In an economy marked by downsizing, offshoring & an accelerated deployment of robots & automation technology, fears around the future of our work and careers abound.

But according to New Yorker Magazine writer and co-founder of NPR’s Planet Money podcast, Adam Davidson, we needn’t be so gloomy. 

Tied to extensive research that went into the writing of his new book, The Passion Economy: The New Rules For Thriving In The Twenty-First Century, Davidson says the emerging economy offers new ways of making money, fresh paths toward professional fulfillment, & unprecedented opportunities for curious, ambitious individuals to combine the things they love with their careers.

The key is we must have the courage and commitment to pivot away from jobs and businesses we know will soon be automated – or outcompeted by low-cost Asian firms – and apply our unique skills, talents & interests to work that cannot be commoditized.

“For most of the 20^th Century, the safest, most lucrative strategy was to be much like others as possible,” Davidson says. “In the 21^st Century, the best strategy is to be fully yourself & to highlight your difference from everyone else.  That’s where the money is.”

As we discuss with Adam in this podcast, his book is filled with stories of people & companies whose successful reinvention provides the rest of us with the transformative hope that we can actually thrive as we never have before. As you’ll hear, there are new ground rules for success in business, & once you know what they are, you’ll have a roadmap for excelling in the world in a way that won’t just earn you a good living, it will also make your heart sing.

Whether you have an ear for understanding how to personally thrive in the new economy – or for successfully leading your team or organization to continued success – Davidson provides highly inspiring tales of people who’ve already mastered the “Passion Economy.”