilities, a time he recalls as particularly difficult. However, a dedicated German teacher recognized von Scheel's unique ability to identify patterns—a skill that would become his greatest strength.

"The core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is the human being."

Von Scheel's academic journey led him to study strategy, focusing on "patternicity"—the study of repeatable patterns in best practices and industry standards. His work in this field has been transformative, influencing global digital strategies and shaping the digital agenda adopted by the European Commission in 2010.

"The core of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is the human being," von Scheel asserts, emphasizing the unparalleled human capacity for adaptation and innovation.

Looking towards the future, von Scheel speaks of the "77 megatrends" that will redefine how we live and work by 2050. He envisions a world where our digital, physical, and biological identities converge, heralding a new era of the "bio revolution."

This revolution will see our biological data integrated into our daily lives, fundamentally altering how we interact with technology and manage our health. His vision for the future is one of hope and possibility.

Despite the rapid pace of change, von Scheel remains optimistic. "We have come the last 100 years further than we have ever come in human history," he notes, highlighting the incredible advancements in medicine, social equality, and technology. Yet, he acknowledges the societal challenges accompanying these changes, particularly in education and regulating emerging technologies like AI.

Henrik von Scheel's vision extends beyond industry and technology. He advocates rethinking education to prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities of the bio revolution.

"I think we should change the education system," he states, criticizing current research for being too concerned with public perception and disconnected from practical skills like project management and engineering.

A profound belief in human potential and resilience is at the heart of von Scheel's philosophy. "Everybody is designed uniquely," he says, encouraging individuals to develop their skills and find their path.

As we navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, von Scheel's insights offer a roadmap for harnessing technology while preserving humanity's essence.

His journey of overcoming personal challenges to lead global innovation is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Von Scheel revealed the illuminating role cigars play in his creative and strategic thinking during several uniquely delivered courses of story.

Winston Churchill narrated a nation through World War II ensconced in cigar smoke.

Von Scheel, a man of his own remarkable standing, sees through the smoke of his own version of nation-building, reflecting on past lessons to chart tomorrow's realities.

I'm happy to share that last week's first episode of Stories in the Room was a great success! I am paired with the incomparable Mirjana Novkovic as we Look At the Speaking Industry from the Inside Out!

Our LinkedIn Audio Live series pulls back the curtain on the people who drive the speaking industry, giving exclusive access to the masterminds behind the podium. From influential bureau agents to savvy speaker managers and world-class speakers who are reshaping our world – we bring you face-to-face with the industry's elite.

Discover how to HARNESS THE POWER OF VOICE in this rapidly evolving landscape. Whether you're an aspiring speaker, an event planner, a leader tasked with curating your next conference, or simply curious about this fascinating industry, this is your backstage pass to invaluable insights and game-changing strategies.

Last week we were joined by industry legend and all-around good guy Brian Palmer, CMM of Premiere Speakers Bureau Brian is one of the most respected Agents in the business and his insights are invaluable.

Join us on October 2nd as we peel back the Stories In The Room with another fascinating leader!

If you have thought about re-upping your organization's story 'game,' let's chat!