The Narrator Economy: Why Innovation Now Means Disrupting Yourself
Let’s be honest: most people still don’t really understand what an innovation strategist does. I usually explain it with a story and a bit of humor because the truth is, innovation today is so dynamic that no single definition fits. That’s exactly the point.
The world we’re in now doesn’t reward those who follow a fixed plan. It rewards those who adapt, question the rules, and move boldly in the face of uncertainty. And with the rise of generative AI, the game has completely changed.
There’s No Blueprint for Innovation Anymore
We used to believe there was a formula: launch a lab, run a few workshops, maybe host a hackathon. But that era is gone. Today, innovation is contextual. It’s fluid. What works for one company, industry, or moment won’t work for another.
We’re living in an age of continuous disruption. And that means we have to disrupt ourselves before the world does it for us. If you’re clinging to how it’s always been done, you’re already falling behind.
Welcome to the Narrator Economy
One of the most exciting shifts I’m seeing and living is what I call the Narrator Economy.
In the age of Generative AI, the real power belongs to those who can prompt, frame, and narrate ideas effectively. You no longer need to be a coder to build something amazing. With tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and no-code platforms, anyone can spin up an app, design art, or automate workflows in minutes.
With the right prompts and imagination, you can create something extraordinary.
Here’s what’s shifted:
Knowledge alone is no longer power
Creation is the new differentiator
Language is the new code
What separates you now isn’t technical skill, it's your ability to articulate, imagine, and turn raw ideas into real value.
AI Is a Commodity, Your Creativity Isn’t
Let’s be real: Generative AI is now fully commoditized. Anyone can use it. Anyone can automate, generate, and build in minutes.
That means the tools aren’t what make you special what you do with them is.
It’s not about what you know anymore. It’s about what you can create. Can you invent something new? Solve an old problem in a new way? Push the boundaries of what’s possible?
The real winners will be the ones who don’t just use AI they’ll use it to create things that actually matter.
From Good to Remarkable: What Coca-Cola Taught Me About Innovation
I once spoke with a Coca-Cola executive who openly acknowledged the threats they faced from both new market entrants and internal inertia. That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me that good leadership optimizes what already works, but remarkable leadership dares to rethink everything.
Sometimes, innovation means going to zero disrupting yourself before the world does it for you.
If you want to dive deeper into this story and what it means for leaders navigating disruption, check out my blog: How Do We Go from Good to Remarkable? What I Learned from a Coca-Cola Executive About Leadership
Don’t Forget: Human Needs Haven’t Changed
Here’s the paradox: tech is changing everything, but our core human desires, connection, security, storytelling, have stayed the same.
No matter how fast AI evolves, people still want to feel something. We want to be seen, heard, and understood.
That’s why human-centered innovation is more important than ever. Tech should elevate our humanity not erase it. I believe 90% of innovation should still be about solving timeless human problems with new tools, yes, but with empathy at the core.
Why Events Matter Now More Than Ever
We’re obsessed with seamless, digital experiences but sometimes friction is good.
Events offer that friction in the best way possible. They’re messy, emotional, and real. And that’s what makes them powerful.
Events are no longer just about logistics. They’re about experience design. Culture shaping. Strategic storytelling.
If you’re in the event space, you’re not just planning gatherings, you're creating spaces for awe, connection, and transformation. That’s leadership.
Disrupt Yourself or Be Disrupted
If there’s one thing I want you to take from this: Act before you feel ready.
Don’t wait for the world to force change on you. Disrupt yourself. Pitch the wild idea. Try that new AI tool. Say yes before you have all the answers.
Disruption is no longer something that happens to industries. It’s a mindset. It’s a choice.
And it starts with you.
Final Thought: Be Bold Before You’re Ready
The future doesn’t belong to those who follow the rules. It belongs to those who break them for the right reasons.
This is not a time for hesitation. It’s a time for courage, creativity, and action.
Whether you’re leading a team, designing an event, or experimenting with AI, don’t ask: “What’s the safest move?”
Ask: “What’s the boldest one I’m willing to take?”
Because innovation doesn’t come from thinking outside the box.
It comes from acting outside the box before you feel ready.
In this new era, we don’t need more knowledge.
We need more creators, risk-takers, and narrators.
So ask yourself:
What’s one bold move I can make today before the world forces me to?
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.