We're living in a time of constant acceleration, aren't we? New technologies, shifting expectations, updated-by-the-second global trade, the Blue Jays in first place(!), and more. The ground keeps moving, and that can knock you off balance.
Look, great leaders don't wait for stability. They thrive in instability.
They don't just respond to the world as it is. They try to anticipate the world as it will be.
Before thinking about your audience, your competition, or even your own brand, try to do that pinch thing with your fingers and zoom out. Building a resilient, relevant business starts with seeing the world more clearly.
Spotting early signals of change lets you get ahead instead of desperately trying to just keep up. It helps you drop what's not working and double down on what is. Lead with clarity and purpose, instead of scrambling to catch up.
But that clarity can get lost fast.
You get stuck in the day-to-day.
You write off trends as distractions.
You default to what worked before.
You assume you'll pivot when the time is right, but by then, the window has closed.
Sound familiar? It certainly does for me.
Here's the good news: you can build the muscle to see what's next. And act on it now.
Step 1: Watch the world outside your business.
This is where Meta Signals start to show up. Not just fads - but signs of deeper cultural, behavioural, and societal shifts.
For example:
Flexible work isn't just a change in schedule. It's reshaping how people lead, buy, and live. I can't think of a single category or industry that hasn't been affected by hybrid work policies even though very few of them are directly connected to it. If more people return to the office full time, how will that affect dentist appointments? Home renovations? Clothes and fashion? All will be affected without being directly related.
Step 2: Ask better questions.
Don't stop at “That's interesting.” Ask, “What does this mean for me? My clients? My business?”
Yes, reflection takes time. But ignoring the signals costs more.
Try this for every shift you notice:
What should I stop doing?
What should I start doing?
What's worth doubling down on?
The better the questions, the better your decisions.
Step 3: Make signal-spotting a habit.
Once you do this consistently, you won't just adapt. You'll lead. You'll sharpen your radar. You'll see the shift before it becomes the standard.
Start with this simple exercise:
List 10 Meta Signals you've noticed—at work, in culture, in tech, in life. Or go to the AI platform of your choice (I recommend Google Gemini) to help you identify some signals.
For each one, jot down how it could shape your next move, your team, your direction. Then just prioritize them by impact, time, and budget.
That's you watching. Thinking. Prioritizing. And getting ahead instead of falling behind.
That's how you lead on purpose, not by accident.
Next time, we'll get more specific about who you're here to serve.
But today, it starts with looking up. The signals are already there.
Let's get to work. Go Jays Go.
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