The recent Generalist World survey of 589 high-performing generalists has sparked something in me that I feel compelled to share - I want to add another layer to the discussion around multi-potentialites, multi-hyphenates, and multi-dimensional beings by bringing up the concept of the Neo-Generalist.

Back in 2016, I was interviewed for "The Neo-Generalist" by Richard Martin and Kenneth Mikkelsen. This book dives deep into people who thrive in multiple worlds, connecting the dots in ways others can’t.

The book, along with my personal experience and insights from The Generalist World survey, underscores my advocacy for:

• Understanding and embracing our true selves

• Allowing ourselves to be

• Breaking out of the traditional boxes set by society or organizations

Beyond Labels

For years, I've navigated the tension between society's need to categorise and the reality of being a multi-dimensional professional. While I use terms like "multi-hyphenate," "generalist," or "neo-generalist," these aren't rigid boxes - they're attempts to describe a more fluid and dynamic way of working and thinking.

My sweet spot lies at the convergence of technology, social impact, and business. I've worn many hats -salesperson, marketer, PR specialist, product designer, educator, coach, facilitator, community builder, ecosystem developer, and executive leader. I'm a builder, operator, and connector who loves empowering others to reach their full potential. This unique blend, alongside my deep understanding of APAC markets and global operations, allows me to see patterns and connections others might miss.

What's clear from both personal experience and the survey data is that organisations need to wake up!!

Organisations need to evolve their understanding and support of generalists or neo-generalists. Generalists and Neo-Generalists aren't just filling slots – they’re navigating complexity, driving innovation, and bridging gaps.

The Industry Tunnel Vision Problem

_{84% of generalists are filtered out by traditional hiring processes.}

That’s a FAILURE.

Sticking to hiring talent only from the same industry is cutting off your innovation supply and limiting your talent pool.

I’ve seen this firsthand. Running multiple communities, I've helped talented individuals secure roles they wouldn't have landed through traditional hiring. Just recently, I got five candidates through who would’ve been axed by ATS systems. Our current systems, including referrals, often fail to capture a candidate's true value.

The Context-Switching & Pattern Recognition Superpower

Two golden nuggets from the survey:

• 47% of generalists prevent major issues before they become problems - this is the pattern recognition work!

• 62% of generalists effectively perform multiple roles - this is the context-switching ability!

Key growth stages? Builder roles? This is where we shine. It’s not just about juggling jobs – it’s knowing when and how to shift gears.

I believe it's not just about doing multiple jobs – it's about knowing when and how to shift between different modes of thinking and operating.

What truly sets Generalists or Neo-Generalists apart is our ability to context-switch effectively and recognise patterns across domains.

The Network Effect & Cross-Industry Pollination

Too many companies obsess over candidates with industry-specific relationships.

But guess what? Cross-sector networks are gold.

Through my experience running The Change School and working with thousands of career shifters, I've learned that cross-sector networks often prove more valuable than deep, single-industry connections.

I believe that the ability to build new relationships, bridge different worlds, maintain diverse connections creates unexpected opportunities - that is what Generalists and Neo-Generalists can bring to the table. Many often have cross-sector networks as well as specific industry connections.

The Transferable Skills Advantage

Neo-generalists and Generalist are pros at taking skills from one context and applying them to another. This adaptability is a superpower in today’s fast-changing world. At The Change School, I’ve seen neo-generalists hit the ground running in new sectors, while others have to start from scratch.

The Innovation Imperative

Having experience across multiple industries gives you a sixth sense for spotting potential pitfalls and opportunities

My "non-linear" career spanning multiple sectors has given me a unique vantage point. Each new industry or role adds another lens through which to view challenges, making it easier to spot both problems and solutions that might be invisible to those with more linear careers.

A Call for Systemic Change

The fact that 72% of generalists have been called simultaneously "overqualified" and "underqualified" points to a fundamental flaw in our talent evaluation system. Instead of focusing solely on industry experience, we should ask:

• How quickly can they learn and adapt?

• What fresh perspectives might they bring from other sectors?

• Can they prevent groupthink?

• Are they bridge builders?

Looking Forward

After a decade of these conversations, it’s shocking how little has changed.

The challenges identified in the Generalist World survey aren't just personal frustrations – they're systemic inefficiencies that companies can no longer afford

The future belongs to those who can reimagine existing frameworks. In a world where innovation and adaptability are paramount, filtering out Generalists or Neo-Generalists means filtering out potential competitive advantages.

The real question isn’t if Generalists or Neo-Generalists add value. The question is, will organizations evolve fast enough to harness it before their competitors do?

Let’s break the mold!

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Grace