This article is part of a series exploring key lessons from influential books—works that offer valuable insights into personal growth, productivity, and professional development. Whether you’re revisiting a familiar favourite or discovering these ideas for the first time, we’ll uncover practical wisdom that remains relevant today.
The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman, published in 2023, dives deeply into the transformative effects artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology are set to have on our society. Suleyman co-founded DeepMind, a pioneering AI company, and currently leads Microsoft’s AI division, bringing deep expertise to his insights about our technological future.
Esteemed figures like Bill Gates and Al Gore have praised The Coming Wave, describing it as a crucial guide to understanding the significant challenges and opportunities posed by rapid technological changes.
Let’s break down five practical takeaways that could help you stay ahead of the curve, whether you’re just starting your career or you’ve been working for years.
- Change is happening faster than we think
Remember when smartphones were a new thing? Now they’re everywhere. Artificial intelligence (computer systems that can perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence) and biotech (technology that uses living organisms to develop products) are changing even more quickly.
Try this: Spend just 10 minutes a week checking what’s new in your industry. Follow a simple tech news site, subscribe to a short podcast, or join an online group related to your field. Small, regular updates are much better than suddenly discovering your skills are outdated.
- Being flexible is your secret weapon
The skills employers want today might not be what they need tomorrow. Being able to adapt quickly is becoming one of the most valuable workplace traits.
Try this: Every few months, learn something small but new about your job or industry. This doesn’t mean getting another degree – it could be as simple as watching a 15-minute tutorial video or attending a free online workshop. The habit of learning is more important than what you learn.
- Think about the bigger picture
New technology brings new questions about fairness, privacy, and safety. Employers increasingly value people who can think about these wider issues, not just the technical side.
Try this: When using a new tool or system at work, take a moment to ask: “Is this fair for everyone? Could this affect people’s privacy? Is there a downside I haven’t considered?” Being thoughtful about these questions can set you apart.
- Connect with different types of people
The biggest workplace challenges can’t be solved by one person or one type of expertise. Building a diverse network is more important than ever.
Try this: Reach out to someone from a different team or department for a quick chat about what they do. You might be surprised how their perspective can help with your own work challenges – and they’ll remember you reached out.
- Stay hopeful but realistic
New technology brings amazing opportunities but also real challenges. The key is finding a balanced view – not blindly optimistic or unnecessarily fearful.
Try this: When you hear about a new workplace technology, ask yourself two questions: “How could this make my job better?” and “What challenges might it create?” This balanced thinking helps you prepare for both.
Putting it all together
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been working for years, these ideas can help you navigate the changing workplace. The people who will thrive aren’t necessarily the most technical – they’re the ones who stay curious, keep learning, and think about the bigger picture.
The most important thing? Don’t just let technology happen to you. Take small, regular steps to understand what’s changing and how you can adapt. This doesn’t mean becoming a tech expert overnight – it’s about staying aware and making small adjustments as you go.
The Coming Wave reminds us that big changes are coming, but with the right approach, we can ride that wave rather than being swept away by it.
If you want to read the full book, you can find it here.