Entrepreneurs are no strangers to challenges and risks along their journey. In today's fast-paced world, where technological disruptions are constantly reshaping the business landscape, the ability to adapt to rapid changes has become their biggest challenge.
But the question is why is it crucial for entrepreneurs to embrace change and how can they do so successfully?
Somi Arian, founder of InPeak, is on a mission to help entrepreneurs and organizations navigate the ever-changing business landscape. As a 'Transition Architect,' she believes that adaptability and innovation are the keys to a more resilient and prosperous future for businesses.
In this interview, Somi shares her insights on a few hot topics, including women in business and tech, Web3, and the transformative power of AI.
Who Is Somi Arian?
Somi is a filmmaker and author with a background in the philosophy of science and technology. She is one of LinkedIn's Top Voices and a valuable contributor on the platform who covers a range of topics, including Web3 and Metaverse. Somi is also the creator of InPeak agency, a Web3 education and professional networking platform focused on coaching and training individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their digital skills.
“By embracing adaptability and innovation, we can create a more resilient and prosperous future for ourselves and for the world around us.”
You describe your role in society as a “Transition Architect.” Can you tell us about your background and provide more information on this approach?
Somi: As someone who grew up in Iran during the war, my life was one of constant change. The only way to survive was to learn to quickly adapt to everything life threw my way. This experience has shaped my perspective on the importance of adaptability in today's rapidly changing business environment.
Transition Architecture is a term I first introduced in 2020, in my book "Career Fear." It is the approach I suggest that best deals with the business implications of these technological disruptions that are taking place today and will continue to take place as technology advances. My goal is to provide business owners and company leaders with a roadmap to survive and thrive in possibly the most challenging economic conditions in modern history.
At its core, Transition Architecture is the intricate act of balancing the need for continuity with the necessity of change. The goal is to reach a state of flow where organizations can effectively leverage technology to drive growth and innovation, while also maintaining the necessary continuity to remain competitive and successful.
As a facilitator in this approach, I aim to help individuals and organizations develop the skills and strategies they need to navigate this changing landscape. This includes understanding the latest technological trends and developments, as well as developing the human skills and behaviors that are necessary for success in today's digital age.
Ultimately, Transition Architecture is about helping individuals and organizations thrive in a world of constant change. By embracing adaptability and innovation, we can create a more resilient and prosperous future for ourselves and the world around us.
Tell us about your project FemPeak, later to become InPeak. What is the platform about and why did you decide to rebrand it?
When I launched FemPeak, my goal was to create a platform that would help women succeed in business and technology. At the time, I saw a clear need for this type of resource, as women were underrepresented in these fields and faced several unique challenges and obstacles.
The platform provided coaching and training to women who were looking to enhance their digital skills and advance their careers. We offered webinars on topics such as digital marketing, social media, financial education, technology, and entrepreneurship, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities.
Over time, however, I realized that the need for these types of services was not limited to women. Men and individuals from a wide range of industries also faced challenges in developing their digital skills and keeping up with the rapidly changing business environment.
This realization led me to rebrand FemPeak as InPeak, a platform that provides coaching and training to individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their digital skills. The new platform focuses on a broader audience and offers a wider range of services to help individuals and organizations thrive in today's digital age.
At InPeak, we believe that digital skills are essential for success in today's economy, regardless of industry or gender. We offer courses on topics such as digital marketing, social media, and entrepreneurship, as well as courses on more specialized topics such as AI and blockchain.
Our goal is to provide individuals and organizations with the tools and resources they need to navigate the rapidly changing business landscape. We believe that by investing in digital skills and education, individuals and organizations can not only survive but thrive in the years to come.
What are the biggest hurdles women encounter in business and tech? Why is there a lack of female perspective when it comes to technology?
Women face many obstacles in business and technology, including gender bias, a lack of access to resources, and a lack of role models. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of female perspective when it comes to technology. This can lead to products and services that do not meet the needs of women, and can also limit the participation of women in the tech industry.
To overcome these hurdles, we need to provide more opportunities for women to enter and succeed in business and technology. This can include mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and targeted training programs. It is also important to create a more inclusive and diverse culture within these industries, which can help to break down gender biases and create more opportunities for women to succeed.
In terms of the lack of a female perspective in technology, it is important to recognize that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation. When teams are made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, they are more likely to develop products and services that meet the needs of a wider range of users. Therefore, it is important to actively recruit and promote women in technology and to create a culture that values diversity and inclusion.
What inspired you to write the book "Career Fear" about the future of work? What are the main challenges addressed in the book?
The inspiration behind writing "Career Fear" came from the realization that the future of work is rapidly changing, and many individuals are not prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
The book addresses several challenges that are facing workers today, including the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce, the need for lifelong learning, and the importance of developing uniquely human skills such as creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.
One of the main challenges that workers face today is the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce. As these technologies continue to advance, they have the potential to disrupt traditional job roles and require workers to develop new skills to remain competitive. The book aims to provide practical advice and strategies for individuals who are looking to navigate these changes and build a successful career in the years to come.
In addition, the book also explores the changing nature of work itself, and how individuals can adapt to these changes to build a fulfilling and meaningful career. This includes the rise of remote work and the gig economy, as well as the increasing importance of entrepreneurship and self-employment. Ultimately, the book aims to provide individuals with the tools and strategies they need to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment.
