Brian Solis's Blog, page 6

Integrated Systems Europe: Embracing AI Without Fear – A Summary of the Opening Keynote by Brian Solis

The opening keynote at ISE 2025 by Brian Solis was featured in the Integrated Systems Europe Daily along with the panel he participated in following his talk.

To banish anxiety from a future completely reshaped by AI, it’s important to create new relevance rather than extending yesterday’s, according to digital analyst, author and visionary Brian Solis. He urged people to allow themselves to be disrupted, and to look at AI not with the limitations of an expert, but with the eyes of a child open to all possibilities.

As part of his ISE 2025 OpeningKeynote speech yesterday, Solis suggested setting up a daily exploratory prompting practice to rewire the brain to collaborate with AI, rather than fight against it. “We need a mindset shift to be able to see the future differently, to take AI and let it inspire us to actually think outside of the box and explore the world of the unknown.”

“Where AI becomes magical is when you expect the unexpected, where you don’t know what’s on the other side of the prompt, and you keep prompting it until you come up with something that is just incredible.”

Those waiting for someone to tell them what to do with AI are on the wrong side of innovation, he warned. With its
consumerisation, AI is the first technology that cannot be put in a “business as usual” box.

“What makes this moment so special is that there’s no playbook for how to integrate AI in our work. You get to imagine what the future looks like,” said Solis.

Panel Discussion

In the subsequent ‘Future Panel Discussion: Visions of tomorrow’ session, Solis was joined by moderator Josephine Watson, managing editor of lifestyle at TechRadar; Sarah Cox, founder and MD, Neutral Human; Fardad Zabetian, co-founder and CEO, Kudo; and digital artist Quayola, as they shared their tech visions and predictions for the world of tomorrow.

Cox described the next decade as one of accelerated communication. “Beyond providing improvements to existing technology, AI will accelerate the speed at which we receive information and personalisation to some would say
a scary level, but the digital-first generation will be the first to accept this, which I find exciting.”

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4 skills for guiding AI transformation

Portland, OR, USA – Sep 1, 2024: ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and Perplexity app icons are seen on a Google Pixel smartphone. AI competition concepts. Source: Ragan

Brian Solis was interviewed by Brian Pittman ahead of his keynote presentation at the AI Horizons Conference in Miami. 

Want to shape your org’s AI strategy? Here are 4 skills for guiding AI transformation and how to lead with both innovation and humanity.

The AI gold rush in on — but are organizations asking the right questions?

According to Brian Solis, head of global innovation at ServiceNow and author of “Mindshift,” the real threat isn’t the technology but how organizations implement it.

“The greatest challenge communicators face is losing humanity in the pursuit of efficiency,” he says. “AI can automate workflows and generate content — but it can’t replace empathy, creativity or relevance.”

For communicators, this is the moment to step up and help guide organizations through this transformation. Here’s how:

Prioritize augmentation over automation. “AI should be a tool for enhancement, not a crutch,” says Solis. “Focus on how AI can bring you closer to your audience rather than automating parts of your job.”

He suggests pausing each time you open an AI chat window: “Ask yourself if what you’re doing will truly enhance connection. If the answer is no, you risk diluting meaning.”

AI is invaluable for handling repetitive tasks like data analysis or content repurposing. “But you should really invest your time in collaborating with trained models that can help shape and augment messages that spark emotion, inspire trust and foster deeper relationships,” says Solis.

Develop soft skills alongside AI fluency. Technical AI know-how is crucial. “But soft skills like empathy, ethics and creativity require just as much intentional practice,” he says.

Here’s how to hone both:

Practice empathetic listening. Before responding, whether online, with AI or in person, ask yourself, “What truly matters here? What would I need to hear to be inspired to change?” This validates others’ perspectives while also forcing you to slow down and consider alternate views.Sharpen self-awareness. Mindfulness and seeking feedback can help, but Solis urges communicators to dig deeper: “Do the hard work of understanding your own biases, questioning assumptions and aligning messages with values that truly resonate.”Keep a “mindshift” journal. While a traditional journaling practice can help improve empathy and self-awareness, Solis advises keeping a “mindshift” journal.

