## Hierarchy gives way to autonomous teams

The nature of work is changing from a mechanical, process-driven model to a flexible, team-based model. If the former was defined by a top-down command-and-control model of leadership, the emerging one will be defined by small autonomous teams moving from project to project, while optimizing for speed, trust and innovation. 

Moving towards a project and team-based framework means organizations can get more creative with how they assemble talent. Flexible work arrangements and contract workers are now all potential pieces to the puzzle, as long as they can contribute to the successful outcome of a project.  

The work we do is becoming much more about.. the work. It will matter less and less when and where it gets done, and more and more how it gets done. This will impact how we measure performance and talent, and result in a greater emphasis on soft skills that enhance the well-being of teams: empathy, trust, creativity.

This seems to be an evolutionary response to our modern world's velocity of change, particularly in regards to technology. To survive and thrive, organizations will need to counter uncertainty with flexible autonomous units that can iterate and identify creative solutions to nuanced problems. 

## The Pursuit of New Skills & Continuous Learning

Given the rapid pace of change, there will be a constant need to develop new skills. As technology continues its advance, digital skills are increasingly core components of quality jobs. We're seeing what happens when there is not enough emphasis put on upskilling; just look at the skills gap in high-tech fields. 

Over the long term, continual upskilling will be a core feature of 21st Century Talent. This is an innate idea for modern talent, and the organizations that foster robust learning environments will have an opportunity to create more loyal and resilient contributors. They will also have more available talent to fill in gaps when employees leave. 

Further, by creating affordable avenues for learning in-demand and emerging skills, companies can create a more inclusive workforce across the technology industry. Modern talent values growing their skills and capabilities, and will stay longer at organizations that take a more dynamic and agile approach to developing and assessing talent. 

## Flexibility, Freedom & Purposeful Experiences

The pandemic forced organizational leaders to grapple with a concept that was largely foreign to them, but obvious to modern talent for quite some time; in our tech-enabled world, physical location and traditional working hours don't matter. What matters most is the work. 

In addition to evolving expectations about where and when work is done, modern talent is also looking for more meaningful and purposeful experiences. Essentially they are looking for work-life integration, and they are willing to experiment and create new types of career structures in order to find it. 

Modern talent cares about things like organizational values, continuous learning, diversity and inclusion, and will vote with their feet if they don't feel like their ideas are supported.

 For modern talent, 21st Century work will not be defined by climbing the ladder, but rather by stitching together projects that present meaningful challenges and opportunities for growth. 

## Increased Pace of Technological Change

There's a common saying that every company is now a tech company. This will continue to ring true as we leverage technology to augment nearly every facet of our lives. 

The emergence of the metaverse will likely change how we work in fundamental ways, and the speed of technological development will require us to learn and adapt in step. As we increase our reliance on technology, it will be critical for teams and organizations to promote empathy, creativity, and collaboration. 

Autonomous teams that build trust, move fast, and put a premium on innovative thinking, will be in the best position to succeed. 

We live and work in a constantly accelerating state of rapid change. This can be overwhelming at times, but I believe it also presents an opportunity to organize our work in ways that are more creative and meaningful.

If we do it right, the work we do in the 21st Century could be the most productive, inclusive and purposeful in history. 


We see four big shifts happening that will drive the future of work; decentralization, continuous learning, personal experiences, and increased pace of change.  

WOrk

Four Big Shifts in Work 

## The Great Resignation & More Purposeful Employment

With a little courage and lot of experimentation, it's possible to find purposeful employment that is also deeply engaging. Work and pleasure does not need to be separate; it can sit at the intersection of our interests and passions.

Though no human-made system is perfect, in my opinion, the current market economy is the one that gives us the most freedom to choose.

For the most part, we get to choose how we spend our time and money, and ultimately how we want to contribute to our communities. Judging by the great resignation of 2020, people are exercising this power of choice in record numbers.

I believe, one of the major themes of the new era of work is finding the balance between making a living and living a life of meaning and purpose. This mindset is no longer a question reserved for philosophers, the mega-rich or philanthropists, but one we all grapple with as we seek to
define what work means for us.

