THE POTENTIALIST

In this first installment of a nonfiction trilogy, a serial entrepreneur prognosticates life in the next 30 years.

Applying his own considerable personal and business experiences, Lytle briskly covers “The Forces of Change” in Part 1 of the book, moving on to the “Skills and Mindset” necessary for succeeding in a career and the development of strategies for health and wealth in Parts 2 and 3. The author begins with an intriguing “Prologue,” in which he describes numerous fictional individuals at various stages, envisioning what living in future years will be like for them. In Part 1, Lytle broadly explores four major themes around which he believes the future will unfold: “Innovation-Resistance,” “Democratization,” “Demographic Change and Neutralizing Distance,” and “The New Reality—Better or Worse?” While much of this content is speculative, the author does an admirable explanatory job of justifying why he selected these themes. Perhaps most provocative in this first part are the “ten new world realities” he outlines, such as “You will be superhuman, but will you make the best of it?” and “Life and career in the Cloud will redefine life as we know it.” Parts 2 and 3 delve into the skills Lytle thinks will be needed in a future world. Not surprisingly when it comes to the workplace, he believes collaboration, much of it enabled by technology, will set the tone. As for the individual’s role, the author invests considerable time discussing the concept of personal branding. Offering specific brand-building ideas, Lytle also urges readers to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, regarding themselves “as a Product or Service.” In Part 3, the author focuses on three areas—health, wellness, and success—each of which he deftly discusses with a heavy emphasis on adopting the right mindset. He delivers sage advice on healthy living and managing wealth (not just acquiring it). He also defines the requirements for success “in the New Reality,” encouraging “the pursuit of potential as a central theme in life.” Foretelling the future is not an exercise for the faint of heart, but Lytle handles the challenge with both enthusiasm and wisdom.

Visionary and intriguing; a compelling read about future realities.