“Document your communication wins and misses — focusing on emotional impact rather than just metrics,” he says. “Ask yourself what messages resonated, which fell flat — and why.”

By focusing on real reactions, and not just click or open rates, you can begin to see patterns in how people emotionally respond to your messages so you can build deeper connections. This helps refine your storytelling over time, ensuring your message align with audience needs.

Make storytelling your superpower. “AI is a remarkable enabler, but when automation takes the lead over imagination, mediocrity follows,” Solis warns. “Human-centered innovation is about balancing AI’s capabilities with human ingenuity. It’s about using AI to spark creativity — not dictate it.”

The key is transforming information into inspiration through storytelling. “While AI can generate coherent narratives, it lacks lived experiences and the ability to tap into the nuances of human struggle and triumph,”  Solis says. “That’s where you come in.”

Here are two quick tips to harness both imagination and storytelling:

Use storyboarding as a thinking tool. Solis credits Nick Sung (Pixar, Netflix) for teaching him that storytelling isn’t just about words — it’s about designing anexperience.

Storyboarding is a great way to get started, he suggests. “Map out emotional highs and lows before writing. Ask yourself, ‘Where does the audience feel tension? Relief? Inspiration to act?’”

By breaking your message into visual and emotional beats, you can ensure every moment earns attention, builds curiosity and delivers impact, which are essential in a world flooded with AI-generated content that often feels formulaic and forgettable. “Think scenes, not slides,” advises Solis.

Frame every communication as a hero’s journey. “Instead of listing facts or promoting features, tell a story with a beginning (a problem your audience relates to), a middle (the transformation or insight) and an end (a resolution that inspires action),” says Solis.Lead the AI transformation responsibly. “Too often, AI adoption is treated as a top-down directive, leaving communicators in a reactive role,” says Solis. “But those who lean into AI early — experimenting with its potential and guiding its ethical implementation — will shape the future of corporate messaging.”

The opportunity is significant: AI enables hyper-personalized messaging at scale, but the risk is losing trust. “As AI deepfakes and content proliferate, audiences will become more skeptical,” he warns.

Here’s how to lead effectively while avoiding the pitfalls:

Adopt a trust-first approach. “Always disclose when AI is involved in content creation and ensure there’s human review in the process,” says Solis. “Focus on building relationships, not just delivering messages. In the AI era, trust will be the most valuable currency — so protect it fiercely.”Position yourself as an AI translator.

A core element of this strategy is developing ethical AI guidelines to ensure transparency, authenticity and alignment with your organization’s values.

“Don’t let those conversations happen without you,” he warns. “When you take charge of the AI narrative, you move from being a messenger to being a strategist.”

Leverage AI as a catalyst, not a crutch.

“The future belongs to those who combine AI-driven intelligence with human-centered insight,  he concludes. “The question isn’t whether AI will shape communication. It’s whether we’ll use it to enhance our humanity or diminish it. Choose wisely.”

Please read the full article here.

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Brian Solis to Keynote Avasant’s Empowering Beyond Summit

Inspiration Applied: The Vision You Need for What’s Next

At Avasant’s Empowering Beyond Summit 2025, Brian Solis a globally recognized futurist and one of the most influential voices in business transformation, will take the stage to share his ground-breaking insights on the next era of enterprise evolution.

Hailed as “one of the greatest digital analysts of our time” and a “must-follow thought leader in Generative AI,” Brian decodes the intersection of AI, innovation, and digital transformation—helping leaders navigate disruption and drive meaningful change.

Join us at EBS25 on May 5th and 6th to hear Brian’s bold and unique perspectives on what’s coming next – and how to thrive in the future of business.

