Paradigm Makers Moonlit Minds Journal: Edition 3

Business Pace, Community and Second Brains

Author

Jess Price
October 21, 2024

Welcome to the third edition of Paradigm Makers Moonlit Minds Journal!

Table of Contents

Jess’ Monthly Reflection

Last week I returned to Australia after 50 days in the USA. The primary purpose of my trip was to attend the Fast Company Innovation Festival and Second Brain Summit. I was also fortunate to spend 3 weeks in the New York Public Library. While there, I read obscure books from 1918 to today about work, time and creative thinking. My trip ended in Brisbane for Neon Shed’s Psychosocial Safety Summit (stay tuned for my LinkedIn recap coming soon!).

While I’m still processing everything this trip allowed me to accomplish, here are my top 3 takeaways:

  1. My time at the NYPL and taking notes at each conference confirmed the 5 Essential Elements of Work I identified earlier this year are accurate, which was an exciting moment.

  2. Starting to dive into the history of work allowed me to identify new puzzle pieces, which will be useful as we create a new work paradigm.

  3. If you’d prefer to listen to an AI-generated podcast summary of this newsletter, you can on our new ‘Work-In-Progress’ Podcast. I created the summary using NotebookLM’s Audio Overview feature.

You might also notice this newsletter looks a little different to the previous two. I recently switched to BeeHiiv, as it allows access to additional functionality unavailable on the previous platform. As I learn more about BeeHiiv you might see a few other changes, but so far I like how easy it is to use.

I hope you enjoyed last Thursday’s Hunter’s Moon,

Jess Price

Founder & Chief Vision Officer

EXPLORING THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT

What is business pace?

At the dawn of the 20th century, business operated at a leisurely pace. Technological advancements like electric trolleys and automobiles were in their infancy, and competition, while present, lacked the aggressive, forward-thinking edge that would come to define later eras.

The pressure of the Great Depression in the 1930s marked a turning point. Businesses realised mere "business done" wasn't enough; actively seeking new opportunities became crucial for survival and growth. This period forced companies to shift their focus from simply managing existing volume to actively pursuing new avenues for expansion, marking an early shift towards a more proactive and innovative approach to work.

The end of World War II brought another significant shift. Businesses that thrived during wartime had integrated rapid problem-solving and innovation into their operations. This new pace became the market standard, compelling others to adapt or risk obsolescence.

By the 1960s, customers prioritised pace—meaning the speed of delivering new products, methods, and facilities—over price or even quality. This demand for constant advancement fueled a cycle of accelerated innovation, which continues to persist.

The challenge with this accelerated pace is that we, as human beings, cannot continue prioritising pace as we see a rise in AI and other emerging technologies at work. Now, it’s time we return to business at a leisurely pace. This won’t be an easy transition to make, but we will do it.

IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORK TODAY

2025 is the year of Community

I’m calling it now.

In 2025, we will see a shift from an emphasis on AI to an emphasis on all things community. Community is the one word I would use to describe the Fast Company Innovation Festival, Second Brain Summit and Psychosocial Safety Summit. How we think of community will differ on the context, however, in 2025 I predict:

CREATING A NEW WORK PARADIGM FOR TOMORROW

Do you have a second brain yet?

One interesting takeaway from the Second Brain Summit was how important personal knowledge management will become in the future of knowledge work.

Using one of my new favourite AI tool, NotebookLM, I summarised my notes from the Second Brain Summit. Here are 5 reasons my notes identified for why now is the perfect time to create your own second brain:

  1. Integral for Knowledge Work: A second brain will be essential for navigating the complexities of knowledge work in the future. As specialisation becomes increasingly important, individuals will need a system to manage and connect their growing body of knowledge. A second brain can serve as a tool for organising, synthesising, and applying information effectively, enabling individuals to contribute meaningfully to their respective fields.

  2. Unlocking Creative Potential: The notes emphasise the connection between a second brain and creative thinking. By linking ideas together, individuals can unlock new insights and generate innovative solutions. This process is facilitated by the "intuitive moment" when connections between seemingly disparate concepts emerge, leading to breakthroughs in understanding and creativity.

  3. Personal Growth and Understanding: The sources highlight the potential of the second brain to foster personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. By capturing thoughts, beliefs, and experiences, individuals can use their second brain as a tool for reflection and self-discovery. This process can help individuals clarify their values, identify patterns in their behaviour, and ultimately make more informed decisions.

  4. Navigating the Non-Linear World: The notes emphasise the shift from a linear to a non-linear world, where traditional methods of learning and problem-solving are becoming less effective. A second brain can help individuals adapt to this change by providing a flexible and dynamic system for connecting information, exploring different perspectives, and iterating on ideas.

  5. Human-AI Collaboration: The sources touch upon how artificial intelligence will augment human intelligence in the future. While AI can automate certain tasks and provide valuable insights, human expertise and judgment remain essential. The second brain can serve as a bridge between these two domains, allowing individuals to leverage the power of AI while retaining control over their knowledge and decision-making processes.

The notes paint a picture of a future where the second brain is not merely a productivity tool but a powerful instrument for navigating complexity, fostering creativity, and driving personal and professional growth.

If you’re ready to get started with your own Second Brain start here:

Reply

or to participate.