Nov 7, 2018
Futurist and Executive Director
of DaVinci Institute, Thomas
Frey, tell us how to
prepare for a completely different type of workforce. He discusses
the key characteristics leaders of the future will need to succeed,
the emergence of micro-industries and mega projects, what AI really
means for leaders. Finally, he explains why a career of “robot
technician,” or “Smart Shoe influencer” may not be so far
off.
Key Takeaways
[3:27] The healthcare industry
is undergoing a massive transition from an industry based on
pharmaceuticals to one based in data. As this happens, it will open
up a frontier of opportunities, and deeper understanding of the
human body.
[7:35] America has the most
complicated health care system in the world, and Thomas sees a
possible more affordable and sustainable model in the future using
technology.
[8:59] One of the big changes
will be driverless technology. With 38,000 deaths a year and 4.4
million injuries, we spend half a trillion a year repairing people
after car accidents. The airlines is a safety metric to model
after.
[11:32] We don’t advance as fast
as the world advances around us, and education is one example where
we need to catch up.
[14:15] We are starting to see
more “mega projects” that employee more people.
[14:46] Thomas refers to AI as
augmented intelligence rather than artificial intelligence. Beyond
seeing AI as something that is an “us vs them” or “humans vs.
robots”, he sees it as a tool to expand our
capabilities.
[18:17] By 2030, the average
person entering the workforce will reboot their career 8-10 times
throughout their work life. This shows us that future leaders and
workers must be flexible, adaptable, and open to learning new
skills almost overnight. Thomas sees this shifting both the one
size fits all approach to education, and the path offered through
traditional colleges.
[21:58] The most important
skills needed to be a leader are ones learned from experience. You
can read it in a textbook or study it, but there is no substitute
for learning how to develop grit, fortitude and the ability to get
up once you’ve been knocked down.
[23:52] Thomas shares the idea
of a Freelance Academy, where freelancers could find a place to
network with successful entrepreneurs. Here, they would have a
tangible place to learn the fundamentals of everything it takes to
succeed as a freelancer including accounting, insurance, how to
network and acquiring new sales.
[25:09] There’s 1.3 million
people in the United States making over $100,000 a year as a
freelancer. Good leaders surround themselves with winners, and are
curious to learn from their successes and challenges.
[27:51] Over the next two
decades, we are going to see over 100,000 new micro industries
spring to life.
[28:50] Emerging technology is
giving us the tools of creation, yet it also has created the need
to manage distractions. A large part of being a leader in today’s
society is to practice the skill of focusing and navigating
distractions.
[38:13] The skills Thomas feels
are most needed for success in the future are: resourcefulness,
flexibility and the ability to take risks and be okay with
setbacks.
[49:34] Technology won’t replace
us (unless you are an elevator operator) but instead will require
the human support in many aspects. Technicians will be needed in
support drones, AI, 3D Printing, etc.
[55:04] Think shopping for
sneakers are fun now? Thomas gives us some insight that “smart
shoes” will soon kick down the door of micro industries with their
hyper individualized and intuitive technology.
Quotes
- “In
the future, everything will operate to get us even above the
normal.”
- “It’s
not easy to train someone to have the emotional fortitude of an
entrepreneur.”
- “We
have a lot of people who anticipate failure too early”
- We
will start learning new skills overnight.
- “I
don’t know anyone that ends up doing the type of work they were
trained for.”
- “Having the ability to adapt and shift gears is
really important.”
Sapiens: A Brief History of
Humankind by
Yuval Noah Harari
TLP 121: Jeffrey Pfeffer Challenges
Our Assumptions About Leadership
Bunker Labs
Engaging Your Contract
Employees
11 critical skills for the future
that aren’t taught in school
20 Common Jobs in 2040
Epiphany Z: Eight Radical Visions
For Transforming Your Future by Thomas Frey
Thank you to our sponsor:
Combat Flip Flops - use
code WESTUDYLEADERS for 20% discount
Twitter: @ThomasFrey
Facebook: @Futurist Speaker - Thomas Frey
Website: https://www.futuristspeaker.com/