In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, Sekou Andrews stands as a beacon of disruptive innovation and creative brilliance. At the recent ALTA ONE conference, Andrews, a schoolteacher turned national poetry slam champion, delivered a compelling call to action with his dynamic presentation. His message? Defy convention, embrace digital disruption, and never fear making waves.
Breaking Free from Conventional Thought
Not surprisingly, Andrews’ entrance onto the stage was nothing short of theatrical—a powerful jump that set the tone for a presentation that would challenge the norms. Throughout his speech, he confronted common phrases that encourage maintaining the status quo, such as “Know your place” and “Don’t rock the boat.” These words, he argued, serve only to reinforce boundaries that limit potential and stifle innovation.
Instead, Andrews encouraged the audience to rethink what it means to make waves. “There are people who only go waste deep into the waters of change. Why? Because they are afraid to make waves,” he said. By redefining what waves mean to us, we can begin to see them not as disturbances, but as opportunities for growth and innovation.
The Impact of a Poetic Visionary
Andrews’ influence stretches far beyond the stage. His performances have captivated audiences on platforms like ABC World News, HBO, and MTV, and he has performed for luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and President Obama. As a result, his blend of poetry and motivational speaking has made his last album, “Poetic License,” a landmark in the independent music scene.
During his ALTA ONE address, Andrews used the phrase “splash, splash” to underline the importance of diving headfirst into innovation. He urged attendees to become the “annoying title kid of title reps” and encouraged them to push their industry out of its comfort zone.
Embracing Digital Disruption
In his speech, Andrews highlighted the seismic shift toward a digital-first world, navigated by a generation born in cyberspace. This new era is defined by digital disruption, which changes the traditional laws of supply and demand to “supply on demand.” Andrews described disruption as unapologetically forceful—never raising its hand or giving a heads-up.
To survive and thrive, companies must anticipate and preemptively adapt to these changes. In order to encourage this attitude, Andrews emphasized the “yes and” rule of improvisation as a crucial tool for fostering a mindset that welcomes rather than fears change.
Sekou Andrews’ presentation at ALTA ONE was a clarion call to all professionals to redefine their approach to business and life. By challenging the norms, embracing innovation, and understanding the power of our stories, we can all be part of a larger narrative of change. As Andrews aptly put it, we must be proud to be a ‘title wave’—unafraid to face new challenges and eager to make a splash in everything we do.
Read More: https://www.alta.org/news-and-publications/news/20181023-Splash-Splash-Create-a-Title-Wave
