Secrets of Next-Level Entrepreneurs

CHAPTER 4Mastering Disruption and the Future of Work

Charlene Li

Disruption is one of those buzzwords we have heard a lot lately, but why? Because it’s a great way to create fresh takes on old problems, and to find answers to the challenges we face. Disruption means creating more efficient solutions in our target markets. Then we can resolve those unmet needs instead of focusing on winning awards or accolades for innovation.

We can think of disruptors in the tech industry, startups in Silicon Valley, and most recently, supply chain disruptions during and after the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic as examples. Humans see disruption tear us away from our understanding of the status quo, our relationships with each other, and where we are situated in the world. As a result of no longer knowing where to stand, we feel confused, unsure, and disrupted.

Disruption typically makes people feel out of control. And until we figure out where and how we fit in the greater scheme of things, we will continue to feel disrupted. Instinctively, our feelings tell us to get rid of this discomfort as soon as possible.

Disruptors Lead the Way

Changing the status quo in business means shaking things up, innovating, and creating disruption.

Look at businesses such as Netflix. When everyone thought we'd continue making the weekly trek to Blockbuster for the next VHS and then DVD, Netflix, a true disruptor and leader in streaming services, came in guns blazing. Netflix and other streaming services ...