09 Oct Going Ahead of the Curve to Grow, Compete, and Stay Relevant in the Future

In the past two decades, I’ve been all over the map. Some find my changing careers and developing new skills fascinating, while others view it contemptuously and as a sign of instability.

Even if I’ve attempted to make changes and stay relevant in some professions in different industries, looking back, I could have done it faster and more often.

In the short video clip, I recorded last week in my car, I shared 3 things I wished I had known a long time ago.

The first is going ahead of the curve 3 – 5 years to grow and become and stay relevant in the future…

Most of the shifts I made were after I felt I had overstayed in a profession when I discovered the skillsets I had no longer served me well and gave me competitive edges.

Some of the competencies I’m developing now and a few of the industries I’m involved in may not benefit me in the short term. Some friends question why I’m there and why on earth I’m learning some of these new stuff. I hear them but I’m preparing today to become relevant and compete better in the future.

Here is one thing I’ve noticed, though. There are many smart people who are quicker than me at staying ahead of the curve. By their standards, I’m too slow and too hesitant.

I’ve also seen many who are slower than me. For instance, whenever I facilitate a workshop or webinar on Leading Change, some participants don’t even want to talk about AI, let alone embrace it and do something about it so that they may become proficient in using it. They are mad at the fact that the issue of AI is raised.

You don’t need to be Gen Z or a tech nerd. AI isn’t going anywhere, no matter where you are or how old you are right now. You better be its friend and sooner.

Like we were forced to adopt automobiles, airplanes, computers, the Internet, and smartphones, AI will be mainstream, if not now, within a few years.

AI is just one example. Our world is changing fast, and many changes occur concurrently in every industry. The question is, in your industry and business:

1. What will be the norm in 3-5 years?

2. What are you doing today to go ahead of the curve, grow, and become relevant when the time comes?

To hear the other two things I wished I had known a long time ago, check this 3 minutes video and let me know what you’re doing today to grow and become relevant in the future:

If you are interested to read further about the other two themes:

1. Building Coalitions and alliances proactively: https://drazhabtewold.com/building-coalitions-and-alliances-proactively-and-intentionally/

2. Becoming a high performer, going the extra mile, and overdelivering: https://drazhabtewold.com/becoming-high-performer-going-the-extra-mile-and-overdelivering/