Given our unprecedented access to information, the rapidly changing nature of technology, and an emerging unity of consciousness around remote work, there has never been a better time to learn new skills that lead into new jobs and industries. The most powerful tool in the modern era is one we have easy access to, and it doesn’t cost anything: the human mind.

### Lots of new jobs

Traditional models of how work should be done are breaking down, while opportunities for innovation are accelerating. 

For example, it’s incredible to think about the vast amount of very real money flowing to creators, influencers, crypto investors, professional e-sports players, NFTs, Twitch streamers,self-taught programmers, and on and on.

Now, more than ever, there is greater opportunity and freedom for individuals to follow interests and best of all, get compensated for it.

This doesn’t even touch on the more traditional professions disrupted by new ideas and modus operandi. Just look at all the activity happening in the new space economy. What previously took governments decades and inflated budgets can now be accomplished by startups in years with a few million dollars.

### Work that matters

We are living in an amazing era. More and more people have the freedom and access needed to build modern skills, to do work that is deeply engaging, and interest aligned.

This freedom is coming at a time when the stakes could not be higher, as we grapple with large, complex problems. Challenges around climate, sustainability, and urban decay aren't going anywhere unless we take action. As opportunities to do work that is meaningful increases, more people will grapple with bigger questions like; Do I work on something that brings meaning to my life and the world, or do I focus on simply having a good paying job and doing my duty?

How we individually answer these questions will determine the future we collectively live in.

Here at Credo, we are inspired by all the people who are deciding to work on the important, the complex, and the thorny problems humanity faces.
So how to find that work? 

That's our goal here, to help more people do work that matters by telling stories that inspire and educate. We also write about 21st Century work culture and are building a community so we can share ideas about the future of work and how to find it.

Hope you join us on the journey!


With a little courage and lot of experimentation, it is possible to find purposeful employment that is also deeply engaging. Work and pleasure does not need to be separate; it can sit at the intersection of our interests and passions.

workkkkk

Choosing Purposeful Employment

### Where has all the good work gone?

I decided to write on this topic as I've heard a lot of chatter lately about bad work environments and poor employee engagement. This fits in squarely with the wider narrative surrounding the Great Resignation. In my opinion it's the result of a breakdown of trust. We're seen the erosion of trust on a national and even global level, but it's also trickling down to the employer-employee relationship. People are really unhappy in their jobs, and when presented with other options, are leaving existing employers in droves. It seems that this is the case across industries and job categories.

It's a two-way street. Oftentimes with these matters, we seem to villainize business owners/managers and sympathize with their mistreated employees. Employees are kept away from the day-to-day stresses of running a business and/or department, and make assumptions without knowing the reality of certain situations. As with most things in life, I think the truth is always somewhere in the middle. The employer-employee relationship should never be something contentious. Both are on the same team, working toward shared goals, and ideally in an environment of mutual trust and respect.

Whatever the case, right now across industries employee engagement is at a low point, and it's coming at a high cost. Consider Gallup’s meta-analysis of decades’ worth of data: It shows that high engagement—defined largely as having a strong connection with one’s work and colleagues, feeling like a real contributor, and enjoying ample chances to learn—consistently leads to positive outcomes for both individuals and organizations. The rewards include higher productivity, better-quality products, and increased profitability.

So, how do we build this type of high-engagement environment? It's certainly a larger topic that we won't resolve in a blog post, but we've made a list of "The Top 5 Organizational Values for the Modern Workplace" and in an effort to shed light on some values we think could bridge the gap.

# 1. High-Trust

It seems fitting to start with the value that is most important and hardest to obtain; trust. Creating a high-trust workplace means that there exists a two-way street of honest communication and mutual understanding. It creates an environment where people are able to have difficult conversations without fear of hurting feelings. An employee would feel free to call something out to their leaders rather than holding it in or putting out veiled threats of litigation. In return they are open to hearing hard truths because they trust their leader has their best interest in mind. Leaders in these environments thrive on open and honest communication. They can give critical feedback without fear of someone quitting, but are also open to hearing about ways they can improve. It also means people are properly compensated for their work. In essence, it's an environment where everyone is free to do their best work because they trust that the person next to them has their best interest in mind. They have each other's backs.

