Kevin Benedict Ponders the Future

Imagine a world where messages took months to traverse oceans, and military strategies were planned to the rhythm of marching soldiers' footsteps. Contrast this with today's reality, where digital communication occurs in the blink of an eye, and military actions are executed in milliseconds. This stark contrast, eloquently analyzed by philosopher and urbanist Professor Paul Virilio, underscores a fundamental shift in our perception of time and distance, wrought by technological advancements. In ancient times, commanders of Roman armies estimated the timing of battles based on their soldiers' ability to march 20 miles per day on purpose-built stone roads. Fast forward to the present, where a ballistic missile can traverse the globe in minutes. This acceleration demands that nations and military commanders prepare for critical decision-making in mere seconds. Such a shift from deliberation over days to instantaneous action reflects a profound transformation in the art and sci

I anticipate that artificial intelligence (AI) is going to motivate many of us to face and question our own belief systems.  I have a poll open on LinkedIn right now to learn how others feel.  As more autonomous systems and AI powered decision-making gets developed and implemented, us humans are going to need to answer some increasingly deep questions about what societal values and preferences we desire to embed in our systems. Everything we think and do comes from a viewpoint, a perspective, a philosophy.  If I believe we should be non-religious, neutral, and non-political, that is a particular perspective and philosophy.  Our perspectives are inescapable.  So what do we embed in our AI systems?  Do we embed your perspective, or mine?  Is there some kind of universal perspective, an Esperanto of sorts, that includes an international set of values, ethics, philosophies and societal norms, we should adopt?   I have been pondering and researching these issues this week and share my conte

As I've shared in past articles , I have been studying the impact of "scaling" on both history and our emerging future.  I have been looking for common threads and patterns that potentially shed light on what has made scaling possible.  Here are a few I am pondering today: Technological Innovation: At the core of most scaling endeavors is a technological breakthrough. From the invention of the plow in agriculture to cloud computing in the digital age, technology acts as a catalyst that enables scaling by improving efficiency and productivity. Standardization: The adoption of the alphabet and the creation of global supply chains both required standardization (think 40 foot shipping containers). Standardized processes, measurements, and systems enable replication and consistency, which are essential for scaling. Infrastructure Development: Robust infrastructure, such as Roman aqueducts and sewage systems, railroads, and telecommunication networks, supports the expansion o

I have been pondering the role "scaling" has played in our history.  I’ve been looking for insights and patterns that may help us better understand our emerging future.  Scaling, the process of increasing numbers, scope, adoption, influence and impact often while the costs of a development decreases over time, has been a continuous thread woven throughout human history. Each epoch has seen its own form of scaling that has not only transformed how we live but also how we interact with and understand the world around us.  It's an interesting thought exercise to ask how the world would be different if any one of the developments listed below had not scaled.  If they simply didn't take off or were not accepted so didn't scale.  That exercise helps us to realize how important each of these really are to us today. Here’s a list that weaves together the transformative impact of many historical developments: Agriculture (10,000 BCE): The emergence of agriculture facilita

A while back, I gave an address to over a hundred retail executives, I distilled the essence of digital leadership—a distillation borne from countless research projects and interviews with industry leaders. The insights resonated profoundly, prompting me to reiterate these findings in a written format, aspiring to reach a broader audience of digital pioneers. The Alchemy of Digital Leadership Success in the digital realm is not solely a matter of technology or strategy; it's profoundly rooted in the leadership's mindset. Digital frontrunners are characterized by their intrinsic optimism and strategic enthusiasm for emerging technologies. They possess a keen eye for discerning competitive edges nestled within the latest trends, coupled with an unyielding expectation for robust returns on investment. Digital maturity for them isn’t just a buzzword but a stark, candid self-assessment—a yardstick by which they measure their adaptation to change. Conversely, digital laggards often f

The phenomenon of scaling, especially as it relates to businesses and technologies, has reshaped the contours of human civilization in profound ways. The following list hints at just a few ways scaling has impacted human progress. Geopolitical Implications: Scaling, particularly in the realm of technology, has given rise to superpower corporations whose influence rivals that of countries. Such entities, with their vast resources and global reach, have often become essential players in diplomatic circles, sometimes even mediating in geopolitical tensions. For instance, the rise of multinational corporations has led to a new form of diplomacy where trade and business interests often take precedence over traditional geopolitical considerations. Market Dynamics: Scaling has led to the formation of global markets, transcending traditional boundaries. While this has provided consumers with diverse choices and competitive prices, it has also posed challenges such as monopolies and the under

In a world of rapid change, the only sustainable advantage is the ability to learn, adapt, and execute faster than your competition. — John Boyd Data analytics is a core business function, especially as we add more automation to our processes. Leveraging data insights is crucial for situational awareness, customer engagement, autonomous operations and early identification of market trends. However, merely accumulating data is insufficient; the essence of competitive advantage now lies in the speed of actionable insight—what military strategist John Boyd referred to as "tempo." Most enterprises are ensnared in a web of legacy organizational structures, cumbersome decision-making processes, outdated business models, and cultures resistant to change. These elements collectively inhibit agility, rendering companies ill-equipped to capitalize on fleeting market opportunities, act on new data, or respond effectively to unforeseen challenges. In the accelerating vortex of digital di

This guidebook is for executives who are serious about failing. It contains a comprehensive list of attitudes, behaviors, philosophies, and strategies that are guaranteed to lead to failure: Invest in legacy technologies. Legacy technologies are outdated and expensive to maintain. Businesses that invest in legacy technologies will be at a significant disadvantage in terms of cost, agility, and scalability. Neglect to invest in cloud computing. Cloud computing is rapidly becoming the standard for IT infrastructure and applications. Businesses that neglect to invest in cloud computing will be at a significant disadvantage. Ignore the importance of data and analytics. Data is becoming increasingly valuable to businesses of all sizes. Businesses that ignore the importance of data and analytics tools will be unable to make informed decisions about their products and services, their customers, and their operations. Fail to adopt new technologies. Technology is constantly evolving, and busine

As we journey through the annals of history, it becomes evident that scaling — the ability to grow operations and impact without a linear increase in costs — is a cornerstone of evolutionary progress. From the rudimentary dynamics of agricultural cultivation to the dizzying acceleration of the digital age, scaling has remained at the epicenter of advancement, shaping civilizations and molding economies. To the discerning business executive and organizational leader, understanding this trajectory provides invaluable insights. Yet, even more crucial is the art of discerning the patterns of the past to navigate the uncharted waters of the future. The Legacy of Scaling 1. Origin of Resources: The Agricultural Revolution was a testament to humanity's ability to harness nature's bounty at scale. It illustrated that when resources are effectively managed, they can cater to a much larger population than hunters and gatherers ever could. 2. Communication and Language: With the prolifera

The future is complex for individuals, but when you add all of the different kinds of organizations and their divergent motivations and time scales they work under - it can become overwhelming. The future is a kaleidoscope of interacting layers.  At the international level, we grapple with existential issues like climate change and global cooperation, aiming for policies with generational impact. Nations, meanwhile, focus on domestic politics and geopolitics, economic stability, and societal cohesion, often with shorter timeframes. Commercial organizations operate within these national and global frameworks, prioritizing market competitiveness and innovation, while individuals usually concentrate on immediate concerns like career and well-being.