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In today’s fast-paced world, change is not just a factor in business; it’s the driving force that defines and shapes it. Organizations that succeed are those that can anticipate and adapt to changes, whether they involve technological advancements, market dynamics, or consumer preferences. There are only two constants in this world: change and people’s resistance to it. Many are apprehensive about stepping out of their comfort zones, clinging to familiar processes and methods.
However, as leaders at WealthWave, staying relevant and successful means not only accepting change but also enthusiastically embracing it with open arms and forward-thinking strategies. If we’ve learned anything from history, it’s that things we consider “the old way” can become obsolete rapidly, sometimes overnight. This rapid obsolescence is due to the continuous influx of innovative ideas and disruptive technologies. That’s simply the reality of living and thriving in the 21st century, where adaptability is key, and those who embrace change are poised to lead the future.
"If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less."
– General Eric Shinseki, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff
Having spent over four decades in this industry, I've witnessed firsthand the monumental shifts in how we operate. Staying ahead of the curve has always been my goal; in 1983, I had a desktop computer and printer before they were commonplace. Whether writing letters, preparing proposals, or illustrating products, I embraced technology early on. Later, I used a color laptop for client presentations and soon after, a projector for group presentations. We've observed the evolution of product providers, the transformation of educational platforms, and the revolution of marketing techniques—all because change is inevitable.
Remember the days of expensive long-distance calls on landlines? Now, we enjoy free, wireless conversations without a second thought about time or distance. Our tools have evolved from cumbersome flip charts at kitchen tables to sleek animated slides on computers and video platforms, accessible worldwide. Likewise, our training and events have progressed. In the past, travel was necessary to attend them, and they could only be experienced once. Now, there's no need to travel, and we can revisit them repeatedly through videos and podcasts.
Leadership has always been unpredictable. In the 1980s, I would have given anything for a single document like this. It simply wasn't an option back then. Nowadays, our leaders have access to more leadership resources each month than we used to have possible over an entire career. Yet, like knowledge, leadership doesn't come free. It demands you pay attention.
Each of these innovations may have seemed daunting at first. Yet, with each technological leap, we’ve seen opportunities for unprecedented growth and connectivity. The truth is, if we cling to the past, we miss out on the future. Change doesn’t just open new doors—it constructs entirely new hallways for us to explore.
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
– Steve Jobs
Think back to when we relied on flashlights and printed maps to find our way on the road. Today, GPS is embedded in every smartphone and car, guiding us accurately and efficiently. WealthWave has transitioned from VHS tapes and DVDs, which required cumbersome players, to streaming videos that are free and instantly shareable from the smartphones in our pockets. The way we deliver information and connect with people is light-years ahead of where it used to be.
The WealthWaveONE platform epitomizes this evolution. By combining books, websites, email, videos, podcasts, and scheduling tools in one place, our ability to serve our clients and teams as well as expand our reach has never been easier or more efficient. Imagine going back to paper applications or printed statements that took weeks to process. Thankfully, we now enjoy paperless transactions and direct deposits, making financial operations seamless and stress-free.
Our contacts now have multiple ways to engage with us: they can read a printed book or ebook, explore our websites, watch TV interviews or videos, or listen to podcasts to stay updated on our topics. They also have the opportunity to take a brief online quiz, providing a clear assessment of their financial literacy compared to others just like them. This insight allows us to pinpoint their current standing and collaborate to make informed decisions for future strategy and decisions.
This kind of innovation has become the lifeblood of our business, and it will continue to propel us forward. As leaders, we must always be willing to adopt and leverage these advancements, no matter how comfortable or successful we have been using the "old way."
"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."
– John F. Kennedy
Embracing change requires not just openness but a deep commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. While I may not be 22 anymore, my heart remains young, and my outlook is always eager for what’s next. My experience in this industry—spanning more than four decades—has given me a unique perspective. I’ve seen the benefits of evolving with the times, and I’ve witnessed how resistance can slow down progress.
I love music and always have. In the 1980s, I had a collection of 2,000 record albums. Back then, I was the DJ, carefully selecting records and manually playing each song, limited to my personal music library. Today, I carry over 125 million songs in my pocket, accessible on every device I own, from my iPhone and iPads to my TVs and home theater. Every song is available everywhere. I simply pick an artist or song I’m in the mood for, hit start radio, and Roon AI with Tidal music creates a custom playlist, transforming my wishes into a personal radio station. It's instant, on-demand, and that's the world we all live in now. It’s like an episode of Star Trek. I could never go back to the old way.
Consider where technology is leading us. With artificial intelligence on the horizon, the possibilities are almost unfathomable. How will AI reshape our industry? What will leadership look like in a few short years? The future holds immense promise, but only for those who are prepared to grow with it. If we remain flexible and optimistic, the changes coming our way can be leveraged to achieve even greater heights.
"Success in the future belongs to those who embrace the possibilities of technology."
– Elon Musk
The American free enterprise system is the greatest vehicle for building an enterprise the world has ever known, and technology has only made it stronger. We now have the tools to amplify our reach, streamline our operations, and deliver value more efficiently than ever before. It’s our responsibility to use these advancements not just to make business easier but to make dreams come true for our clients and teams.
Technology has democratized success. What used to require hefty investments in printed brochures or VHS tapes now costs almost nothing and reaches exponentially more people. With WealthWave’s resources, we’re not just competing in the financial industry; we’re leading it. We have the opportunity—and the obligation—to utilize these advancements to build a better, brighter future for ourselves and those we serve.
So, where do we go from here? It’s simple: we keep our minds open and our spirits ready. We leverage the experience we’ve accumulated, the tools we’ve developed, and the network we’ve built to make the most of what the future holds. Every advancement, from automated emails to AI-driven insights, is a chance to improve, grow, and serve.
"Your success in life isn't based on your ability to simply change. It is based on your ability to change faster than your competition, clients, and business."
– Mark Sanborn, leadership expert
Today, I challenge you to view change not as a challenge but as an opportunity. Our business, our industry, and indeed our world are continually evolving. We can either be leaders of this change or be left behind. Let’s choose to lead. let’s choose to align. Let’s choose to grow. Let’s choose to make our mark in an era where innovation and adaptability are the greatest assets we have.
The future is waiting. Are you ready to embrace it?
Tom Mathews
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