When I’m not immersed in reverse-engineering (or trying to make sense of) the “future of” industries, I focus on the future of us. I seek-out unique partnerships to spotlight the important work of companies investing in the betterment, sustainability and well-being of our lives. During #ClimateWeek, I had the privilege of participating in a special #EnelFocusOn panel with Enel Group CEO Francesco Starace and Rachel Kyte, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All. The conversation took place…
11 Trends To Help Brands Compete Against Digital Darwinism
My friend Alison DeNisco Rayome is Senior Editor at TechRepublic. We recently talked about how progressive retailers are leading digital transformation. I wanted to share our conversation with you here as I feel the ideas (and links) can help any organization thrive in an era of digital Darwinism! TechRepublic: Generally speaking, where would you say most companies stand in terms of digital transformation efforts right now? Brian Solis: I’m recently published the 2018-2019 State of Digital Transformationand its surprising how…
The Future of Business is Under Construction and You are Its Architect
WTF? What’s the future…? Disruptive technologies are hailed as catalysts for business transformation. But they are merely enablers for defining a new genre of market relevance and leadership. Among the subjects of disruption, how we work, market, sell, and serve requires nothing less than remodeling and in many cases, complete redesign. The reality is that the future of business is always under construction. Yet, the state of business as usual is still pervasive and very much rooted in the past….
In the Future of Work, Technology is Both a Problem and Solution
As a digital analyst and anthropologist, I’ve studied over the last 20 years, the evolution of disruptive technology and its effect on business philosophies and models. At the same time, I’ve also studied disruptive technology’s impact on society and human behavior. If I had to share just one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s that markets are splintering into two notable camps: 1) traditional and 2) hyper-connected aka Generation-C (connected). While this may at first glance seem either obvious…
This is the Ultimate Catalyst for Change…is You
Sometimes I just have to pinch myself. I was invited to speak at a Bayer innovation event in Germany to the executives responsible for leading digital transformation. As I was sharing my work and observations, I noticed a different kind of graphic recorder was present. Rather than illustrating the conversation in real-time, the talk was presented as an actual digitally printed banner moments after the key segments of the talk. Here is a visual summary… This is the ultimate catalyst…
The Generation Gap is Getting Old – Why Older Generations Should Build Bridges to Millennials and Centennials not Roadblocks
It’s said that there are two things certain in life…death and taxes. We can also add the certainty that a great divide will always exists in each generational shift. The “generation gap” as it’s formally called, represents the difference of opinion between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics or values. Depending on the situation or circumstance, this gap can foster debate, ignorance and even contention, often pitting younger people against their parents, grandparents, teachers, managers and fellow citizens. But,…
Attention Students and Entrepreneurs: Here’s Why The Social Sciences are More Important Than Ever
Somewhere between Summer and Fall, I spent an unforgettable moment with Andrea Koppel. The good news is that we recorded our conversation. If the surname sounds familiar, it’s because Andrea is the daughter of iconic broadcast journalist and host of Nightline Ted Koppel. Andrea is a force of her own however. Among many things, she’s the host of the uber-popular Time4Coffee podcast. It’s a show dedicated to students and entrepreneurs where “caffeinated career conversations” guide listeners in their studies and career…
The Frozen Middle Separates Management from Leadership (and Innovation)
Illustration created with culture design firm @GapingVoid We live in a time of digital Darwinism. As technology evolves so do markets. And as they evolve, behaviors, values and norms also adapt. This sets the stage for the widespread disruption that we are witnessing today. Regrettably, or not, many reigning executives are not experienced to lead growth and innovation strategies as disruptive technologies radically shift everything around them. Yet, no matter how well we study history, it’s always doomed to repeat itself….
The Magic of Creativity and Innovation Happens Outside of Your Comfort Zone
In July 2018, I had a chance to speak in Rancho Palo Verdes at the NBJ Summit. I think I would move to the area given the opportunity. It’s a wonderful oasis in between the [INSERT ADJECTIVE/S HERE] of Southern California and the serenity of a beachside community. Before walking off stage, I noticed a graphic recording by The Sketch Effect off to my left. I missed it during my presentation, but was more than curious about what was captured…
Find Joy and Meaning Along the Long and Winding Road of Life
A moment if you will…away from everything else. Sometimes I wonder how I got here. If I had to be honest, I would say that none of it was intentional. And if I had to be fully transparent, there were many throughout my life who believed I wouldn’t amount to much. There was a time when I believed them. I let it define me. The truth is that I still think about it from time to time. Am I supposed…
