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The Savvy Sapiens Podcast

The Adaptable Agent

The Savvy Sapiens Podcast
The Savvy Sapiens Podcast

Introduction:

Jason Berg grew up on the East Coast of the US, and his career has since taken him to countless places, including LA, Switzerland and most recently, Hong Kong. With a background in finance and consulting, last year he co-founded his own consultancy helping companies be more digital and forward-thinking. At only 29 years old it’s a bold move, but Jason’s passion for self-learning and constant adaptation is exactly what will position him for success.

On this episode you’ll get great insight into what it’s like to grow up in a highly competitive academic environment and how Jason’s mindset has helped him break norms and question expectations. He’s also a pro on the future of work so if you’re wondering what to expect in the years ahead then look no further than this interview.

Show Notes:

0.00 - 02:30:

His first career aspiration to be a musician, but not pursuing it seriously

  • The effect of growing up in a very high-pressure academic environment

02.30 - 05.00:

  • The influence of his parents’ careers as accountants and why he decided to do finance as a safe route
  • Not having the perspective or clarity at that age to break out of the traditional path
  • How Jason is still figuring it out as an adult and why you don’t need to decide at such a young age

05.00 - 07.30:

  • Why having a linear career path is no longer possible and many current ways of working are no longer relevant
  • The notion of continuous learning and why it’s not enough to just get a university degree
  • The new expectation for professionals to be able to up-skill with micro-degrees

07.30 - 10.00:

  • How we’re moving from academic and emotional intelligence (IQ and EQ) to adaptive intelligence (AQ)
  • Focusing more on how you learn and how quickly you learn vs. what you’ve learned
  • Exploring the value of university today as being mostly for personal development
  • Taking full advantage of university by putting yourself out there and exploring

10.00 - 12.30:

  • Jason’s advice to explore all the options out there and find mentors/resources to hone in on your interests
  • It’s not just a paycheck, you have to really enjoy what you do
  • Why it was a complete blessing in disguise that he didn’t get a job in finance

12.30 - 15.00:

  • Why it’s helpful to start thinking deeply about what you want to do right now (in high school)
  • The courage to not necessarily follow the path laid out for you
  • The importance of questioning “what you you’re told” and figuring out for yourself what you want

15.00 - 17.30:

  • Developing that courage at a later age and seeing many of his friends in their late twenties break away from their career completely
  • Growth mindset and getting out of your comfort zone
  • Realizing that you can do things you never thought before
  • Creativity as a practised and not in-born skill (one that Jason is working on!)

17.30 - 19.30:

  • Jason’s advice to his 16 year old self
The Savvy Sapiens Podcast
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