A recent McKinsey podcast from this year called out orthogonal thinking as one of the ways that operators can find an edge against AI. We believe finding an edge against the machine translates directly to finding an edge against the market.
What is orthogonal thinking?
One might describe it as a non-linear approach to problem-solving. It involves pulling in lived experience from different industries, creative approaches to problem solving, and cultivating original, unique insights.
Is there still room for original thought to be a source of truth?
Strategy rarely involves a single correct answer, and sometimes there might not be any good answers at all; forcing us to navigate an uncharted path, or to take a longer-term view.
It is this crux where the human element, fraught with experience, and the good and the bad, can outcompete AI.