How Will Economic Singularity Change Your Business?

How Will Economic Singularity Change Your Business?

Hi friends,

“I understand AI will change things,” you might be thinking, “it just won’t impact my industry or company as much as others.”

I’ve talked enough about how our individual roles might change as we approach economic singularity. I’ve touched a little on how differently we’ll share knowledge and skills, and build collective intelligence.

(In case you missed my other articles in this AI series, economic singularity refers to the moment when AI could "render most of us unemployed, and indeed unemployable").

But what about your company specifically?

Here’s what experts envision: Your company will experience a total shift. Both in how it operates and how you create value.

My last PCD invited you to visualize a change in your workday; today I ask you to scale that vision up a notch. 

What far-reaching transformations might you expect in the future, when everyone’s role is as different as yours? When many roles become completely redundant, as people create value in entirely novel ways?

Here’s an overview of what you'll see, in my opinion:

  • Much Faster Iteration and Innovation: Your company will be operating in a context where new ideas are implemented almost as quickly as they are conceived. As we approach 2030, the expected uptick of the exponential, AI integration will enable more rapid testing and development cycles. Your business will need to adapt, adopt, and innovate at an unprecedented rate just to stay relevant.
  • AI-Human Hybrid Teams: Your teams will be a hybrid of human creativity and AI efficiency, leveraging the strengths of both synergistically, AI handling data-driven tasks while you and your teammates focus on areas requiring uniquely human skills: emotional intelligence and ethical judgment. Expect this to totally redefine your team dynamics and productivity.
  • Fluid, Project-Based Collaborations: Forget rigid, hierarchical org . structures. Expect—no, make way for—more agile, project-based collaborations. Your company will become more flexible and respond faster to change, as your teams form and re-form around specific tasks and goals.
  • New Markets and Business Models: You’ll have entirely new markets and business models to explore and experiment with; ones you we can scarcely conceive of today. Envision a traditional manufacturing company in 2030: it will probably be a hub of AI-driven customization. You’d be producing bespoke products in real-time. How would that change your goals and those you serve?

It’s a lot to think about, I know. It’s staggering. 

So now for the big question: what are the “uniquely human” skills we should focus on?

Professional Closeness: The Human Edge in an AI World

If you’ve been wondering why I’m so fascinated by artificial intelligence, it’s because those “uniquely human” skills and qualities are the heart of Professional Closeness. As cognitive tasks become the job of AI, here’s how our humanness—our ability to show Professional Closeness—will become not just valuable but essential

A few examples:

1. Emotional Intelligence: As analytical tasks are delegated to AI tech, our singular ability to understand and manage emotions will become a key differentiator. If that’s hard to conceptualize: Have you ever become frustrated and angry with a Customer Service bot, and wanted a real answer to your question?

2. Ethical Decision-Making: Efficient, data-based decisions are great, but everything we do has a moral impact. We—me, you, your teams—will be critical for navigating the moral implications of AI decisions and whether they reflect our values.

3. Creative Collaboration: I’ve mentioned this one before, but I can’t (reasonably) ask you to imagine the unimaginable. All I can say is that AI-human collaboration will push your organization’s creative boundaries beyond anything you’ve ever experienced.   

4. Adaptive Leadership: You, a leader of tomorrow, will need to excel at fostering trust and inspiration. No AI can foster the team connections and psychological safety that has always been essential to navigate your organization through an uncertain, rapidly changing world.

Investing in Professional Closeness

Investing in AI is only one half of the equation, as I’m sure I’ve explored in depth. 

It’s a TINA strategy (There Is No Alternative) to start cultivating these skills within your teams. A few examples:

  • Emotional Intelligence Training: This gives your teammates the skills to understand and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
  • Cross-Functional Teams: Encourage diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Mentorship Programs: Build strong professional relationships through guided mentorship.
  • Open Communication: Nurture an environment where people can freely share their ideas and concerns.

Companies like Zappos have already recognized the importance of a human-centric approach, integrating emotional intelligence deeply into their culture. 

It’s your turn now, and that preparation will be crucial as AI becomes more dominant in your business.

Over to You

While I have just two questions for you today, they’re important. 

We’re no longer imagining the future where humans and AI collaborate, where our “humanness” becomes our key strategic asset. 

This time, I invite you to consider concrete actions. What practical plans can you make for what’s coming our way?

  • What steps can you take to foster an environment that balances technological efficiency with human empathy and creativity?
  • How will you ensure that the values of Professional Closeness inform your use of AI and technology?

Call it exciting, call it terrifying, call it nonsense—that’s how many leaders already feel about innovating right now. 

But even if you simply toy with the idea of answering these questions, there’s no harm in planting a seed. It could help you lead your company into the future with innovation, guided by enduring human values.

Share your answers with me in a DM :)

— Govert

Runjhun Noopur

Emotional Intelligence Expert | KPI-Driven EQ Trainer l Experiential Training Specialist | Author | Co-Founder @Almost Spiritual

2mo

Emotional intelligence will be more critical than ever in the age of AI. Your focus on EQ, creative collaboration, and adaptive leadership is spot on. These skills will be essential for the future of work. 

Wayne Brown

I help Businesses Achieve Sustainable Growth | Consulting, Exec. Development & Coaching | 45+ Years | CEO @ S4E | Building M.E., AP & Sth Asia | Best-selling Author, Speaker & Awarded Leader

2mo

AI is changing everything, so it's important to adapt! The superpowers of the future are adaptive leadership, creative teamwork and emotional intelligence. Govert van Sandwijk

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Dr. Brian Harman

🚀 I help intelligent leaders land jobs they love // Executive Coach & Leadership Professor // Career & Leadership Development // Take the Next Step in your Career at BMHACCELERATOR.COM 🚀

2mo

Interesting perspective Govert, stay awesome!

Trevor Houston

I Help Job Seekers Overcome Ageism, Recover Income & Achieve Financial Freedom for a Resume-Free Retirement. CEO at ClearPath Wealth Strategies 📈 | Career Strategist 🎯 Who Ya Know Show | Tools in FEATURED Section 👇

2mo

Govert van Sandwijk AI is transforming everything—adapting is key! Emotional intelligence, creative collaboration, and adaptive leadership are the superpowers of tomorrow.

Levi Liebling

I develop HR strategy for SMEs that minimise risk, protect profits and add value .............. speaker | author | HR business strategist

2mo

Emotional intelligence and adaptive leadership are definitely going to be key skills moving forward. Looking forward to diving into the newsletter, Govert van Sandwijk!

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