# 2. Psychological Safety

Most of these values branch out from a core of trust. Creating an environment of psychological safety means that people have the freedom to speak up with new ideas, questions or concerns. It means that there are no stupid questions or ideas. People are free to try new things without fear of reprisal. Of course there will be bad ideas, but giving people the freedom to try is the key. This type of environment breeds acceptance, creativity, and perhaps most importantly a culture of innovation.

# 3. Autonomy // Asynchronous Work

If the pandemic has taught us anything it's that work can be done from anywhere at any time. We no longer have to be stuck in a model of work based on the past, where all employees are expected to sit in the same office at the same time on the same days. Just as every person has unique identities and lifestyles, the way we do work should reflect this. Some people might do their best work late at night or early in the morning. They might have to work from home a couple days of week because of an obligation to care for a relative. As long as the work is done at a high level, the where and when should not matter. Modern communication tools like slack and video are enabling truly asynchronous work. This is likely to persist in the future even when things become more "normal".

# 4 Diverse & Inclusive

The greater representation an organization has, the better their products and services will be positioned to serve society. We live in a multicultural and diverse society and the most successful products and services will be made with this in mind. Diversity means not only incorporating intentional practices to remove bias in hiring and promoting, particularly in regards to gender and ethnicity, but also means we need to look for diverse backgrounds and experiences. It means a general openness to people from all walks of life. More diversity increases the potential for new ideas and ways of thinking. It spurs innovation and creativity.

# 5. High-Performance

If you've been fortunate enough to establish the above values, you've earned the right to build a high-performance culture. It's a gift to have the opportunity to do great work in an environment where there are proper rewards and incentives. If an employer cares so much that they have built a high-trust, safe, flexible and inclusive environment, they have earned the right to expect great work from their employees. The opportunity to produce great work is what the most talented people in the world are looking for anyways. They crave the opportunity to produce optimally and contribute to something larger than themselves. 


Everywhere we look today it seems there are challenges with employee engagement, resulting in larger cultural issues like the "Great Resignation". We made a list of the top organizational values to jumpstart the conversation about how we can make things better. 

org culture

The Top 5 Organizational Values for the Modern Workplace

![credo](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/1317DQaGAOg5De50DA4uZ7/34d9ea91303fef7fad4249aec03c70c9/Untitled_design__3_.svg)

We saw a few posts going around boasting the best places to work in 2022. Definitely some solid companies, but we couldn't tell what rating systems or methodology was used to define "best" in class. 

In light of these arbitrary lists, we thought it would be helpful to create one of our own, putting the spotlight on startups solving some of society's hardest problems. These companies are not only building industry-defining technologies, but also introducing products and services that push the world forward. 

From Urban Aquaculture to Urban Air Mobility, here are Credo's 2022 Top 20 visionary startups...

# [TransparentSea Farm - Urban Aquaculture](https://www.work40.io/companies/transparentsea)

`video: [TransparentSea | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiPG4EPbJ1I&t=278s)`

The heart of TransparentSea Farm is a scientific, responsible, and efficient urban shrimp and seaweed production system, whose reliability and transparency will enable us to break the mold for how seafood is produced and sold in Southern California.

# [Epirus - Defense](https://www.work40.io/companies/epirus)

[ ![Epirus](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/4socEmElLLo8Ql8XNRtZri/cdfade023764abfee05bf19af4a1cf33/epirus_left_.svg)  ](https://www.work40.io/companies/epirus)

Epirus is a venture-backed startup that builds defense systems capable of taking down enemy drones. Their directed energy systems counter swarming drones and execute precision strikes at range. Their SmartPower technology pushes the boundaries of power management.

# [Talyn - Urban Air Mobility](https://www.work40.io/companies/talyn-air)

`video: [Talyn Air | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvVyrj4O_ew&t=114s)`

Talyn Air is an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft system. It separates and recombines in the air and allows each vehicle to operate at peak efficiency without wasting energy. Founded by a pair of ex-SpaceX Falcon 9 engineers, one of whom also worked on prototype airplanes for Scaled Composites, Talyn proposes a radically new approach to the eVTOL problem: a simple, high-speed, long-range electric plane that gains eVTOL capabilities thanks to a detachable vertical lift platform.

