Forget the specialists

Why the future belongs to the AI-powered generalist

Now, before I get started, let me be clear: this whole generalist thing? It's mainly aimed at those of us who are obsessed with building businesses, creating software, and generally shaking things up in the world of tech. If you're passionate about diving deep into a specific field, like becoming a world-renowned astrophysicist or a brain surgeon – more power to you. You're probably on the right path.

But if you're like me, and you're itching to build companies, launch products, and ride the wave of the future, then listen up. Things have changed.

Ever feel like the world's pushing you to specialize, to become the ultimate cog in the machine? Screw that. The future isn't about being a master of one, it's about being a jack of all trades – a generalist – supercharged by AI. This isn't some new-age, woo-woo idea, either. David Epstein laid it all out in his book "Range," and it's more relevant now than ever.

Think about it. We're on the cusp of this crazy AI revolution. These tools aren't just automating tasks, they're changing the damn game. But here's the kicker: you need to know how to wield them.

That means understanding the core principles of design, coding, marketing, and business. Not saying you need to be a world-class designer or code like Corvax. But you need enough knowledge in each to jump into a meeting and actually grasp what the hell people are talking about.

This isn't your typical university education, folks. It's about practical skills, the kind that let you build, launch, and grow in this AI-powered world.

So, how do you become this AI-savvy generalist?

First, ditch the "expert" mindset. Broaden your horizons. Take online courses, read books, experiment with different tools.

Second, embrace the AI revolution. Don't fear it, learn it. Play with Midjourney, tinker with ChatGPT, build something with no-code tools. Get your hands dirty and see what these things can do.

Third, focus on the fundamentals. A solid foundation in design thinking, basic coding, marketing principles, and business strategy will take you further than you think.

Look, I get it. This might sound daunting. But trust me, it's not about becoming a master in every field. It's about reaching a level of competency where you can leverage AI to amplify your skills and create real value.

Think of it like this: you're the conductor of an orchestra, and AI is your symphony of instruments. You don't need to be a virtuoso on every instrument, but you damn well need to know how to lead them to create beautiful music.

The future belongs to those who can adapt, learn, and leverage the power of AI. And that, my friends, is the generalist's game.