Register Now and Access Early Bird Tickets Until February 15th: https://hubs.ly/Q036F9810

This is a keynote you won’t want to miss!

 

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An Interview With Brian Solis. What if Your Digital Transformation Was as Easy as Changing Your Mind

What if Digital Transformation was as easy as changing your mind? Therein lies the challenge. Changing your mind isn’t easy.

I joined Jim Hertzfeld on “What If? So What?” to unpack the power of a #Mindshift.

We explore how storytelling can inspire creativity and imagination and help leaders envision a better future for their organizations.

We also highlight the impact of Generative AI on business transformation and the need for leaders to embrace new technologies to stay ahead the curve.

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Mindshift or Die! How to Stay Ahead in the Age of AI and Disruption

In today’s fast-moving world, change isn’t just happening—it’s accelerating. The pace of disruption is outpacing the ability of many leaders and organizations to keep up. That’s why I believe we need a Mindshift—a fundamental transformation in how we think, lead, and innovate.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Julia Kirby, Senior Editor, Harvard University Press, for an insightful conversation about digital transformation, AI, and leadership. We explored the key challenges businesses face today and, more importantly, how leaders can embrace this new era with confidence. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion. The conversation followed an amazing on stage exploration of the augmented and exponential power of an AI-first mindset. I’d always dreamed of speaking at Drucker Forum!

The Age of Digital Darwinism

For over 20 years, I’ve talked about Digital Darwinism—the idea that technology and society are evolving faster than most organizations can adapt. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about how customer expectations, behaviors, and preferences are changing. The businesses that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete, while those that embrace transformation can unlock entirely new opportunities.

“We’re in a time when the old way of doing things just doesn’t work anymore. Leaders can’t simply tweak existing processes; they need to rethink everything—from business models to customer engagement,” I explained in the interview.

The organizations that succeed are those that challenge conventions and have the courage to rethink their strategies. And that starts with leadership.

AI: A Catalyst for Human Potential

One of the biggest topics we explored was the role of AI in business. There’s a lot of fear around AI replacing jobs, but I see it differently. AI isn’t here to replace humans—it’s here to augment human capabilities.

“Leaders who see AI as a tool to amplify creativity, efficiency, and decision-making will be the ones who create the most value,” I shared. The key is reskilling and upskilling employees so they can work alongside AI rather than be displaced by it.

AI is not the future—it’s the present. Organizations that fail to embrace it will find themselves left behind. The real question is: How can we use AI to make work more meaningful, more productive, and more human?

The Urgency of a Mindshift

Leading in this era requires more than just digital transformation—it requires a leadership transformation. Traditional leadership models were built for a different time, a different pace. Today, leaders must cultivate curiosity, adaptability, and resilience to thrive.

“The most successful leaders I know aren’t just reacting to change—they’re anticipating it, shaping it, and even creating it,” I emphasized in our conversation. This means shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, from control to empowerment, and from certainty to experimentation.

The Future Belongs to Those Who Challenge the Status Quo

This is a defining moment. Organizations have a choice: cling to outdated models and risk irrelevance, or embrace transformation and become the architects of the future.

“Businesses need to stop waiting for disruption to happen to them and instead become the disruptors,” I said in the interview.

This means investing in innovation, fostering a culture of learning, and prioritizing customer experience and employee experience in every decision.

Final Thoughts

Mindshift isn’t just a book title—it’s a call to action. Leaders must unlearn old ways of thinking and embrace new possibilities. The organizations that succeed will be the ones that prioritize continuous learning, rethink traditional hierarchies, and use technology as a force for good.

The future isn’t something that just happens to us—it’s something we create. And it starts with a Mindshift.

—

What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to digital transformation?

Let’s continue the conversation—drop a comment or connect with me on LinkedIn, Threads, BlueSky and X.

Order Mindshift, today!