# [Solugen - SynBio](https://solugen.bio/)

[![solu](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/U3sDYtObz82yo7bQmI1oN/dd981fdc2055715bf4b17524422e35ed/Solugen_left_.svg)](https://solugen.bio/)

Solugen is a venture-backed biotech startup that produces high-performance chemicals from plant-derived substitutes. Solugen uses corn syrup to make chemicals with no emissions—and without the dangerous conditions and other pollutants that usually accompany chemical manufacturing.

# [Faction - Driverless Technology](https://www.work40.io/companies/faction)
`video: [Faction | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1t1lXhbbug&t=1s)`

Faction Technology is creating three-wheel electric vehicles sized for short self-driving 3-5 mile trips. Its combination of digital vehicles with driverless AI, backed by teleoperation can deliver micro-logistics and rides-on-demand.

# [REGENT - Urban Air Mobility](https://www.regentcraft.com/)

[![refg](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/4DYG3Nsh9RDaXd66ZESu2Z/3a4fbf261efb931fdfde4d56a3187596/regent_blog_.svg)](https://www.regentcraft.com/)

REGENT is building the seaglider: the first electric flying machine that will transport commercial passengers. By staying within a wingspan of the water, they unlock the ability to fly twice as far as an electric aircraft, and certification by maritime authorities which will let them fly first passengers by 2025.

# [Automotus - Smart Cities](https://www.automotus.co/)

`video: [Automotus | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb9nv6kgbns&t=264s)`

Automotus' curb management technology helps cities, airports, fleets, and businesses increase revenue while making streets less congested, more sustainable, and more equitable.

# [skyTran - Urban Mobility ](https://www.skytran.com/)

[![sky](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/2uGi2cGqmwvxqEGq6raF3v/b84e97164a4600fcdf8e9b7a41366464/Skytran_left_.svg)](https://www.skytran.com/)

skyTran is a patented, high-speed, low-cost, elevated Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system. The skyTran network of computer-controlled, 2-person “jet-like” vehicles employs state-of-the-art passive Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) technology. The system transports passengers in a fast, safe, green, and economical manner. skyTran intends to revolutionize public transportation and, with it, urban and suburban commuting.

# [Orbit Fab - NewSpace Economy](https://www.orbitfab.com/)

[![orbit](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/3oeG13Caj9BYrOcVUM4Wol/3208e1d217ccc8f2fede3480a0a4c2bc/orbit_fab__left_.svg)](https://www.orbitfab.com/)

By providing a ubiquitous supply of satellite propellant in Earth Orbit (branded Gas Stations in Space™), the company improves existing space business models (communications and Earth observation) and helps open new industries like space tourism, manufacturing and mining.

# [Cover Technologies - Prefab Homes](https://buildcover.com/)

`video: [Cover | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbP0YbKF2Ck)`

Cover is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and installs custom Backyard Studios. Cover’s mission is to make living in a thoughtfully designed and well-built home a reality for everyone.

# [Varda Space Industries - NewSpace Economy](https://varda.com/)

[![varda](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/1JWm4udTk9lcbPkEgSChf4/378eac76ae61c335e3156a655a260040/Varda.svg)](https://varda.com/)

Varda Space Industries is building the world’s first commercial zero-gravity industrial park at scale. They aim to open up manufacturing processes that aren’t possible on Earth, in order to make bioprinted organs, fiber-optic cables or pharmaceuticals — products that require fundamentally different conditions than what’s available on-planet. Right now, the company is building a three-module spacecraft comprised of an off-the-shelf satellite platform, a center platform where the microgravity manufacturing will take place, and a reentry vehicle to bring the materials back to Earth.

# [First Resonance - Manufacturing](https://www.firstresonance.io/)

[![fr](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/7r0AwwEy994ye1WL7x9bHZ/aff43919b337c46f97930d5739e53f1b/First_Resonance.svg)](https://www.firstresonance.io/)

First Resonance makes software for making hardware. The company’s Ion platform provides an all-in-one option for anyone who has to manage manufacturing lines, supply chains, engineering and design, among other things. Founded by a team of former SpaceX engineers, First Resonance was created because they felt the processes they’d helped create at the launch provider would be helpful to people making everything from drones to toys to… other rockets.

