Will They Wrap Their Arms Around New Knowledge?

Will They Wrap Their Arms Around New Knowledge?

That question came my way in an email just after a major national conference. It was asked because the event (the Victoria Forum) had surfaced so many fresh insights and bright ideas for making the world a better place, particularly through tackling complex challenges such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In my reply, I said I was hopeful. Conferences typically offer rich learning opportunities, not just for learning in the moment, but for sparking ongoing exchanges after the event. There was so much untapped wisdom and creativity among participants, waiting to be shared.

But when reflecting more deeply, I wondered if the real barrier to unlocking this knowledge might be as much about mindsets as it is about new ideas. Too often, our world is shaped by left-brained, linear thinkers who favour logic, analysis, and facts. Meanwhile, creative, intuitive, and innovative voices are too often overlooked or dismissed.

It’s not surprising. Research and organizational surveys consistently show that left-brain styles dominate in leadership, especially in traditional business and political spheres. Yet, studies suggest only around 8% of senior leaders truly embrace a whole-brain approach, integrating creative, intuitive, and systemic thinking alongside analytical skills.

Daniel H. Pink highlighted this shift in his book A Whole New Mind. While that’s not to say left-brain thinking isn’t and won’t be important, the future increasingly belongs to those who can engage right-brain aptitudes. He identifies six essential abilities rising in importance:

Design: Creating what the world didn’t know was missing, combining function with beauty or emotional impact.

Story: Moving beyond data to use compelling narratives to persuade and inspire.

Symphony: Connecting the dots, synthesizing insights, and seeing the big picture in innovative ways.

Empathy: Imagining another’s perspective to genuinely understand experiences and feelings.

Play: Valuing joy, humour, and creativity as drivers of productivity and innovation.

Meaning: Seeking purpose and fulfillment beyond material goals, guided by deeper reflection.

Whether people will embrace new knowledge isn’t just a question of willingness—it’s about having the mindsets and capacities to do so. If leaders can balance proven analytical skills with creativity, empathy, and big-picture thinking, the ideas shared at events and conferences can lead to real, lasting change. The best outcomes emerge when all kinds of thinkers have an equal chance to contribute—helping our society truly wrap its arms around new knowledge for a better world.

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