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Who Moved My Cheese?

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I was introduced to this book during the time of the first internet bubble burst. The internet had grown so rapidly, then created turmoil so that many companies and agencies went under. Including the one where I was Executive Creative Director. Ever since then, my story has been one of reinvention, not only looking for where my cheese moved but anticipating the next wave of opportunity. These happened to be technology waves. The 1998 bestseller "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Dr. Spencer Johnson is a parable that has resonated with individuals and businesses alike for its insights into dealing with change. The story's core message is about anticipating, adapting to, and enjoying change, which is encapsulated in phrases like "Change Happens" and "Move With The Cheese."

Today, we are witnessing a similar disruption due to artificial intelligence (AI). AI is rapidly transforming industries, automating tasks, and reshaping job markets. Just as the characters in the book learn to deal with their changing environment, professionals today need to "Anticipate Change" and "Monitor Change" in their fields due to AI's influence.

AI's impact on the job market is twofold: it leads to job destruction in areas where automation replaces human labor, but it also creates new opportunities in emerging fields such as machine learning, data analysis, and AI ethics. This duality requires a workforce that can "Adapt To Change Quickly" and "Be Ready To Change Quickly And Enjoy It Again," valuing agility over stability.

The advice to "Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old" translates into a need for continuous learning and skill development in the face of AI advancements. Professionals must be willing to let go of outdated practices - "The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese" - and embrace new technologies and methodologies.

Moreover, "Enjoy Change!" and "Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!" speak to the mindset that individuals and companies should adopt. AI is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity to innovate and grow. Those who view AI as a partner rather than a threat are more likely to thrive.

In conclusion, the essence of "Who Moved My Cheese?" is profoundly relevant in today's AI-driven world. The "cheese" - jobs, skills, industry practices - is moving faster than ever before. The principles of anticipating, monitoring, and quickly adapting to change are critical for success. As AI continues to "Move The Cheese," embracing this mindset can help us not only to cope with but also to benefit from the ongoing transformation.

Many of the phrases from this book are very relevant today and just might provide some guidance to those who are facing disruption in the age of AI.

About the Author

Curt Doty specializes in branding, product development, social strategy, integrated marketing, and UXD. He has extensive experience on AI-driven platforms MidJourney, Adobe Firefly, Bard, ChatGPT, Colossyan, Murf.ai, and Shutterstock. His legacy of entertainment branding: Electronic Arts, EA Sports, ProSieben, SAT.1, WBTV Latin America, Discovery Health, ABC, CBS, A&E, StarTV, Fox, Kabel 1, TV Guide Channel, and Prevue Channel.

He is a sought after public speaker having been featured at Mobile Growth Association, Mobile Congress, App Growth Summit, Promax, CES, CTIA, NAB, NATPE, MMA Global, New Mexico Angels, Santa Fe Business Incubator, EntrepeneursRx and AI Impact. He is now represented by Ovationz. His most recent consultancy RealmIQ helps companies manage the AI Revolution.

© 2023 Curt Doty Company LLC. All rights reserved. RealmIQ and MediaSlam are divisions of the Curt Doty Company. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for any AI errors or omissions. Interested in Sponsorships?