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The Futurists: 2025 Outlook With Brett King, Robert Tercek, and Brian Solis

“The Futurists,” Brett King, Rob Tercek, and yours truly, get together to brainstorm and model the possible big advances and macro changes that are likely to come in 2025. From Trump’s first year back, to the broader market changes and climate impact issues. This is what happens when you let three futurists out after dark to talk about short-term futures

Listen

Watch

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Authority Magazine Posts In-Depth Interview with Brian Solis Author of Mindshift

This is an excerpt from Authority Magazine, one of the most in-depth interviews Brian Solis has ever conducted.

In the interview, Cynthia Corsetti and Brian explored how leaders must rethink their approach to innovation, disruption, and transformation in an era where AI, automation, and customer expectations are evolving at breakneck speed. They also crack the cover to Brian’s new book Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future.

Here are some key takeaways:

AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a collaborator.
Incremental change is no longer enough.
Experience is the next competitive edge.
The biggest risk? Standing still.

The Future is Faster Than You Think: Brian Solis of ServiceNow On How Leaders Are Preparing for The Innovations, Disruptions, and Strategies That Will Define Tomorrow

Adopt a Beginner’s Mindset: The first step in preparing for disruption is letting go of what you think you know. A beginner’s mindset allows you to approach challenges with curiosity, humility, and openness to new possibilities. Leaders must constantly unlearn outdated paradigms and embrace new ways of thinking. As I write in Mindshift, the most dangerous phrase in times of disruption is, “This is how we’ve always done it.”

The pace of change is accelerating, with innovations and disruptions reshaping industries faster than ever. Leaders must not only anticipate these changes but also develop strategies to thrive in this evolving landscape. How are forward-thinking leaders preparing for the technologies and challenges of tomorrow? What strategies are they putting in place today to ensure success in the future? As part of this series, we are interviewing Brian Solis.
Brian Solis serves as the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow where he drives vision, strategy, and insights for the company’s Office of Innovation with Dave Wright, Chief Innovation Officer. Brian partners with customer executives and ServiceNow leaders to advise on disruptive trends and next-generation innovation and business transformation strategies.

Brian is a world-renowned futurist, 9x best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. He is the author of over 60 widely read research reports that explore the future of business and industries, disruptive technologies, and important consumer shifts. He has consistently been recognized as one of the world’s leading thinkers in innovation, business transformation, and leadership for over two decades. Brian continues to publish business and technology thought leadership in industry publications such as HBR, Fast Company, CIO, Forbes, and Worth.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

Please read the full interview at Authority Magazine.

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RGP – Why Now Is a Mindshift Moment: A Conversation with Futurist Brian Solis

Source

Brian Solis is a world-renowned digital anthropologist and futurist who serves as the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. In his role, Brian advises business and technology leaders around the world on business and digital innovation and transformation strategies. He is also an award-winning author and global keynote speaker.

Brian sat down with RGP for an interview following the publication of his new book: Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future.

Embracing a Mindset of Curiosity & Opportunity

While technology is advancing exponentially, our mindsets, approaches, and leadership frameworks are struggling to keep pace. To thrive now, leaders must ignite a new form of awareness and creativity, one that transcends traditional business principles and embraces deeper exploration of the unknown and a deeper understanding of humanity and its evolving needs.

A mindshift is a profound change in how we perceive the world, approach challenges, and embrace opportunities. It’s not just about adopting new ideas—it’s about rewiring our perspectives, unlearning outdated beliefs, and looking into the future and embracing the art of wonder and the art of the possible.

A mindshift is the key to moving from survival mode to thriving in a future defined by the unknown, uncertainty, and disruption.

The moment a mindshift happens, it is often sparked by a combination of awareness and newfound curiosity and intention. It occurs when individuals or leaders realize that the status quo is no longer sufficient, that clinging to old mindsets or strategies is limiting, holding back progress, and that they must evolve to stay relevant.

This can be triggered by a disruptive event, such as a technological breakthrough, a market shift, a global event, or a personal epiphany. In these moments, a choice emerges: resist change and remain reactive or embrace a new way of thinking to proactively shape the future.

