The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past

This Substack explores personal and professional growth, focusing on adapting to changes in life, technology, and work culture. It emphasizes the importance of innovation, continuous learning, and embracing change to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Recurrent themes include the impact of AI, the power of personal responsibility, and the significance of mental shifts.

Personal Growth Professional Development Adaptation to Change Impact of Technology and AI Work Culture and Dynamics Innovation and Creativity Leadership and Management

The hottest Substack posts of The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past

And their main takeaways

Creativity in an Age of AI.

27 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Innovation Media Branding Technology
  1. AI can empower creativity by allowing everyone to be more involved in the creative process. It's not just a tool; it's a partner that helps unlock new ideas.
  2. Brands need to focus on storytelling and connection rather than just data-driven promotion. Many brands are failing because they're not nurturing their long-term identity and culture.
  3. Creativity comes in two types: pure and applied. Pure creativity is about self-expression and groundbreaking ideas, while applied creativity is improving existing creations. Both are important for innovation and growth.

Trust & Integrity

27 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Ethics Career development Trust Integrity
  1. Trust is key in any relationship or career. It helps people work together quickly and confidently.
  2. Integrity means being honest and consistent in your words and actions. When what you say, believe, and do align, you create a trustworthy image.
  3. To earn trust, be clear about your intentions, share data, be transparent in your processes, and fix mistakes when they happen. These habits can help you build strong relationships.

Ruptures in the Mediascape: What Next?

66 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing Media Technology Strategy Commerce
  1. The way we create media is changing. With new tools, creativity is becoming more personalized and can connect better with people, making storytelling more important than before.
  2. Conversations are now a key way we interact with media. This means we’ll start relying more on chat and voice rather than just searching for information like in the past.
  3. Brands will still be important, but they'll need to evolve. They should combine human emotions with smart technology to create strong connections with people.

The Future Fits on One Page.

72 implied HN points • 25 May 25
💼 Business Leadership Change Management Marketing Personal Development Future Trends Work Culture
  1. The future is shaped by change, and we need to adapt our thinking to keep up. It's important to let go of old ways that may limit our growth.
  2. Learning is an ongoing process, and we should always strive to upgrade our skills and knowledge. This helps us stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
  3. Creating strong and positive relationships is key. Treating others with kindness and generosity can lead to better teamwork and success.

The Rethinking Work Show

15 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
💼 Business Workplace Trends Leadership Technology
  1. Work is changing fast, and it's becoming super flexible. More people can choose where they work and how they do it.
  2. Companies that let employees work from anywhere are growing quickly and attracting better talent. Many are realizing that forcing people back to the office isn't beneficial.
  3. Each company should find its own way of working instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Different teams might need different styles to succeed.
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Soft is the New Hard.

72 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Work Culture Strategic Thinking Personal Development Human behavior
  1. Grace means being kind and humble to others, understanding that success comes from many factors, not just hard work. It's about caring for people's feelings and respecting their experiences.
  2. Flow happens when you are fully engaged in something challenging but enjoyable. It brings joy and can come from creating, learning, or helping others grow.
  3. Connection is crucial for happiness. Building strong relationships and having a purpose can improve your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and supported.

The Future of Work.

58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Future work Leadership Organizational Change
  1. Many companies will hire fewer full-time employees as they turn to AI and flexible job markets. This means more people might work part-time or freelance in the future.
  2. The number of new businesses is on the rise due to technology making it easier to start a company. This year alone, there could be about 6 million new firms in the US.
  3. Where people work is becoming less important than how companies interact with their employees. It's critical to focus on creating personalized work experiences rather than forcing everyone back to traditional office settings.

The 4 Keys to Leading Today.

44 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Workplace culture Professional development Human Resources
  1. Leaders must focus on excellence by constantly improving their skills and staying relevant. This helps build strong teams and attract success.
  2. Accepting and facing reality is crucial for leaders. They need to address problems honestly to earn trust and guide their teams effectively.
  3. Empathy and vulnerability in leadership are important. Understanding people's feelings and being open about one’s own struggles can foster better connections and teamwork.

The Sense of an Ending.

77 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Memories Time History Philosophy
  1. Our memories can differ from what actually happened. We often remember things differently than how we lived them.
  2. Time feels different depending on our emotions. A happy moment can make time fly, while a sad moment can make it crawl.
  3. As we age, we tend to view the past differently. We create stories about our lives that shape how we see ourselves and others.

6 Keys to Career Success.

72 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Career development Leadership Mentorship Continuous Learning Networking
  1. Stay in tune with new trends and ideas so you can grow over time. It's important to see where things are heading and adjust your path accordingly.
  2. The people you work with matter a lot. Finding great mentors and leaders can help you learn and succeed more than just your job title.
  3. Keep learning and adapting. The job world changes fast, so staying curious and open to new experiences will keep you relevant.

Avoiding Career Irrelevance.

