This week, I stumbled across some interesting data points that got me thinking, and may get you thinking as well.
First, did you know that China had more births in the year 1776 than it did in 2025? (Source: The Economist) China’s declining population isn’t only going to hit its economy hard; it is going to have a major impact on the global economy. If you do business in China, you might want to begin thinking about how this trend will impact you.
Second, I am sure most of you have never heard about the “Kessler Syndrome,” but it is loosely defined as the idea that an unexpected satellite breakup could create hundreds of tiny “projectiles” which would destroy additional satellites and thus create even more projectiles which, in turn, would obliterate ever more satellites. Quite rapidly, things would cascade out of control and disable hundreds or even thousands of additional satellites. There is a 1 in 10 chance a satellite could break up this year–and every year moving forward. This suggests the possibility of a MAJOR satellite disruption is a real possibility. My question to you is this: Are you and your company prepared in the event of such a meltdown? Just think of all the Internet connections, telecommunication links, GPS systems, payment systems, and self-driving cars which will be rendered useless?
Lastly, I listened to two “generational experts” speak at a conference I was also speaking at yesterday. Their research indicates that 54 percent of all companies removed the requirement of completing a bachelor’s degree from a job description in 2025. With advances in artificial intelligence, things will move even faster in 2026. If you are in human resources or higher education–and didn’t already know it–your world is changing rapidly.
Until next week,
Jack
