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What does it really take for organizations to thrive in an era of constant disruption and rapid technological change?
In this insightful episode of the Tech Humanist Show, host Kate O’Neill sits down with innovation strategist Greg Verdino to explore the critical role of adaptability in modern business. Drawing from their experiences with digital transformation and the development of the ADAPT Manifesto, Greg Verdino shares hard-won lessons on why “always-on” adaptation, curiosity, and investing in future-readiness are more essential than ever.
Topics Covered:
The origins and goals of the ADAPT Manifesto
Why most transformation projects fail
The essential values and principles of adaptability
Common barriers to organizational adaptation
The importance of investing in both technology and people
How AI is reshaping organizational structures and workflows
The difference between reaction and strategic response
Balancing innovation and tradition (“the power of and”)
The need for systems thinking in leadership
Practical tips for fostering adaptability, curiosity, and unlearning
Connect with Greg Verdino:
Website
LinkedIn
YouTube
“Never Normal: Uncommon Ideas for Leaders Who Won’t Settle for the Status Quo”
📋 Episode Chapters
00:00:05 – Welcome to The Tech Humanist Show – Kate O’Neill introduces the show
00:00:51 – How Kate and Greg met: the “Super Team” and curiosity for new technology
00:02:53 – Why adaptability is the key business skill today
00:03:30 – Why digital transformations fail and the birth of the ADAPT Manifesto
00:06:14 – The ADAPT Manifesto values and principles explained
00:10:01 – “Fund the future”: investing in people, processes, and tech
00:11:36 – Common pitfalls in funding innovation and transformation
00:15:13 – Structuring for change in the era of AI
00:21:33 – What gets in the way of adaptation?
00:25:59 – Transformation vs. innovation and keeping up with change
00:30:31 – The lesson of Jenny’s Ice Cream: balancing novelty and consistency
00:32:01 – “The power of and” and avoiding either/or thinking
00:34:12 – The danger of chasing every shiny object (reaction vs. response)
00:36:31 – Trends shaping the next waves of adaptation
00:41:06 – Practical tips: being curious, unlearning, and hands-on learning
00:47:13 – Personal examples of unlearning
00:52:39 – Where to connect with Greg Verdino
00:53:44 – Show credits and wrap-up