85 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development Future of work Skill acquisition Freelancing Technology influence
  1. We will likely have longer careers, so we need to plan for working into our 70s or beyond. Preparing for this means thinking ahead about our skills and growth.
  2. It's important to keep learning throughout our careers. No one can rely on their past education, so we should invest in continuous learning to stay relevant.
  3. Jobs will change from fixed roles to dynamic tasks. We need to be flexible and adaptable, working like gig workers even within traditional firms.

What Next? Fifty Year Careers.

34 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Careers Work Technology Health Education Personal Development
  1. People are living longer, which means careers need to adapt and may last 50 to 60 years. This change requires a rethink on how we approach retirement and the 'next act' in our lives.
  2. Many people struggle with retirement because they find it hard to find purpose without their work. It's important to plan for meaning in life after the 9-to-5.
  3. To stay relevant in today's fast-changing world, we need to keep learning and upgrading our skills. Relying solely on past knowledge can lead to being left behind.

Rethinking Meetings.

46 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Meetings Productivity Work Culture Mindset
  1. Meetings should focus on giving rather than just taking. When we approach meetings with a giving mindset, everyone benefits more.
  2. Generosity, empathy, and energy are key to better meetings. By being generous with our knowledge and understanding others' perspectives, we create a positive atmosphere.
  3. End meetings with clarity and a plan. It's important that everyone knows the next steps and feels motivated to take them.

People.

60 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Strategy Transformation Technology Workforce
  1. Companies can make plans for change, but it's really the people who need to adapt for those changes to happen. If the changes aren't good for people, they won't work.
  2. While technology like AI is important, it's the people using it that will truly make a difference in a business. Great talent and leadership can help a company reimagine itself successfully.
  3. Transforming a company takes time because people change slowly. Companies need to start preparing early for any big shifts in their industry.

Repairing Ourselves.

53 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Arts Philosophy Aesthetics Self-Improvement
  1. Poetry helps us connect with our deepest feelings and can aid in personal healing. It shows us that we can rebuild ourselves through words and creativity.
  2. Water symbolizes life and healing, teaching us the importance of being adaptable and working harmoniously with our environment.
  3. Kintsugi is a Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, reminding us that our scars and flaws can be beautiful and part of our unique story.

Paradox.

30 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Strategy Workplace Productivity Technology
  1. Companies today need to handle both Fragmentation and Integration to succeed. They should adapt to different types of workers and resources while ensuring everything works together smoothly.
  2. Fragmentation comes from having diverse employee types and many ways to reach customers, making it important for companies to simplify how they manage these aspects.
  3. To compete effectively, companies should create seamless services and use data smartly to combine insights, while also offering some customization without overwhelming customers.

3 Ways To Thrive.

25 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Teamwork Strategy Organizational Culture Innovation
  1. Finding balance is important. It means weighing the old ways against new ideas to grow and adapt.
  2. Unity helps teams succeed. When everyone shares a common goal and works together, they can achieve more than just individual talents.
  3. Integration is about blending different perspectives. It means accepting and using diverse opinions and ideas to create strong solutions.

Modern Leadership.

56 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Human Resources Workplace culture Career development
  1. Anyone can be a leader; it's about how you act, not just your job title. Being a boss isn't the only way to show leadership.
  2. Good leaders focus on their influence and connections rather than just controlling everything. They see the big picture and adapt to change.
  3. For leaders to grow, they need to be open to learning and transforming themselves. This process needs support and new ways to encourage growth.

Grace.

48 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Spirituality Self-Improvement
  1. Grace is about being kind and understanding, especially during tough times. It's important to respond with patience instead of anger.
  2. Having grace means showing forgiveness and empathy towards others. This helps create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
  3. Grace also involves accepting our own imperfections and handling challenges with dignity. It's about staying calm and composed even when things get difficult.

On Technological Change: 3 Learnings.

44 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Digital Media AI Innovation Business Models Communication
  1. Technology changes things fast, and businesses need to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant. It's important to rethink your business model with each new technology that comes along.
  2. Using technology shouldn't just be about making things faster or cheaper. It can also give you a chance to completely change how you do business and compete with others.
  3. Having talented people is key. Technology alone won't make you stand out; it's the skills and creativity of the people using it that truly make a difference.

On Work.

27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Remote work Future Trends Leadership Organizational Design
  1. Work is a big part of our lives. It gives us money, identity, and community, plus it helps us grow and find purpose.
  2. We're going to see big changes in how we work because of technology and shifting mindsets. Many people will start freelance jobs or want more flexibility in their work.
  3. It's important for both employees and companies to rethink what work means and how they can adapt. This includes updating skills, structures, and strategies to thrive in the future.

Transformation, Leadership & Talent: A conversation with David Kenny.

25 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership Transformation Talent Management Strategy
  1. Transformation needs to have a clear direction. It's about knowing what you want to achieve, not just how fast you move.
  2. Leaders should build trust by being honest and clear. They need to be open about their decisions and willing to change when new information comes in.
  3. Diversity is key to business success. Having different perspectives helps in solving problems and finding the best talent from all backgrounds.

