“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” - John F. Kennedy, 1961.
This bold proclamation wasn't just about space. It was about redefining the boundaries of human capability and aspiration. A "moonshot" refers to an ambitious, groundbreaking goal or endeavour, often characterised by its innovative nature and the potential for significant impact. Today, we're presented with a different frontier: the digital realm. No longer limited by physical geography, we have the power to tackle problems on a global scale, all from a keyboard's reach.
This is our moonshot moment, where challenges can be addressed with code, collaboration, and digital-enabled connectivity.
By setting sights on global problems and their solutions, you're not just expanding your impact - you're seizing a competitive advantage. It's an era where a single digital platform can touch billions and where an idea, if scalable, can redefine industries and act as a catalyst for human progress.
10x Mindset
Astro Teller's philosophy at Google, the 10x mindset, resonates with this expansive vision. It's not about incremental steps but quantum leaps. It's about tapping into the immense and ever-growing resources, tools, and technologies available in the digital age, such as advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, big data analytics, blockchain systems, and collaborative communication tools, to name a few. By harnessing these innovations, we can utilise them to their fullest potential, bringing about profound, far-reaching changes and breakthroughs in various sectors.
Competitive Edge
Thinking big and going global offers more than just broadened horizons. By diversifying across international markets, business leaders mitigate risks tied to localised downturns and industry challenges. Such a strategy not only taps into diverse revenue streams but also positions businesses to anticipate global trends, giving them a clear edge over locally-confined competitors.
Go Big…Now
In the spirit of that moon-bound challenge decades ago, harness the tools of today. In this boundless digital age, our ambitions are only limited by the scope of our visions. To start small is to stay small. So, why not think globally? The next giant leap awaits.
To embark on your journey, start by reflecting on these questions:
Identify Your Moonshot: If limitations were off the table, what bold, global goal would you set for your project or business in the digital realm? (Not sure where to start? The world’s biggest challenges are not being solved by institutional players. This represents a significant commercial opportunity and grassroots solutions are emerging. Read more here.)
Digital Leverage: How can you harness the unique tools and networks of the digital age to magnify your impact and reach beyond your current boundaries? If you are on social media, be it LinkedIn, Facebook, or TickTock, you are on a global platform. You get to decide if you use it to deliver a message locally or globally.
Scaling Impact: What does the world look like when the problem no longer exists? Who stands to benefit most if your solution or idea were implemented on a global scale, and what steps can you take today to move closer to that vision?
I believe amplified ambition drives global goals. There is power in zooming out to zero in on practical and actionable next steps.
If you could solve a problem for a million, or even a billion people, what problem would you solve? Hit reply and let me know, or leave a comment below.