With focus on people, practical tips, managing uncertainty, anticipating trends, and weighing digital impacts - our annual Christmas Special is chock-full of useful and relevant stuff for consultants.

We Discuss:

• First appearances on the podcast by each of the cast and current reflections on what each of us said back then
• Best-of moments from 2023 and why they are relevant
• Predictions for 2024

Key Highlights:

• Phil reflects on his comments from the first ever episode in 2018, showing how his views on the importance of understanding people and their needs is still highly relevant today. (00:05:32)
• Whynde observes how the need for human connection seems amplified now compared to when the podcast started, noting massive changes like work-from-home and AI. (00:13:35)
• The cast has had thought-provoking conversations over the years that have informed major life and career decisions, keeping the focus more on functioning as good human beings rather than just technology. (00:25:49)
• The episode on Using LinkedIn for Success was the most popular of the past year, indicating an interest in practical tips beyond just consulting. (00:37:30)
• Tom Graves advises not trying to predict the future but instead focusing on adapting in real-time. (00:48:03)
• Whynde hopes businesses become more thoughtful and discerning with new technologies like AI, carefully examining what it really means and the unintended consequences. (01:11:43)
• Shashi predicts a major skills shift as AI gets democratized, with business users outside IT getting more tech-savvy and implementing solutions themselves. (01:16:01)
• Phil sees cyber security threats growing as more are able to "game the system", making it harder to discern what's real vs AI-generated. (01:18:37)
• Chris predicts more focus on how AI is relevant and applicable to solving business problems, beyond just the "gee whiz" factor. (01:23:02)

7 Takeaways:

1. The focus has evolved to be more on functioning as good human beings and maintaining sanity versus just discussing technology.
2. There is strong interest beyond just the consulting audience in practical advice like effectively using LinkedIn.
3. Adapting in real-time is advised over trying to predict the unpredictable future.
4. Carefully examining what emerging technologies really mean for businesses, including unintended consequences, is hoped for.
5. Major skills shifts alongside potential growth in cyber threats are predicted as AI becomes democratized.
6. Maintaining work-life balance seems increasingly challenging amidst more remote work and turbulent times.
7. Frameworks shared, like Chris Potts’ unifying model, can help guide decision-making amidst constant change.