# [Iron Ox - Autonomous Farming](https://ironox.com/)

[![ironnnn](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/5MaM9FeR6kRsv3NeQ7jDJZ/7d112f068c2d748d034bef3a325d8237/Untitled_design__4_.svg)](https://www.work40.io/companies/iron-ox)

Iron Ox is a robotics company that has successfully created an autonomous farm in San Carlos, CA. It is an indoor hydroponic farm that is completely operated by robots. Iron Ox uses robotics and artificial intelligence to ensure each individual plant receives the optimal levels of sunshine, water, and nutrients. Their approach lets them grow exactly what’s needed, greatly reducing systemic food waste.

# [Spin Launch - NewSpace Economy](https://www.spinlaunch.com/)

[![Spin](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/20j0NaDQv8xufInYitW9TM/17c91a2d65f20d2608cf8b027e381e4a/Spinlaunch.svg)](https://www.spinlaunch.com/)

SpinLaunch was founded in 2014 to reimagine space launch technology and enable the rapid and cost-effective deployment of small satellite constellations into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Using its revolutionary kinetic launch system, the company conducted a successful vertical launch at its Spaceport New Mexico Test Site in October 2021.

# [Kiwibot - Delivery Robots](https://www.kiwibot.com/) 

`video: [Kiwibot | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNNIvIiie_g)`

Kiwibot provides the largest robot delivery infrastructure in the world by connecting businesses that want to utilize our robots for last-mile delivery.

# [Outrider - Supply Chain Automation](https://www.outrider.ai/)

`video: [Outrider | Spotlight Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIy60mLH0Gk)`

Outrider transforms electric yard trucks into autonomous vehicles that couple tractor to trailer using its patented TrailerConnect™ robotic arm and precisely maneuver between dock doors, parking spots, and areas for over-the-road pickup.

# [Heliogen - Renewable Energy](https://heliogen.com/) 

[![helio](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/3Jyarq9gs5jIaAyvNTyhx1/f209fe4263651d95229a5145eb73340b/helio.svg)
](https://heliogen.com/)

Heliogen is a renewable energy technology company focused on eliminating the need for fossil fuels in heavy industry and powering a sustainable future. The company’s AI-enabled, modular concentrated solar technology aims to cost-effectively deliver near 24/7 carbon-free energy in the form of heat, power, or green hydrogen fuel at scale – for the first time in history.

# [Elroy Air - Autonomous Aerial Robotics](https://elroyair.com/)

[![elroy](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/1uC3bdv7uefvbDsm0H5kGM/76bd183b245166c2d61c92aec4f4f3f8/elroy.svg)
](https://elroyair.com/)

Elroy Air's mission is to improve quality of life around the planet by expanding the reach of expedited logistics via air cargo - safely, efficiently and autonomously. Their air cargo system features rotor-based vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and transitions to wing-based cruise flight for long range. They have designed a holistic logistics system with integrated flight and ground operations that make the vehicles a safe, efficient way to transport cargo by air.

# [Pano - Fire Prevention](https://www.pano.ai/) 

[![pano](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/25YcXw3R4Rb2ETlPPbBuSG/a09135c759513bb820bca4d7a68dd65d/pano.svg)](https://www.pano.ai/)

Pano offers a next-gen hardware & software solution for wildfire detection, confirmation, and alert dissemination. Combining disparate data feeds including proprietary mountaintop cameras and geostationary satellites, the Pano platform includes deep learning AI to provide actionable insights. The Pano solution is designed to serve first responders, such as local fire chiefs and state and federal fire authorities, Utilities, as well as the public.

# [Stratolaunch - Defense // Hypersonic Testing](https://www.stratolaunch.com/)

[![strato](//images.ctfassets.net/h7oayk2mym2n/6uGjQJ1x6vxogpmwYVgLUi/7c897098c049e29d96cd48e8f50f3abc/Untitled_design__5_.svg)](https://www.stratolaunch.com/)

Stratolaunch designs, manufactures, and launches aerospace vehicles and technologies to fulfill several important national needs, including the need for reliable, routine access to space and the need to significantly advance the nation’s ability to design and operate hypersonic vehicles.

From Urban Aquaculture to Urban Air Mobility, here are Credo's Top Visionary Startups for 2022!

