Following on from my previous post about being a generalist versus mastering a single discipline, I’ve been thinking a lot about 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 – specifically, how we approach learning in a world where technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate.

I often speak with people who feel worried or anxious about the pace of change. They feel like they just can’t keep up, and honestly, that feeling is valid. The truth is, the rate of change isn’t slowing down; it’s accelerating. Technology builds upon technology, creating a cycle of ever-increasing speed. So what can you do about it? What do 𝘐 do about it?

The answer is tied to the generalist mindset. You can’t possibly master everything. To become a true expert in any one area, you often have to dive so deeply into the details that it becomes hard to see the bigger picture. And yet, the broader picture is what’s changing the fastest.

It’s about 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 👩‍🎓

For me, the goal isn’t mastery in all things – it’s about staying informed at a general level. It’s about 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 to understand what’s happening and to spot opportunities. Here’s what I’m focusing on right now:

• Keeping up to date with changes in AI, like ChatGPT, Gemini, Bard, and other LLMs – whilst also learning about broader AI and what’s on the horizon
• Exploring the potential of AI agents and how they can be applied.
• Gaining a broad understanding of blockchain and distributed ledgers.
• I’m also looking at what this means in another area I’m passionate about – environment and biodiversity – linking these things together is going to be vital in the future.

I’m not looking to be an expert in all these fields, but by understanding their basics, I can see where they might connect – where business opportunities or new solutions might emerge. It’s also helpful in daily life: knowing what tools are out there means I can experiment and apply them to real problems.

I also see this as a way to help others. By staying informed, I can share knowledge, reduce that anxiety, and remind people that we’ve seen similar cycles before. Think about mobile phones: in the late ‘90s, they were rare and associated with “yuppies.” Then adoption grew, and with the launch of the iPhone, they became ubiquitous. Technology often follows that pattern – slow adoption, followed by a tipping point when the right application emerges.

What’s the lesson?

The lesson? You don’t need to master every new technology. Just stay curious, keep learning at a general level, and don’t be afraid to share what you learn with others. By doing that, you’ll not only adapt to change – you’ll help others adapt too.