The mindshift moment is like a “Ctrl + Alt + Delete” opportunity—a chance to reboot one’s mindset and take intentional steps toward reinvention … an intellectual and creative upgrade. It’s a decision to break free from legacy thinking, embrace curiosity, and open the door to new possibilities. Ultimately, a mindshift is what enables leaders to navigate ambiguity, inspire teams, and drive innovation in a rapidly changing world.

A mindshift is about adopting a mindset that doesn’t just react to disruption but actually anticipates it, harnesses it, and sees around corners.

How Seismic Shifts Will Redefine Industries & Human Experiences

What is your vision of the “waves of new capabilities, products, ecosystems, and behaviors” that you predicted will be coming in the next five years?

The waves of shifts that span across tech, capabilities, markets, and behaviors are where companies do need to spend time and attention as an everyday practice.

Now’s the time.

The next five years will continue to bring seismic shifts in technology, creating opportunities that stretch beyond our imagination. Ongoing AI evolution, spatial and ambient computing, quantum technology, and blockchain will converge to redefine industries and human experiences.

For CEOs and technology and business leaders, the challenge is to embrace an open mindset of curiosity and possibility. Instead of fearing disruption or responding to disruption with the business-as-usual playbook, they must see themselves as architects of a future that is not yet written. If not them, then who?

Imagine a CEO in retail leveraging AI to craft hyper-personalized online and physical customer journeys that anticipate needs before customers even articulate them. Picture spatial and ambient computing transforming hospitality into immersive experiences where travelers interact with AI-guided digital concierges in augmented environments or have their spaces personalized to them as they arrive.

In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostics could enable entirely new business models, like subscription-based proactive wellness platforms that continuously monitor and adapt to patient needs.

To shift the narrative of AI from fear to wonder is a competitive advantage. Leaders need to ask: “How might this technology extend human potential?” For example, AI isn’t here to replace; it’s here to augment—taking care of repetitive tasks so humans can focus on creativity, strategy, and connection. Imagine what can be done with saved time and resources?

Rather than simply benefit from the scale and efficiencies of automation, explore how to augment human capital in ways that unlock untapped value creation.

This reframe can ignite a culture of awe within organizations, turning skeptics, pessimists, and those with fixed mindsets into advocates and opportunists. Leaders who’ve made this shift tell me it’s like opening a window to a world of endless possibility. They no longer see AI or the unknown as disruptors but as partners for crafting an extraordinary future. And that’s really what this is about: Investing in tracking, understanding, and exploiting trends before they force you to react in the present.

Pairing Automation with Augmentation to Elevate Human Ingenuity

What are some of the catalysts in AI transformation that will supercharge revenue growth and innovation on a continual basis?

AI is rewriting the rules of business growth by combining automation with augmentation. But organizations are largely experimenting with automation. And that’s normal.

Generative AI, for example, represents a catalyst not only for efficiency but for augmentation and innovation. This is where a mindshift comes in. It asks different questions with the intent to discover new answers and the commitment to explore the unknown.

Consider the logistics industry: AI-powered supply chain tools predict disruptions and reroute shipments before bottlenecks occur, enabling just-in-time manufacturing on a global scale. Or think about marketing—where generative AI analyzes customer behavior in real-time to create campaigns that resonate on a deeply personal level.

Consider the burnout facing caregiving in the healthcare system. AI could be present in patient discovery and diagnosis. Or, it could be part of every engagement along the patient journey to synthesize interactions and collaborate with caregivers toward potentially more accurate next steps. It could then connect those summaries and next steps into systems to free up time from the manual processes required at each step today.

Tesla’s AI strategy exemplifies this. The company doesn’t just use AI to power its autonomous vehicles—it employs it to optimize manufacturing processes, from robotics to predictive maintenance. This creates a virtuous cycle of efficiency and innovation.

