Human-Driven Experience

Introduction: Power to the People

Nothing eases suffering like the human touch.

—Bobby Fischer

As a society, we are at a momentous crossroads. The past 30 years have seen tremendous growth in the areas of technology, data, and capital, although this growth hasn’t always been smooth. It’s the fundamental struggle for economic growth and social stability.

This same struggle has played out throughout history, but what is different about today is that our old controls, structures, processes, and understanding are failing us in the face of unprecedented change. Before, change happened slowly over time, giving people and businesses a chance to change and adapt to what was coming. Now, we face rapid-fire changes in technology, societal norms, and government policies, and we must adapt to the changing environments in the blink of an eye. There is nowhere to hide. Technology, data, and forces beyond our control have conspired to challenge us professionally, politically, socially, and emotionally.

I have arrived at a point in my career at which I believe I have a pretty good idea of where data, technology, and next-generation _____________ (fill in the blank) are going, at least superficially. But I also realize that this is not the whole picture; there is something more beneath the surface that is absolutely critical to understand if we are to survive, adapt, and thrive in this new world. Exactly how I got to this realization is an interesting question, because the path I took in ...