Today on the podcast, we welcome Ja-Naé Duane, systems thinker, innovator, and author of Super Shifts. With over 20 years as a behavioral scientist and 4-time entrepreneur, Ja-Naé has guided organizations, governments, and communities through future-focused transformation.
Recognized by outlets like NPR and Businessweek, she’s passionate about reshaping how we live and work in the age of superintelligence, leveraging AR/VR, AI, and blockchain. Ja-Naé has worked with top firms like Deloitte and PWC, and is a sought-after speaker at Singularity University.
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In this episode, we explore her transformative frameworks for both personal and organizational growth, highlighting the power of unlearning, integrating systems thinking, and embracing change in a tech-driven world.
Dr. Ja-Naé Duane is a Research Fellow at MIT, Faculty Director of Brown’s Innovation Management program, and a mentor in its Tech Leadership program. She’s also a Council Member at The Stimson Center, an Investor at CollX, and a Co-Founder of The Revolution Factory. At Singularity University, she teaches futures thinking and lectures in Information Systems at Bentley University, where she’s on the Blockchain Advisory Council. She’s the bestselling author of McGraw-Hill and an advisor at Teleportec.
Key Takeaways:
- Stress isn’t the enemy; using it intentionally can fuel growth and resilience.
- To thrive in the future, we must unlearn outdated systems and develop an antifragile mindset.
- Superintelligence and AI are crucial tools for creativity, reflection, and decision-making.
Additional Insights:
- Let go of outdated thinking to make room for fresh, innovative approaches.
- Use AI and other tools to boost productivity and enhance creativity in your work.
Join Ja-Naé Duane as she discusses transformation, unlearning habits, and creating resilient systems that thrive with technology and nature.
Episode Highlights:
01:00 – Episode Recap
“Today’s guest is Ja-Naé Duane, author of Super Shifts, discussing personal and organizational transformation in the age of superintelligence.”
01:56 – Guest Introduction: Ja-Naé Duane
“Ja-Naé Duane is a leading behavioral scientist and author, helping individuals and organizations navigate the world of AI and technology.”
03:55 – Inspiration Behind ‘Super Shifts’ and the Pandemic Pivot
“During COVID-19, I was called to help restart Europe, which sparked the Super Shifts concept.”
06:10 – Exploring Decentralized Systems and Resilience
“We studied nature’s decentralized systems and explored how businesses can adopt similar models to thrive under stress.”
08:33 – Unlearning Comfort and Embracing Stressors
“I realized I was too comfortable. We must introduce stressors to evolve and adapt.”
12:11 – Physical Stressors for Growth and Self-Awareness
“Physical challenges like mountain climbing help build resilience and self-awareness for my work.”
15:29 – Using AI for Productivity and Holistic Living
“We should use AI for efficiency, but also focus on creativity, wellness, and meaningful connections.”
18:56 – Transformative Models and Organizational Impact
“By unlearning old mindsets, the Transform Model helps organizations shift to sustainable, adaptable systems.”
25:07 – Embracing AI for Leadership and Change
“AI can revolutionize leadership and decision-making while keeping us human in how we integrate it.”
30:10 – AI, Time Management, and the Future of Work
“AI tools free up time by automating tasks, but we must rethink how we spend our time and adapt to new ways of working.”
35:40 – Creating Space for Innovation and Long-Term Vision
“Leaders must create space for innovation, even if uncomfortable, to shape the future.”
42:28 – AI Tools, Growth, and Embracing Change
“Our AI-native studio uses automation to streamline tasks, reduce manpower, and embrace discomfort to adapt for future success.”