For CEOs, the lesson is to focus on areas where AI can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. By automating routine tasks, organizations free up bandwidth to solve complex, high-value problems.

Pairing automation with augmentation also empowers employees. Tools like AI-assisted design platforms allow engineers and creatives to focus on ideation rather than execution.

Leaders should ask themselves: “Where can we use AI to elevate human ingenuity or even my own vision leadership?” The answer often lies in combining the analytical power of AI with the empathetic, creative, and strategic strengths of humans.

Leaders Must Paint an Aspirational Vision for the Future

Your book talks about the importance of storytelling. Why is this so key in this time of transformation?

Storytelling is the most powerful tool leaders have to humanize change management and transformation. In an age of rapid disruption, a compelling narrative helps people understand why change is necessary and how they can play a role in shaping it.

Effective stories have three elements:

1. A relatable protagonist (the company, the customer, or even the employee)

2. A conflict (the challenge of disruption)

3. And a resolution (the inspiring vision of the future)

Leaders must master the art of painting vivid pictures of the future—a future motivating state, backed by concrete actions that bring those visions to life. More importantly, leaders must paint an aspirational vision that people want to be part of, to inspire new behaviors, and establish new norms.

A great story turns transformation into a shared journey, inspiring employees and stakeholders to join in.

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ServiceNow’s Head of Global Innovation Brian Solis to Open AI Week in Milan, Italy

ServiceNow will take center stage at AI WEEK 2025 with Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation, one of the leading experts in digital transformation and innovation strategies.

During his talk, Brian will explore the evolution of Artificial Intelligence in the business landscape, the growing role of AI agents, and the need for a new leadership mindset to drive AI-powered enterprises. A valuable contribution made possible thanks to the collaboration with ServiceNow.

May 13-14, 2025 | Milano Fiera Rho
Tickets and info at www.aiweek.it

ANNUNCIO SPEAKER

ServiceNow sarà protagonista sul Main Stage della AI WEEK 2025 con Brian Solis, Head of Global Innovation, tra i massimi esperti di trasformazione digitale e strategie di innovazione.

Durante il suo intervento, Brian approfondirà l’evoluzione dell’Intelligenza Artificiale nel contesto aziendale, il ruolo crescente degli agenti AI e l’importanza di un nuovo approccio alla leadership per le imprese orientate all’innovazione. Un contributo di valore reso possibile grazie alla collaborazione con ServiceNow.

13-14 maggio 2025 | Milano Fiera Rho
Biglietti e informazioni su www.aiweek.it

 

 

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Lifescale by Brian Solis Listed in the 10 Best Modern Marketing Books for Leaders & CMOs by Senior Executive

Writing for Senior Executive, Ryan Paugh listed the “10 Best Modern Marketing Books for Leaders & CMOs.” Lifescale: How to Live a More Creative, Productive, and Happy Life, made the list!

Marketing today is more complex than ever. It’s no longer a linear journey from curiosity to conversion—customers interact with brands across multiple touchpoints, forming opinions long before they buy.

The challenge for modern marketers? Understanding what makes customers not just purchase, but stay engaged, loyal, and excited to share your brand with others.

That’s why the same old marketing advice won’t cut it anymore. To stay ahead, marketers must learn from the entrepreneurs, executives, and strategists who have built successful brands in the digital age.

We’ve curated a list of 10 must-read modern marketing books that offer the strategies, insights, and case studies you need to thrive.

Why This Book Stands Out

Distraction is the biggest silent killer of creativity in today’s fast-moving world. Lifescaleisn’t just a book about marketing—it’s about reclaiming focus, energy, and creativity so you can perform at your highest level.

Key Insights:How technology is affecting creativity and mental clarityTechniques for regaining focus and inspirationBalancing innovation with well-being

Brian Solis is a renowned digital analyst, business strategist, and keynote speaker who has spent decades studying the intersection of technology, human behavior, and business transformation.

 

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