Master Generalist

For the longest time, the world seemed to favor specialists—the experts who drilled deep into one niche, gaining authority in their chosen domain. But as the pace of change accelerates and systems grow increasingly complex, a new kind of hero is emerging: the master generalist. I am proud to be a member of Generalist World, a group of generalists who are the learners, tinkerers, and dot-connectors. These are my people! The ones who don’t fit neatly into one box because their value comes from knowing how to navigate across many. They’re the ones skill-stacking, running learning sprints, experimenting boldly, and “failing forward” as they build in public. We will thrive in 2025 and beyond—not by chasing the biggest salaries but by aligning our work with our values, collaborating with incredible people, and leveraging tools like AI to reclaim precious time.

As a proud generalist, I’ve seen firsthand how this approach drives meaningful impact. By not specializing in one area, I’ve been able to solve problems across departments, foster collaboration among diverse teams, and adapt to shifting priorities. Generalists thrive on complexity—we’re systems thinkers who see the big picture while understanding the intricate details that make it work. The world needs more of us. If you’re someone with a non-linear background, a broad skill set, and a love for connecting the dots, your time is now. Embrace your generalist superpower—it’s not a limitation, but a gateway to creating significant value wherever you go.

Thanks to this quick generalist archetype quiz, it has now been confirmed that I'm a Systems Thinker! 😎 (followed very closely by Connector 🔗 ):
"You are a masterful Systems Thinker, a rare and invaluable type of generalist who excels at understanding and navigating complex systems. Your ability to see the big picture while also grasping intricate details sets you apart in our increasingly interconnected and complex world. As a Systems Thinker, you possess an extraordinary talent for identifying patterns, connections, and interdependencies that others might overlook. You effortlessly navigate through various domains, whether it's business processes, ecological systems, or social structures, always seeking to understand how different elements interact and influence each other. This unique skill makes you an indispensable asset in any environment that deals with complexity and requires holistic problem-solving."

I am so glad the term "generalist" is picking up steam because I think it's a super power! As an adaptable leader, I am comfortable in environments of change and ambiguity and have the advantage of expertise across functions to integrate insights and lead teams with a board perspective. Generalists excel in strategic thinking, managing cross-functional projects, and understanding the bigger picture, making them key players in fostering innovation, improving collaboration, and filling gaps where specialized knowledge may be lacking. Their flexibility allows them to pivot quickly and take on new challenges as the organization’s needs evolve. So let’s make some room for non-traditional backgrounds and folks that may not fit a specific mold-a generalist can be better suited to fast-changing, multidisciplinary environments where versatility and strategic oversight are vital.