When Heather McGowan and Chris Shipley wrote The Adaptation Advantage (April 2020, Wiley) they did not realize how prescient their advice and predictions would become when the coronavirus global pandemic required an immediate and dramatic shift in work, learning, and leading.
Predictions they made for the next three to five years, occurred over the following three to five weeks.
Overnight companies remapped supply chains, pivoted product lines, and transformed to distributed work-from-home organization. Entire university and school systems adopted virtual delivery exclusively, something many said they would never do.
This new normal, or normal of now, requires a focus on culture, purpose, trust, psychological safety as we embark on the largest social experiment in human history.
We live in times of accelerated change driven by exponentially growing technologies and an increasingly hyperconnected and interdependent global market economy.
As a result, work tasks as we knew them in the past have become atomized, broken into job fragments that can be done anywhere around the world; automated, achievable or solvable by computerized technologies; and augmented, technologies that extend the human physically or cognitively.
Heather E. McGowan asks children and young people “What do you want to be when you grow up?”; we ask university students “What is your major or area of study?”; and we ask each other “What do you do for a living?”.
These questions refer to an application of knowledge and skills at a moment in time.
That moment in time is rapidly decreasing. According to research, as change rates accelerate–driven by technology and globalization–it is possible for us to work numerous jobs from many different industries in our lifetime.
Despite this, we continue to limit our definition to one occupational self.
The only thing developing faster than technology is culture. The questions “Who are you?”, “What do you do for a living?” and “Where are you from?” are becoming unmoored and less dependable tethers to our core identity.
Demographics and social norms are rapidly shifting worldwide, and our once reliable occupational identities, once spanning multiple generations, must now endure a much longer career arc due to increased human longevity.
In the developed world, we spend more than 50% of our time and attention online creating connections and community in areas different from our physical location.
Heather E McGowan is a visionary future-of-work strategist dedicated to helping leaders and organizations navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. With a background that spans various industries and an in-depth understanding of technological advancements, Heather is renowned for her ability to foresee and articulate the future landscape of work. Her insightful perspectives have made her a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advisor for companies and institutions aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by the fusion of technologies blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres, requires a new approach to leadership and workforce development. Heather McGowan’s expertise lies in guiding organizations through this transformation, ensuring they are equipped to leverage emerging technologies while fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. Her work has been instrumental in reshaping how companies think about talent, innovation, and competitive advantage.
As an advocate for lifelong learning and workforce agility, Heather emphasizes the importance of preparing people for roles that do not yet exist. Her thought leadership has been influential in both academic and corporate circles, where she frequently shares her insights on the future of work, leadership, and the impact of technology on human potential. Heather’s ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies makes her an invaluable resource for any organization looking to thrive in the new era of work.
Heather E McGowan’s journey into the realm of future-of-work strategy began with her academic pursuits in industrial design and business administration. She holds degrees from the Rhode Island School of Design and Babson College, where she honed her ability to blend creativity with strategic thinking. This unique combination of skills has allowed her to approach the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating design thinking with business acumen.
Her career trajectory includes roles in academia, corporate strategy, and consulting, each of which has contributed to her deep understanding of organizational dynamics and technological innovation. Heather E McGowan has served as an advisor to several Fortune 500 companies, helping them to reimagine their business models and workforce strategies in the context of rapid technological change. Her work in this area has earned her recognition as a leading voice in the future-of-work discourse.
At events and conferences worldwide, Heather E McGowan is known for her engaging and thought-provoking presentations. She has delivered keynote speeches at prestigious forums such as the World Economic Forum, TEDx, and numerous industry-specific conferences. Her ability to captivate audiences with her forward-thinking insights and practical advice has made her a favorite among event planners and attendees alike. Heather’s presentations often focus on the intersections of technology, education, and workforce development, providing a holistic view of how these elements interact to shape the future of work.
Heather’s influence extends beyond the stage; she is also a prolific writer and thought leader. Her articles and whitepapers on the future of work have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and Harvard Business Review. Additionally, Heather E McGowan co-authored the book “The Adaptation Advantage,” which explores how individuals and organizations can thrive in a rapidly changing world. This book has been widely praised for its practical insights and actionable strategies, further cementing Heather’s reputation as a go-to expert in her field.
In her consulting work, Heather collaborates with organizations to develop future-ready strategies that align with their unique goals and challenges. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability, where employees are encouraged to continuously learn and evolve. Heather’s approach is grounded in the belief that the most successful organizations of the future will be those that can seamlessly integrate new technologies while empowering their workforce to navigate change effectively.
Heather E McGowan stands out as a leading future-of-work strategist, helping organizations and leaders navigate the transformative changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Her multidisciplinary background, encompassing industrial design and business strategy, allows her to offer unique and actionable insights into the future landscape of work. Heather’s engaging presentations, combined with her deep understanding of technological advancements and workforce dynamics, make her an exceptional choice for any event.
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