Will information overload and continuous pressure to change necessarily mean more stressed individuals by 2050? A mixture of trends point in a different direction: machine-brain interfaces, mindfulness, and the plasticity of the brain, underpinning the first two trends. We will look at what research has to offer, as well as discover where practical applications already exist in business or are approaching fast.

1. The skills for the future: A look at the skills
individuals may employ by 2050
Presentation
Dr. Franziska Frank
Berlin
9.7.14

2. #esmt2050
Use the power of knowledge about the brain
Plasticity of the brain
In general
 More changes are possible than believed/thought before
Prediction
− Gaza strip and soldiers
− Prevention
Leadership
− Studies recognize leadership personalities on the basis of coordinated brain
activity
Will portable FMRI scanners in the future attest change? To individuals, HR or clients?
1

3. #esmt2050
Use our brain as a tool
Stanley Young, CEO of Neurosky
„Why should I have to understand a
gadget – it should understand me“
A team at UC
Berkeley’s School of
Information has been
able to use brain
waves to
authenticate people
“One small nibble for a woman, one giant bite for
BCI (brain-control interfaces)"
And now for some of your brainwaves
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4. #esmt2050
Use the power of the mind over the body
Flu and self-framing The Nun study
3

5. #esmt2050
Understand and consciously use the power of emotions
Emotional contagious Empathy Compassion
Mirror Neurons
4

6. #esmt2050
Understand that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind
5

7. #esmt2050
Use mindfulness to focus self
6
Quick now, here, now, always—
A condition of complete simplicity
(Costing not less than everything)
T.S. Eliot

8. #esmt2050
Understand what mindfulness can achieve and use the full potential as a leader
Physical change in the
brain
• Strengthening left
pre-frontal cortex
which acts as an
inhibitor to the
amygdala
Self-Awareness
• Self understanding
increases which
allows choices in
alignment with
values and intrinsic
motivations
Mental states
• Self-Compassion as
well as not taking
things so seriously
leads to better
mental states
• Long term effect on
longevity
Control of Stress
• Less feelings of
stress
• Clearer sense of
direction – that
cannot be disrupted
by environment
Decision Making
• Better decision
making due to
awareness of own
biases
Leadership
• Better leaders with
clearer focus and
awareness of self
and others
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9. #esmt2050
Summing up the skills for 2050
8
Know the brain
Use the brain as a
tool
Use the power of
mind on the body
Understand
emotions
Understand that a
wandering mind is
an unhappy mind
Use mindfulness to
focus self
Now your thoughts – in person and on the meta plan