I believe in the power of education; I’ve seen it transformed my home country and benefited from it. I was excited to join a global company and leader in library system, research databases, and digital content. The industry was new to me and the role was newly created after my 3 trips and 19 conversations with employees. Instead of focusing on improving current products/ business (Horizon 1*) or expanding to adjacent areas (Horizon 2*), I was tasked to think ahead—what might be the growth opportunities in 3-5 years and we’re not in (Horizon 3*)?
How would you feel and do when there was no playbook, nor predecessor, and no prior experiences?
I was thrilled, grateful for the unique opportunity, and uncertain. Without all above meant I need to work harder and learn faster. It also meant I have no baggage or perception; nothing is impossible but ask…so I started with my manager. I asked him to recommend 3 people whom he sees as forward-thinking, not afraid to question the status quo, collaborative, and willing to go extra mile for greater good. I reached out to them requesting a conversation—I want to know them, understand their works, and hear what they see as opportunities and challenges. At the end of our conversation, I asked each of them the same question as I did with my manager, to recommend people that I could consult with and learn from.
The result?
Soon, word spread: people stopped me in the hallway asking if I was working on the future. The snowball rolled, in two months, I talked with more than 60 colleagues across functions, levels, and geographics and met/ talked with 20 customers. The journey of listening, reflection, and relationship-building led to a pool of 160+ ideas (segmented into 18 categories), 4 starting projects across 3 horizons, and 2 global initiatives.
What I learned from the experience and you all can do:
- Just start: Wherever you are, plant a seed. Every influence matters. You’ll improve as you go; even failure brings learning.
- Ask and listen: Uncertainty is difficult, but it’s the best time to learn. Thinking differently opens new possibilities. You don’t need to be right or have a big title—let the best ideas shine.
- Inspire action with genuine purpose: People feel sincerity. Most want to support positive change. Even naysayers can motivate us to improve and turn impossible into inevitable.
Discovery without a fixed goal is about openness, serendipity, and letting ideas grow.
How do you discover?
I’d love to hear your experiences, thoughts, or questions.
* McKinsey’s The three horizons of growth.
Part of the Make a Positive Difference series — Thinking Differently, Acting Purposefully.