Riding the Wave of Exponential Change: Why Lifelong Learning is Your Ultimate Surfboard

In the age of exponential change, learning is more important than ever. Rapid advancements in Artificial intelligence, shifting market dynamics, and evolving customer preferences are transforming industries and reshaping how we work and live. In such a dynamic environment, continuous learning is crucial for individuals and organizations to stay relevant, competitive, and successful.

Of course, the importance of learning was just underscored by author and thought leader Rishad Tobaccowala . I never heard him speak before LIVE—just an occasional nudge from my CMO to follow him with his great posts. In the past two days, I attended two masterclasses by him highlighting the shifts we are seeing in this era of rapid technological innovation. I especially love his quote," The future does not fit in the containers of the past."

Following are a few valuable lessons I captured:

1. Allocate one hour daily to learn - Curiosity is essential for learning and growth. Embrace a curious mindset, and never stop asking questions or seeking new knowledge. To make learning a daily habit, set aside one hour each day to explore new topics, read articles or books, listen to podcasts, or watch educational videos. By dedicating time to learning, you foster a sense of curiosity and prioritize continuous improvement in your life.
2. Once in a while, build an opposite case for what you believe is true - Cultivate a growth mindset that embraces challenges, sees failure as an opportunity for learning, and values effort as a path to mastery. Periodically, take a stance opposite your beliefs and try to build a compelling argument for it. This exercise will help you understand different viewpoints and strengthen your ideas by identifying potential weaknesses. Challenging your beliefs and assumptions can help you develop critical thinking skills and a more open-minded perspective.
3. Think about a theme and build, create, and make: Select a theme that interests you, and use it as a springboard for creativity and innovation. Spend time brainstorming ideas related to the theme, and then turn those ideas into tangible projects or creations. This could involve writing a blog post, developing a new business concept, creating art or music, or building a physical prototype. Engaging in this process will enhance your problem-solving skills, stimulate your imagination, and potentially discover new passions or talents.

By internalizing these lessons from Rishad Tobaccowala, businesses and individuals can better navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. I certainly will adapt these valuable learning habits, so from learning to action, I just got accepted at the London School of Business to start my theme of a year of "Building Business value with AI."

I encourage everyone to incorporate learning and share other ideas to build great learning habits.