Credo 2022

Credo's 2022 Top 20 Visionary Startups 

Over the past few months there have been shortages of seemingly all forms of goods and services. Though I'm no economist or supply chain expert, these shortages make sense intuitively. After a year of complete shutdown and disruption, it makes sense that the global distribution of goods could be impacted. What I find a little harder to make sense of is the __labor__ shortage rippling across nearly every industry. Blame is being placed on government handouts, bad employers, and just plain lazy people, but I think it goes much deeper. Empowered by digital networks, and given an extended moment of reflection, workers at all levels are rethinking the place of work in their lives.

*__Anomie & The Division of Labor__*

I first came across the term *anomie* after reading *The Division of Labor in Society* by Émile Durkheim. It's an utterly offensive word in my opinion, bringing with it purely negative associations. Anomie refers to the breakdown of any moral values, standards or guidance for individuals to follow. It's what leads to social alienation and distrust in society, something Durkheim blamed on the division of labor. Sadly, it's a word that I believe describes the feelings much of us have towards our work today. If you've ever had the "Sunday Scaries", or asked yourself the existential question before work of "What the hell am I doing?", you've likely experienced anomie. It's a terrible, gut wrenching feeling that results from a deep inner void. A lack of connection or meaning derived from the work that consumes most of our waking lives. For years it seems many have suppressed the feeling, likely out of necessity, but the pandemic has forced people to wake up.  

*__Pandemic & Time__*

The pandemic gave people time. Time to reflect, and time to learn new things. Many productive people made full use of the time, learning about new jobs, and picking up new skills. Humans are more empowered now than perhaps at any time in history. We have unprecedented access to people, ideas and information, and now, given the accelerated movement towards remote work, are no longer limited by geography. This has given us the power of choice in our work, a good thing for workers, and a new challenge for employers. A big part of what we're seeing today, is that people are sick of doing shitty jobs for shitty people, and have the knowledge and fresh skills to go elsewhere. I have a friend who bartended before the pandemic, and after being laid off he took the past year to learn audio engineering. He's now making better money, works on his own time, and can freely travel to do what he loves most.. play music. Amazing!

*__Waking Up__*

This is the new reality and I think it comes at a time when we need a shift in our collective consciousness. At the very least people who are happier in their work will bring that possibility into the community. That's a good thing. People who are seeking to derive more meaning and purpose in their work will seek out different types of jobs. Jobs that don't contribute to an endless cycle of wasteful consumption, but rather ones that make things that are beneficial to society. Basically, jobs and work that push society and humanity forward. I think these types of jobs will become more widespread as the demand for them increases. We have a lot of bigger challenges to solve, so the timing of this all could not be better. 

Just as things started to reopen, a new type of challenge faces companies of all shapes and sizes. Where have all the workers gone?

The Great Res 

Anomie & The Great Resignation

It's been interesting to see the public's reaction to what's being dubbed the "Billionaire Space Race". Like many things these days, people seem to be split on whether this is a moment to celebrate, or a moment to scrutinize. With so many problems apparent on Earth, for many it seems rather trite to be focused on the stars. I think both sides might be missing the mark.

Personally, I think this is a historic moment, regardless of whether we judge recent events as either "good" or "bad". It represents a paradigm shift that will have profound reverberations for years to come. It represents the incremental progress that often accompanies innovation, in this case, it is another step of many towards the democratization of space. So really, it's less about the "Billionaires" than about what this event signifies for the next generation, one that never experienced Apollo 11 or man's first steps on the moon. This generation has grown up with SpaceX, and within a few short years has seen Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin make it to space. These represent the first steps towards the commercialization of space, and while it's Billionaires today, tomorrow, it could be us.

This is the typical story of innovation. Whether we're talking about the automobile, the aeroplane, or countless other innovations. At first they are usually only accessible by the few with means. Once they are introduced to public awareness though, this begins the long, iterative process of experimentation, creation and invention that leads to many breakthroughs that are simply impossible to predict in the early days. It will probably take many years before travel to space is available to everybody, but recent events show it's possible to get there. What future innovators might this inspire? What valuable gifts might we discover once we get up there? How will our world view change once the majority of people have the opportunity to experience how small we all truly are?

