As the fortune reads, “may you live in interesting times.” It’s both a blessing and a curse as interesting implies not only arousing curiosity or catching one’s attention, but also presenting challenging and enthralling opportunities and experiences. Well, we do live in interesting times and every day, I’m studying and living through new experiences and trends to learn, unlearn and grow. But interesting times doesn’t quite describe what’s happening today nor does it properly set expectations for what’s to come. We are wading in and headed toward deeply disruptive times…in every facet of our lives.

The truth is that there are things happening now and will in the future that are beyond our control. And, there are also things happening that we must aim to control.

What you do and what you’ve done, what you’ve learned and experienced and what you can and need to accomplish now and in the future are not necessarily connected. These interesting and disruptive times are so profound now because they will challenge everyone to question their beliefs and conventions, their standards for success and happiness and their goals and aspirations for the future.

It’s a touchy subject. It’s uncomfortable. It’s scary even. But, it’s also inevitable. The truth is that the sooner we embrace disruption, the sooner we can become a disruptor rather than join the disrupted. ✌️

Disruption happens to us or because of us. The key, and it often feels counterintuitive, is to put yourself in the center of disruption rather than attempt to insulate yourself from it. It’s the difference between future proof and future shock. Said another way, it’s the difference between affecting change rather than solely being affected by it.

It’s a choice.

None of this is your fault. We were raised in a different time based on heritage and associated disciplines, routines and ideals that had shaped the generations of yesterday not the generations with a grasp of and skills for tomorrow. Many of us aren’t ready for what lies ahead. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be. We just need to first stop pretending disruption, on so many fronts, isn’t already happening. Instead, we have to start taking action. That begins with you and believing that you play a role in shaping your future, the future of those around you and the future at large. No matter how small the first steps, you’re at least moving away from the comfort zone that is holding you back.

If you’re waiting for someone to tell you what to do or to save you, you are on the wrong side of innovation.

Obsolescence is not an option. You deserve to explore possibilities. You deserve to be part of the solution.

The purest and most promising innovation starts from within.

Here’s a hint to help you get started…

How to Break Into Disruptive Technology

Andrea Koppel is on a mission to help students, budding entrepreneurs, startup founders and anyone thinking about embracing change. I recently spent time with her to share a behind-the-scenes view into my life and how I challenge myself to compete for the future…today. I hope this helps you!

Brian Solis is a Digital Analyst and Digital Anthropologist at the Altimeter Group and left college before graduating so that he could pursue his passion. He had always been interested in technological advancements and their influence over both businesses and individuals, so he decided to combine them into one job description.  He studies the trajectory of disruptive technologies and evaluates how they will affect humans and their businesses.

Brian has also written numerous books on the subject– most recently X: The Experience When Business Meets Design— as he hopes to spread the word to the public about the future of tech.  This short interview (the longer interview w/ Brian about his job and career is episode #29) with Brian will give you all the quick tips you need to get a jump start on a career in the disruptive tech field. Brian has many job titles as well as specialties in the tech industry, which we dive into in the main interview with him, so stick around if you’re interested.

Right now, though, he just wants to help you get on a path to success in the ever evolving and intricate world of technology. Want to know how you can have the chance to work with AI and robots later in your career? Well, press Play now so you can get a start in the tech industry that may involve a lot of amazing changes very soon.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:

• What a futurist is and the role the ideology plays in technology
• Why getting an entry-level job in the tech industry isn’t as hard as you think it is
• Why you really need to hone your critical analysis skills and being self-aware
• Why what you major in (if it’s not tech related) won’t prevent you from getting hired in the tech industry
• What the best and worst thing is about the tech industry and why it is the same thing
• What is some simple and helpful advice to be successful in the tech industry or really any industry

If you want to learn more about Brian’s current job and his career listen to T4C episode #29

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Brian Solis

Brian Solis is principal analyst and futurist at Altimeter, the digital analyst group at Prophet, Brian is world renowned keynote speaker and 7x best-selling author. His latest book, X: Where Business Meets Design, explores the future of brand and customer engagement through experience design.

Please, invite him to speak at your event or bring him in to inspire colleagues and fellow executives/boards.

Connect with Brian!

Twitter: @briansolis
Facebook: TheBrianSolis
LinkedIn: BrianSolis
Instagram: BrianSolis
Youtube: BrianSolisTV
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