The ability to anticipate and manage risks is essential for both businesses and individuals. Yet if we learned anything from the global coronavirus pandemic, it’s that we can still easily be caught off guard by the forces of nature. In his book, 2030: How Today’s Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything, Mauro F. Guillen offers invaluable insights into the trends that will likely shape our future so that you can develop actionable strategies now for the future that is fast approaching.
Key Takeaways
As a risk manager or small business owner, you will be expected to do more than ever, including:
- Embrace Technological Evolution. From artificial intelligence to blockchain, the digital revolution is reshaping business landscapes and introducing new risks. You will need to have a working knowledge of AI and cybersecurity.
- Adapt to the Future of Work. The rise of remote work and gig economy platforms will continue to change the ways we work and compete for work. You will likely manage increasingly diverse and evolving workforces across state lines and overseas.
- Develop Sustainable Practices. Even for small businesses, environmental sustainability is a growing concern that can significantly impact your sales. Customers are expected to ask more about your environmental impact and initiatives, so you will need to have answers.
Favorite Quotes from the Book
“The more we refocus on opportunities, the greater our chances of adapting successfully to the challenges of 2030.”
“The world of 2030 will be shaped not by one monolithic generation but by the interplay among the various millennial generational subunits, defined by education, income, and ethnicity.”
“[Women] are more likely than men to become entrepreneurs out of necessity.”
“[A]n increasing amount of jobs require non-routine analytical skills…[S]ocial skills involving coordination, negotiation, persuasion, and social perceptiveness are in high demand.”
“[Steve] Jobs knew that the best way to deal with a rapidly shifting landscape is not to plan for every move in advance but rather to be on the alert for how to improve things along the way.”
Conclusion
2030 by Mauro F. Guillen holds valuable lessons for risk managers and small business owners seeking to navigate an ever-changing landscape. Understanding the trends highlighted in the book can help you get out in front of your competitors, foster collaboration, and ensure the longevity of your business. Ignoring them almost guarantees you will be left behind quickly.