Disruption Starts with You: Lessons from an Unforgettable Conversation
There’s something magical that happens when you get a group of people in a room of educators, entrepreneurs, students, industry leaders and you strip away the formalities. No slides. No script. Just real conversations.
Recently, after one of my talks, I found myself in the middle of exactly that kind of magic. I was signing books, shaking hands, and talking with people who had just heard my message on disruption, innovation, and self-transformation. And what struck me was that everyone regardless of background was wrestling with the same core question:
How do I break from the path I’m supposed to take, and start creating the life I actually want?
The Third Door: Finding Your Own Way
I often talk about the third door. Imagine life as having three ways in:
The first door- the traditional path.
The second door - the VIP route, reserved for the few with connections or privilege.
The third door- the unconventional entry you create for yourself.
Sometimes that means knocking on side doors, slipping through the kitchen, or building your own entrance altogether. It’s about refusing to believe the only options are the ones you’ve been given.
That third door is a metaphor for finding unconventional ways to get where you want to go. For some people, it’s starting a business instead of waiting for the perfect job. For others, it’s learning a skill on YouTube instead of going back to school. The third door is always there; you just have to be bold enough to look for it.
Disrupt Yourself Before You Disrupt the World
Too often, we think disruption means shaking up an industry. But the truth is, the most powerful disruption starts within. It’s about breaking your own patterns, rethinking your assumptions, and stretching your comfort zone.
When you disrupt yourself, you build the resilience to handle change, lead innovation, and stay ahead of the curve no matter what’s happening around you.
Trust: The New Currency
In today’s world, trust is more valuable than ever. It’s the foundation for influence, leadership, and meaningful relationships both personal and professional.
Trust takes time to build but can be lost in seconds. It comes from showing up consistently, leading with authenticity, and making people feel seen and valued. Without trust, disruption is just noise. With trust, it’s transformation.
Rethinking Education for a Bold Future
Some of the most passionate conversations I had were with educators. They were concerned about how schools while trying to prepare students often unintentionally crush creativity.
We have to give young people permission to take risks, make mistakes, and challenge the status quo. Because if they don’t learn that now, they’ll struggle to do it later. Creativity is a muscle if we don’t use it, we lose it.
Let Go of “What Will People Say?”
One of the biggest barriers to innovation is the fear of judgment. Too many ideas never see the light of day because someone is worried about what others will think.
The truth? People will talk no matter what you do. So you might as well give them something worth talking about.
I explore this idea even deeper in What Will People Say? Breaking Free from Cultural Expectations in a Bold New World.
Innovation Attracts Talent
We also touched on why so many companies are struggling to find and keep great people. The answer is simple: they’re not innovating. People want to work in places where ideas matter, where experimentation is part of the culture, and where they feel empowered to make an impact.
If your workplace doesn’t feel alive with possibility, you’re already losing the best talent to those that do.
Multiple Doors, Multiple Platforms
Whether it’s through my book, the upcoming Audible version, YouTube, TikTok, or live events like this one, my mission is to make these ideas accessible to anyone who’s ready to take action. Different people connect with different mediums and if you want your message to spread, you have to meet people where they are.
Final Thoughts
That night reminded me why I love what I do. Innovation isn’t just a corporate strategy or a startup buzzword, it's a deeply human endeavor. It’s about trust, courage, and the relentless pursuit of the third door in our own lives.
So here’s my challenge to you:
What’s your third door? And when are you going to walk through it?
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - What do you mean by disruption?
Disruption is when a new idea, product, or way of doing things completely changes how an industry, market, or society operates. It challenges the existing norms and replaces them with something more efficient, accessible, or innovative often making the old way obsolete.
2 - What is the difference between innovation and disruption?
Innovation is about bringing in new ideas or improvements. Disruption is about deeply challenging the status quo. Innovation can be subtle, while disruption is often radical and both approaches have their own value.
3 - How do organizations lose talent when they stop innovating?
Workplaces that don’t promote innovation or experimentation fail to attract and retain top talent. People want to work in environments where their contributions feel meaningful and their ideas are valued.
4 - How can leaders encourage innovation?
Leaders should create a safe space for experimentation, celebrate small wins, and allow their teams to fail forward. Innovation thrives when people feel trusted and supported.
5 - How do I overcome the fear of ‘What will people say’?
Remember that people will talk no matter what you do. Focus on your vision and values, not on pleasing everyone. Bold ideas often face criticism before they are celebrated.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.