Ghar.

118 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Community Generosity
  1. Ghar in Pune, India is a unique space that houses an orphanage, a place for disabled women, and an elder age home, promoting a multi-generational living environment with care and support.
  2. A culture of excellence is fostered at Ghar, focusing on education, mentoring, and exposure to varied experiences for the residents to excel and make a positive impact on society.
  3. Ghar operates on the principle of 'Freedom within a Framework,' offering personalized education, activities, and choices within a structured environment, encouraging individual growth.

Staying Human in the Age of Data.

20 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Data science Human Resources Leadership Innovation
  1. Data is important, but focusing too much on it can harm the long-term success of both businesses and people. It's crucial to balance numbers with human emotions and culture.
  2. Leaders should encourage open discussions about tough topics and avoid wasting time in unnecessary meetings. This helps create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
  3. Successful companies need to remember that their employees are not just numbers. Investing in their development and well-being leads to a more motivated and productive workforce.

Future-proofing Ourselves.

92 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology Workplace Skills Communication
  1. Future workplaces are rapidly changing due to technology, distributed work, and global marketplaces. Companies that do not adapt risk falling behind.
  2. To stay relevant, individuals must continuously upgrade their mental skills like cognition, creativity, and curiosity in a connected world.
  3. Effective collaboration, communication, and convincing skills are crucial in the evolving workplace to complement machines and excel in the future.

Mind-shi(f)t.

106 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Change Wisdom Leadership
  1. Embrace mind-shifts in the face of new facts and changing realities for growth and success.
  2. Avoid self-defeat by promoting diverse thinking, challenging viewpoints, and being open to opposing perspectives.
  3. Encourage innovation and fresh perspectives by starting with a blank slate and being open to unconventional ideas.

Gifts.

102 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Joy Appreciation Kindness
  1. Joy is more than happiness and enduring satisfaction brings contentment.
  2. Appreciation involves imagining loss to value what we have.
  3. Kindness connects us with others and is essential for success.

Davos 2024=Davos 2017?

89 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business AI China Trust Marketing
  1. Key themes at Davos included AI impact, China's role, and concerns about trust and nationalism.
  2. Change happens slowly, focusing on long-lasting trends and signals rather than headlines and distractions.
  3. Companies need to adapt to AI, embrace transparency and purpose-driven strategies, and prioritize trust-building in business and marketing.

Perfect Days.

66 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Visual Arts Creativity Photography Design
  1. The movie 'Perfect Days' explores finding beauty in the everyday moments, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and appreciating the small details around us.
  2. Creativity is about connecting dots in new ways, as showcased in the process behind the film and how it surprises in an AI-driven world.
  3. The film highlights the contrast between modern digital life and traditional analog elements like cameras, film, and cassette tapes, urging a deeper connection with the present moment and our surroundings.

Fractionalized Employment Now!

51 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
💼 Business Future of work Employment Trends Employee Benefits
  1. Work identity is crucial but we are more than just our jobs - we have various other roles and passions.
  2. New workplace trends are emerging due to forces like AI, aging populations, COVID-19 mindset shifts, and side gigs.
  3. Fractionalized employment, where employees work a percentage of time, can provide flexibility, talent retention, better work-life balance, and cost savings.

AI is Under-Hyped.

61 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Future impact
  1. AI has the potential to be more impactful than previous technological advancements like the printing press and electricity.
  2. AI will significantly impact knowledge workers' jobs within a short time frame.
  3. Key industries like Health, Auto, Finance, and Education will be greatly affected by AI and require strong leadership to navigate the changes.

A Company of One.

88 HN points • 30 Jul 23
💼 Business Career development Workforce Trends Digital Presence Continuous Learning
  1. The workforce is reconfiguring towards a company of one due to factors like aging, new mindsets, remote work, gig economy, and advancing technology.
  2. Individuals must learn to operate as a company of one to thrive in today's workplace, emphasizing personal responsibility, relevance, and continual learning.
  3. Building superpowers, enhancing digital presence, investing in relationships, prioritizing learning, and maximizing optionality are crucial strategies for success in the evolving professional landscape.

Four Strategic Mistakes.

61 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
💼 Business Strategy Technology Talent Innovation
  1. Strategy should focus on future competitive advantage, not just current competition.
  2. Don't base strategies on extrapolating current realities into the future.
  3. Companies need to incorporate talent dynamics into their strategies for successful transformations.

Loss. Love. Learning.

77 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Life Love Learning
  1. Loss is a central part of the human experience in different ways, from losing promotions to facing the loss of loved ones and ultimately losing ourselves.
  2. Love plays a crucial role in making life meaningful despite inevitable losses, and it is intertwined with feelings of attachment and purpose.
  3. Learning is a continuous process that involves building knowledge, skills, understanding, and eventually wisdom, with love, loss, and learning influencing and resonating with each other.