The Somi Arian Podcast is another successful project that you have been running for over two years. What topics do you cover and how do you pick your guests?
The Somi Arian Podcast is a platform where I invite guests from a variety of industries and backgrounds to share their insights and expertise on a wide range of topics related to technology, business, and culture. My goal is to provide a platform where listeners can learn from the experiences of others, and gain new insights into the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
When selecting guests for the podcast, I look for individuals who have a unique perspective or experience that can offer value to my listeners. This includes entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts in a variety of fields. I also try to ensure that my guests come from a diverse range of backgrounds and industries, to provide a well-rounded and comprehensive view of the topics we discuss.
Ultimately, the goal of the podcast is to provide a platform where listeners can gain new insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. By bringing together experts and thought leaders from a wide range of fields, I hope to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our world.
What does it take to become a successful influencer on LinkedIn and one of the platform's top voices?
Becoming a successful influencer on LinkedIn and one of the platform's top voices requires a combination of factors. First and foremost, it requires a deep understanding of the platform and its audience. This means creating content that is tailored to the interests and needs of the LinkedIn community and engaging with other users in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
In addition, successful influencers on LinkedIn need to have a clear and consistent brand identity. This means developing a strong personal brand and sticking to a regular publishing schedule. It also means being authentic and transparent with your audience and building trust through consistent and high-quality content.
Finally, successful influencers on LinkedIn need to be willing to engage with other users and build relationships on the platform. This means responding to comments and messages, participating in discussions, and collaborating with other influencers and thought leaders. By building a network of like-minded individuals and thought leaders, successful influencers on LinkedIn can amplify their message and expand their reach on the platform.
One of the hottest topics you cover on online platforms is Web3. What should businesses know about this vision of a new, better internet to stay competitive and increase their profit?
Web3 is an exciting vision of the future of the internet, where decentralized systems and blockchain technology have the potential to transform the way we interact with digital information and services.
For businesses, it is important to understand the potential implications of Web3 and how it may impact their operations and bottom line.
One of the key benefits of Web3 is the increased security and transparency that comes with decentralized systems. This can be particularly relevant for businesses that handle sensitive data or financial transactions. Web3 also has the potential to create new business models and revenue streams, as well as provide new opportunities for customer engagement and interaction.
To stay competitive and increase their profit in the Web3 world, businesses need to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the space and be willing to experiment with new technologies and platforms. They also need to be prepared to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of their customers, who may be looking for more secure, decentralized solutions.
How do you think AI impacts the workforce and what are the top skills needed for AI-related positions?
AI is already having a significant impact on the workforce, and this trend is only set to continue in the years to come. As AI technology continues to advance, it has the potential to automate many routine and repetitive tasks, freeing up workers to focus on more complex and creative work.
However, this also means that workers will need to develop new skills to remain competitive in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. These skills include things like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence. In addition, workers will need to be comfortable working alongside AI systems and leveraging these technologies to enhance their own work.
At the same time, there are also important ethical and societal implications to consider when it comes to AI. As AI systems become more advanced, they also have the potential to perpetuate and amplify biases and inequalities. It is therefore essential that businesses and individuals take a thoughtful and responsible approach to the development and deployment of AI technologies.
Congratulations on your documentary, "The Millennial Disruption," winning three international awards! What inspired you to create this documentary and how did you bring together industry leaders such as Gary Vaynerchuk, The Economist, Bentley, and Marie Claire?
Thank you! I created "The Millennial Disruption" to showcase the findings of my research on the impact of technology on consumer behavior. The documentary brings together industry leaders from diverse fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing many companies in today's rapidly changing business landscape.
To bring together such a lineup of industry leaders as Gary Vaynerchuk, The Economist, Bentley, and Marie Claire, I reached out to them directly to gather their insights on these important topics and they all jumped on board because of the research’s relevance and importance. Their perspectives added valuable depth and expertise to the project, and I am grateful for their contributions.
Overall, my hope with "The Millennial Disruption" was to provide a platform for meaningful discussion and insight into how technology is disrupting the world of business as we know it and shed light on how the market and our culture are changing and why so many businesses are failing. I am honored that the documentary has been recognized with three international awards, and I hope it continues to inspire positive change and action in the years to come.
What were some of the key insights or takeaways from the project, and what did you hope viewers would learn from watching it?
One of the key takeaways from the project is the importance of embracing change and innovation to succeed in today's digital age. As technology continues to reshape the business landscape, individuals and organizations must remain flexible and adaptable to stay competitive and thrive.
Ultimately, I hope that viewers of the documentary will come away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing millennials today, and be inspired to take action to drive positive change in their own lives and the world around them.
Have you already started a Web3 journey yourself?
Of course, I am very excited about the potential of this field. As the founder of InPeak, I am working hard to make the world of web3 accessible to all by providing coaching and training to individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their skills in all areas of emerging technologies to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age.
I am also actively involved in the Web3 community. I attend events and conferences, engage with other thought leaders and innovators in the space, and am constantly exploring new ways to leverage Web3 technologies to drive innovation and growth.
Overall, I am excited about the potential of Web3 to transform the way we interact with digital information and services, and I am committed to being a part of this movement. I believe that by staying informed, exploring new technologies, and collaborating with others in the Web3 community, we can create a more decentralized, transparent, and equitable internet for all.