I'm being a bit of a space fanboy here, but I do believe the implications of space travel are profound. I think it's the natural next step in the story of human innovation. Of course, we have major challenges here on Earth that cannot be ignored, but I don't believe sitting idle is the answer. Investing in the future doesn't mean we need to ignore our problems today, and technology and innovation will probably never be a complete solution to our social issues anyways. But as long as it doesn't become a negative distraction, I think there is great value in having something new to explore. Perhaps it might lead to a different way of thinking about our world and our place in it, and provide a much needed shift in perspective. As innovation often does, current advancements in space will most likely lead to unforeseen consequences, some of which are likely to change our perspective & world for the better. 


Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos recently made "history" by launching into space. Surprisingly public opinion about these events have been mixed. It got me thinking about the significance of this moment for us now, and in the future.. 

B Space

The Role of Innovation in the "Billionaire Space Race"

Over the years I’ve paid a lot of attention to successful organizations. Along with this research I have continually questioned some of the basic assumptions about the role and responsibility organizations have to their people and society. Fueled by the challenges of our time, and the larger cultural and technological shifts, it appears that profit is now inextricably linked with purpose. I think this is necessary, and although I don’t believe technology and private enterprise are a global panacea, with the right framework they can do a lot of good.

I’m not alone in pondering the ultimate purpose of the technology we use, and companies we work for. The challenges we are facing today seem to be large, and the stakes high. So now more than ever I find myself drawn to companies that are pushing the world forward and having a positive impact. I’m not totally blind to the inherent paradox that comes with judging the ethics and potential impact of technology companies, but I do think it’s a worthwhile exercise. Like most things in life, there is no black or white. Often times the true impact of a company or technology doesn’t come into focus until decades or even centuries later. With the passing of time their contribution and impact are palpable, but rarely are they judged as entirely positive or negative. Simply, they bring about progress while responding to the vales and culture. Some examples that are top of mind are companies like Walmart, Nike and Apple. It’s undeniable that these companies have been incredibly impactful in our country as well as the wider world, but they are not without their faults. At some point all three of these icons have been accused of human rights violations. Does that mitigate their impact and positive effect on our society? I think it certainly deserves deeper consideration, not to dismiss their impact, but to help us think about the types of organizations needed in the future.

Organizations evolve like the people that work for them. As the culture changes, they have to adapt to stay relevant. To respond to the challenges of the day, our organizations need to evolve now more than ever. They have the ability to evolve within the framework of capitalism and bring about a better society, not only by virtue of their products and services, but also in the ways they treat and grow their people and communities. Companies of all sizes are waking up to this fact.

Larry Fink summarizes it best:

  *"I’m optimistic that the most successful and profitable organizations of the future will have a higher purpose. Purpose unifies management, employees, and communities. It drives ethical behavior and creates an essential check on actions that go against the best interests of stakeholders. Purpose guides culture, provides a framework for consistent decision-making, and, ultimately, helps sustain long-term financial returns for the shareholders of your company."*

The most successful companies in the future will have a higher purpose.

Organization

Impactful Companies

### What should I contribute?

Its a big question that sometimes takes a lifetime to answer. In my opinion it is the essence of purposeful work, and purposeful work is key to a meaningful life. It implies a level of skill and intention. You can only find purpose in work if you understand where you can add value. To understand this, it will take a growth mindset, and the courage to experiment with your career. 

In an era defined by instant gratification, finding purpose in work is no easy task. Some are lucky and find their calling early in life. We are inundated with stories like these, but in my opinion, those are the exception, not the rule. For most of us, it will take at a minimum years, and potentially decades, to fully understand what our contribution should be. Many will give up long before they realize their full potential, but this is for those who aren't scared to face the abyss. 

First, I think we should go easy on ourselves. Throughout history, a great majority of people never had to ask the question, "what should I contribute?". Their work was inherent, like work done by the farmer or artisan, or it was dictated by a master, as it was for domestic servants. It is only recently that we have started to think for ourselves. Even as recently as the middle of the last century, knowledge workers had personnel departments that planned entire careers. 

