Due to the constantly changing demands of businesses and consumers — combined with the power and ubiquity of technology —business leaders all around the world, from the Nordics and Europe to the Americas, recognize that transformation is crucial for the survival of their organizations. According to Forrester Research, this transition into the digital age is expected to have a greater impact on society than the shift from the farming to the industrial age.

The necessity to evolve, learn, and adopt new ways of working and living can be scary, exciting, or depressing. As history shows, these are natural reactions when people must adapt to new lifestyles.

Transition to a new world requires the abandonment of elements of current (and often comfortable) ways of living and working in exchange for a better future. Ironically, it is during this “blue period” of change when individuals and leadership teams have the greatest opportunity to create future success.

From Silicon Valley icons such as Apple, Facebook, AirBnB, and Tesla to Nordic innovators including Stargate Technology, Rovio, and Tandberg, great companies are often built out of the “blues” of forced transition.

In fact, AirBnB, the digital native disrupting the very traditional hotel industry was born as a result of the financial woes of three young roommates in San Francisco. Facing possible eviction without money to pay their rent, they realized there might be an opportunity to rent a room with an inflatable ‘air bed’ and offer breakfast to San Francisco visitors not able to find cost-effective hotel options. When their firsts ‘guests’ expressed delight with the experience (and allowed the ‘hosts’ to pay their monthly rent), the idea for AirBnB was born!

In today’s world, change doesn’t mean depression for long – only the opportunity to take your next step to a successful future.

Join the discussion on Digital Business Blues: https://www.slideshare.net/JenniferVessels/digital-business-blues or [email protected].