In a world obsessed with speed, productivity, and relentless “hustle,” my amazing client and robotics industry leader is taking a different stance: Sometimes, the smartest move you can make is… to do nothing.
Say what?!
Yes, but there’s more….
Working with Eleanor Tang-Smith, COO of Robotics firm BOW, has been an inspiring and eye opening experience. Supporting her to develop her key areas of thought leadership and signature talks has really shifted my perspective on how we view work, play AND creativity.
In the latest episode of Words That Change Lives, I had an inspiring conversation with Eleanor about why deliberately stepping back might be the ultimate competitive advantage in the AI age.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological change, this is a message you need to hear.
As Eleanor puts it, we are entering the age of intelligence, where automation, AI agents, and robotics are making everything faster, more efficient, and, often, more overwhelming.
The temptation is clear: do more, automate more, be more productive.
But there is a hidden danger: If we don’t intentionally protect space for thinking, creativity, and joy, we risk becoming indistinguishable from the machines we are creating.
“Productivity can be automated. Creativity cannot,” Eleanor says.
The Rise of ‘AI Slop’ And Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever
As generative AI tools flood the internet with mass-produced content, bland visuals, and generic writing, standing out now requires something that AI can’t replicate:
- Original thought
- Personal experience
- Human connection
In other words, your wild creativity, the part of you that is unpredictable, curious, joyful, is now your biggest asset.
And nurturing it often starts by deliberately doing less, not more.
Taking time away from constant screens, outputs, and KPIs isn’t indulgent.
It’s necessary for sustainable leadership.
Eleanor’s practice of getting outdoors, sometimes hanging off the side of a literal cliff! Serves as a powerful metaphor.
It’s about reconnecting with your sense of joy, awe, and inspiration. About remembering who you are outside of your productivity.
In a future where technical skills will be easily augmented by AI, the leaders who can think creatively, act empathetically, and innovate from a place of joy will thrive.
How Will You Protect Your Wild Creativity?
The world will only get faster.
Technology will only get smarter.
But we still have a choice: to go slower, think deeper, and create more authentically.
So, when was the last time you did something just for fun?
When was the last time you embraced doing “nothing” and gave yourself the space to be creative?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Listen to this powerful conversation with Eleanor Tang-Smith here: https://podfollow.com/words-that-change-lives
Or watch it here
https://youtu.be/qDGbB4LiOIQ
And if you’re a leader thinking about how to stay human in the age of AI, email me hello@helenpackham.com. I’d love to support you.
#Leadership #AI #Creativity #Innovation #WordsThatChangeLives #FutureOfWork
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