I am part of my recent publication in Entrepreneur Magazine. It focuses on the importance of engaging our imagination to continuously re-invent the customer experience. Enjoy!

Dubai has firmly established itself as a hub for futuristic projects, pushing limits, and re-imagining boundaries.  Having sprung from the desert sand, Dubai boasts many wonders, including the world’s tallest building, first indoor ski mountain, and underwater restaurant.  And recently a new ‘first’ has been added.

In a world of perpetual change, standing still is not an option. Which means that the process of learning has to be a lifelong and cross-generational journey. This presents an exciting opportunity to re-imagine education for all generations, and to blend the pursuit of personal fulfillment with that of professional excellence. To this end, we are forming the Coalition for Lifelong Learning, bringing together leading, global organizations with complementary expertise, be it in knowledge sharing, entrepreneurship, creativity & play, or mindfulness. Members will host joint events, exchange experiences, and offer linked programs to guide the future of lifelong learning.

As a way of welcoming the new year, let’s revisit an inspirational story from recent history. It serves as a useful reminder of the need for strategic transformation, and an example of its successful implementation by one of the most iconic companies.  

Openness to new ideas is a critical component of an organization’s ability to stay relevant. It is emblematic of an internal culture that encourages creative thinking and nurtures continuous transformation. In contrast, resistance to new ideas is a sure sign that an organization is not embracing change. Here is a telling example from the world of sports.