Change: concern or opportunity?

Author: Harm Custers – Head of Marketing at Takii Europe B.V.

Recently my mind was working overtime thinking over certain global changes that will strongly impact our business future. I was puzzling over and trying to use my common sense. But, I got worried and my thoughts turned into concerns. Until I remembered this particular quote:

Grant me with the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

How true is that? And how difficult at the same time! Stop worrying about things you can’t change and try to accept them. Embrace the changes you can influence and turn them into opportunities.

Ageing

In Western Europe, the only growing age group are those aged 60 years and older This comes with many challenges in respect to labour, government tax/spending and economy. We hear about ‘a demographic time bomb,’ and the fear future generations cannot meet increasing pension commitments. Concerns, but there is nothing I can do about this. However, the majority of this group have higher purchasing power compared to other age groups and are willing to pay for the quality of life. Opportunities for flowers and plants!

New technology

Overwhelming developments in robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology,… With each passing day, technology is booming. And despite concerns about unemployment and over-dependence, proper use of technology also holds a bright future for us. Humans and computers working together, in a smarter way. Improving our health care, energy efficiency etc.

Growing world population

How to feed the mouths of 10 billion people by 2050? Food is currently threatening both people and planet. We cannot continue with our current western pattern diet, a big concern. A recent report of the EAT-Lancet commission gives us hope but will require a global adoption of healthy diets. A diet rich in plant-based foods and with fewer animal source foods confers both improved health and environmental benefits. So opportunities for healthy vegetables.

I decided to stop thinking and start acting. 1) By paying more attention to the needs of the age group 60+ in our marketing. 2) By embracing new technology that makes my life easier – instead of resisting. And last but not least, 3) by changing my own diet. I became a part-time vegetarian – and still enjoying my food!

We do have an influence on our own behaviour.

Improving the world starts with yourself.