Imagine the possibilities
Creating a supply chain worthy of our times will take more than innovative thinking; it will require a sense of wonder, curiosity, and amazement.
In this edition, I wonder about the role of artificial intelligence in achieving aspirations for the future of the supply chain. In my first article on aspirations, I asserted that supply chain innovations are mostly inward-looking by design or default, seeking to shore up business models, enhance productivity and profits, improve resiliency, and fend off disruption. We can do more, but to imagine greater possibilities, wonder must be part of our process. To wonder is to think about the future with curiosity and concern, to be open to new feelings and the potential for surprise, and to be amazed even as we embrace our suspicions. Through wonder, we humans can master artificial intelligence, leading to innovations that deliver more than efficiency and productivity—perhaps to a supply chain renaissance for the betterment of humankind.
Consider what’s possible
Reid Hoffman’s new podcast, Possible, is on a mission to explore the brightest possible version of the future. His latest book, Impromptu: Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI, written with GPT-4 as an author’s co-pilot, explores how we might use AI on a quest to “make life more meaningful and prosperous,” to “help solve our hardest challenges,” and to “expand opportunities for self-determination and self-expression.” I love it. All of this is the right stuff for supply chain innovators as we seek not just to fix what’s broken but to build a supply chain worthy of our times.
Hoffman’s work is a source of ideas, inspiration, and experience as we work together to imagine a supply chain that is not just resilient but responsive to our aspirations and regenerative for our workers and communities. But as with most leading-edge thinking, Hoffman infrequently offers insights specifically in the context of distribution and the supply chain.
So, to help bridge that gap and kickstart a conversation, I riff on three innovation opportunities in the video below. My three topics—creativity, the transformation of work, and the future of cities—are inspired by Hoffman’s chapter titles and podcast episodes. The comments are my own; I do not share things said or written in his podcast or book. I’ll do that later, in future editions. But for now, I hope to lay down some ideas with a smidgeon of explanation and look forward to your comments. Let’s imagine a better supply chain together.
Click here to watch this edition of Mark Dancer on Flourishing Business:
This edition is an ongoing experiment, presenting my content in a video-only format. I invite you to watch (or listen) and graciously provide your comments below. Alternatively, feel free to connect with me directly at mark.dancer@n4bi.com. Your engagement and feedback are greatly appreciated!