A lot has changed since the turn of the century, particularly on the socio-technical spectrum. Basically technology is creating an external environment defined by rapid, constant, and continuous change. This is true both for our personal lives, and the larger industrial complex. These changes are leading to a reorientation of work, and shift in loyalties. People pick up new ideas and skills, and find new opportunities more quickly than ever before. The loyalty simply isn't there for either companies or employees, and the type of work people do is constantly evolving. This is the Digital Revolution in full effect, and it is the culmination of the shift from agriculture and manufacturing to a services based economy that started in the middle of the last century. 

This presents us a lot of opportunities, but often more choice as well. It's an amazing time because we can learn news skills and transition careers and industries in a way that wasn't possible before. I've known quite a few non-technical people who have left traditional careers for coding bootcamps, and pivoted to high paying and in-demand careers in the matter of months. YouTube can teach us pretty much anything we need to know, for free. We have services like Airbnb, Doordash, and Uber, which can either help us with residual income, or save us time that can be put to use on more productive activities. Basically, we have more tools at our disposal that make it easier to try new things, and learn new skills. Trial and error is critical to finding out what our contribution should be, and the world has never better suited for this approach. Only through trial and error can we find the intersection of our skills and interest, which will make the path towards mastery much easier. 

In my opinion, the other piece to the puzzle is to find a problem you're passionate about. If we are going to spend 40 hours a week, for up to 40 or 50 years, on our work, it might as well be something you care about. Not all of us are immediately in a position to follow our passions, but I firmly believe it is something we can all work towards. There are a lot of problems in the world that need fixing, and a lot of smart, driven people that would like to hire other smart, driven people. Again, this may require some trial and error. Your dream company on paper may not live up to expectations, and that is ok. If you have an eye toward purpose, work really hard, and know the value you can offer, it will inevitably lead to the right place, where you can have an outsized impact. 

Oh and the part about hard work. Its a rarity these days. Even if you don't love your work for now, if you work hard, at a minimum you will have opportunities to grow in some capacity, and doors will be opened. Passion without hard work and direction will only lead to suffering. Be passionate, but try to figure out what you're good at and what you care about first. It's not easy, but it allow you to find direction. Once you have direction, it's all about the work. 

I've always sought out purpose in my work. I've realized I'm not special, and there's actually a larger cultural shift that is changing our perspective on work. 

Paradigm Shift

Paradigm Shift in Work

I’ve been wanting to reflect on these concepts for a while since I think that they are so critical to effective social organizations (companies, schools, nations, etc). With the timing and events of the world today this is true now more than ever. It is hard to have a successful community without trust. This is as true for corporations as it is for nations. During trying times, leaders and organizations built on trust will weather the storm and stick together. Right now I fear that we have arrived at a place in our society where trust is a “nice to have”, which is leading to a degradation of our long standing institutions. Now more than ever it’s critical that we demand more.

Anyone who has been in a longterm relationship understands the importance of trust. Many of us would never consider making a longterm commitment to a partner without confidence in this area. What I find interesting, and potentially troubling, is that we don’t seem to hold our institutions to the same standards. After having countless conversations with friends and colleagues it is clear that many work for organizations that they simply do not trust, and even actively despise. I’ve been there myself, and have fallen into the trap of thinking of work as a way to earn a living. Compensation for me was equal to trust. This is not true. The best organizations cascade trust by establishing values, policies and procedures that reinforce it over time. Inclusiveness, diversity, equitable workplaces, freedom, and autonomy are all consequences of a high trust organization.
Without trust you cannot have a strong culture, and without a strong culture you cannot have strong teams, and without strong teams you cannot have strong institutions. Without strong institutions we are more susceptible to fear and panic during difficult times.

We need trust now more than ever. It can start small. It can be just talking about it more. We can hold ourselves to a higher standard and work for or build organizations that are trust-inducing, open and transparent. Not only are these the environments where we can reach our fullest potential, but through these types of organizations we can do work that has a positive impact and pushes society and the world forward.

I think Elliot Jaques said it best in his book Requisite Organization, “I take it as an absolute values… as indeed in any other social institution, the organizational arrangements — the structure and the process — all need to be tested, and firmly tested, against one single criterion: Do they induce and enhance people’s ability to trust each other and the organization? Or do they arouse suspicion and mistrust?”

Trust is most important element for any successful organization 

Culture Stories