Did you ever wonder what life was like without an email inbox? What was life like before we become tied to an electronic file—filling up with notes, messages, requests and the like? Sometimes I lament the process and harken back to a kinder, gentler age… Other times, I simply see it as the portal to people and information that I absolutely need and want.
Such was the case today. Within one hour of each other, I received two very compelling articles—one on the rise of Blockchain, while the other dealt with the new healthcare venture underway by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan. Interesting—YES! Disruptor—ABSOLUTELY!
Here’s the disruption.
From reports, Blockchain was a central and consistent focus of the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. For many this is the technology topic that towers over all others, artificial intelligence, social media, robotics, etc—as it has the potential to literally change world economics. Blockchain is the technology behind Bitcoin—which for many is somewhat of a novelty. But here’s the secret: Blockchain technology has the potential to bring billions of people around the globe without bank accounts into the economy. Similarly, it has the potential to help an estimated 70 percent of people in the world who own land under tenuous title to prove their claim to land. Without such proof, land has no value as an economic tool—because you aren’t able to pass it on, get a loan against it or conduct any other normal economic activities. Finally, there are many people who send money home and face losing 10% or more to fees. These fees could be eliminated by Blockchain technology. It will be fascinating to watch this progress.
The second disruptor was a short announcement that three powerhouse organizations, Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan, were working together to build their own, fully independent employee healthcare company, which will exclusively offer benefits and care to their own respective employees and their families. Interesting… All of the focus recently in healthcare has been on mergers and integration of insurers, providers and physicians into new integrated systems—while these three giants have another path forward. Yes, another ripple in the swirling waters of healthcare. Disruptor – ABSOLUTELY!
As a leader are you focused on the What’s Next? Do you have a good system in place to learn about new trends and YES, disruptors!@? Take the time to relook at your information gathering over the past three months—did it pick up important trends?
Steve Jeffrey is the Co-Founder/Guild Master of ForgeWorks and is passionate about building great foundations in people and non-profit organizations. His work is focused on innovation, strategy, affiliations and cultural alignment.