What Will People Say? Breaking Free from Cultural Expectations in a Bold New World

There’s a phrase that echoed through my childhood and if you’re from a first-generation immigrant family, you’ve probably heard it too:

What will people say?

I’ve even shared a personal story about how those words, and my mother’s doubt, became my driving force here.

Those four words shaped so many of my decisions. They were like a silent contract between generations, a reminder to stay in line, choose respectable careers, and avoid risk at all costs.

It came from love. It came from sacrifice. It came from fear.

Our parents gave up everything for stability, so naturally, they wanted us to walk the safest path: doctor, engineer, accountant, lawyer. These careers were seen as the gold standard because they brought security, status, and pride.

But here’s the thing:
That old playbook? It doesn’t work anymore.

The Safe Path Isn’t Safe Anymore

We used to believe knowledge was power and it was, back when knowledge was scarce. But today, knowledge is everywhere.

And even more disruptive? AI is now doing what we once thought only experts could do.

Generative AI has become the co-pilot for every knowledge worker. It writes. It codes. It analyzes. It designs. It’s not replacing us outright, but it’s redefining the playing field.

If your job is based only on what you know, you’re replaceable.
If your value lies in what you create, you’re untouchable.

That’s the shift.

From Knowledge Holders to Value Creators

So where does that leave us?

It means the rules have changed. The most valuable people in the world today aren’t just knowledge workers, they're value creators.

Value creators don’t just absorb information. They do something with it. They innovate. They build. They spot opportunities others miss. They take risks. They launch new ideas, products, and movements.

And in a world where everyone has access to the same information, the edge isn’t in what you know, it's in what you do with it.

But for many of us especially from immigrant backgrounds this shift feels like hitting a wall.

The Immigrant Paradox

Our parents worked incredibly hard and often left everything behind to give us a better life. They prioritized stability because they never had it themselves. And in doing so, they sometimes steered us away from creativity, experimentation, and risk the very traits the modern economy now rewards.

I don’t blame them. Their advice made perfect sense for the world they knew.

But that world is gone.

Why Boldness Matters Now More Than Ever

The economy doesn’t reward obedience anymore, it rewards boldness.

Your ability to take a leap, tell your story, and do something different is your edge.

That’s exactly why I wrote The Bold Ones. Because boldness isn’t about being loud it’s about being original. It’s about doing the thing you believe in, even when no one else gets it. Especially when no one else gets it.

In a world run by algorithms and automation, boldness is what makes you human. It’s what makes you irreplaceable.

Redefining Success for the Next Generation

The markers of success have changed.

A safe job, a steady paycheck, and a respectable title? Those things still matter to some degree but they’re not enough.

Today, success is about impact.
It’s about creativity.
It’s about boldness.

Boldness means challenging norms, questioning the rules, and leaning into uncertainty. It means making decisions based on possibility, not fear.

It means asking not, What will people say?
But instead: What will I create?

Final Thoughts: A Call to the Next Generation

If you’ve ever felt torn between cultural expectations and your own ambitions, I get it. I've lived it.

But the truth is, the future belongs to those who can create, innovate, and adapt. AI and automation are rewriting the rules, and clinging to outdated playbooks won’t save us.

The path to stability now runs straight through creativity and innovation.

It’s time to stop living for what people might say, and start building for what you know you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - How do you break free from societal expectations?

Breaking free starts with getting clear on what you actually want. Set personal goals that reflect your passions and values, not just what others think you should do. Surround yourself with people who support your vision, and practice self-compassion when you face judgment or pushback. The more you take small, consistent steps toward your own path, the easier it becomes to live authentically.

2 - What do cultural expectations mean?

Cultural expectations are the unwritten rules and norms that tell us how we’re supposed to behave in a certain community. They shape everything from career choices to lifestyle decisions. These expectations come from family, friends, traditions, religion, and society at large. While they can provide a sense of belonging, they can also feel restrictive if they conflict with your personal goals.

3 - How can I overcome societal expectations?

Start by identifying the beliefs or rules that are holding you back. Ask yourself: Does this truly serve me, or is it just what I’ve been told to do? Build inner confidence by trusting your own decisions, even if they go against the grain. And remember you don’t have to reject your culture entirely. You can respect your roots while still creating a life that feels right for you.

4 - What is the role of culture in shaping expectations?

Culture acts like an invisible guide, shaping what’s considered normal or acceptable in your world. It influences everything: the jobs we aim for, the relationships we form, even the risks we’re willing to take. While culture can give us identity and belonging, it can also create pressure to conform, making it important to question whether these expectations still make sense in today’s world.

5 - How do cultural expectations impact career choices?

In many cultures, certain careers are seen as more respectable or secure like doctor, lawyer, or engineer. These expectations often come from a place of love and concern for stability. But they can also limit exploration of creative or unconventional career paths. Today’s economy increasingly rewards innovation, so following your own interests can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

6 - How is AI changing the value of knowledge?

AI has turned knowledge into a commodity. It can write, code, analyze, and design. What matters now is not just knowing things, but creating value with that knowledge innovating, building, and solving problems in ways AI can’t.

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.