Evolution, Breakthrough Thinking, and Leading in a Changing World
Hi there,
It’s midweek once again–how’s your week going so far?
Being a leader in today’s world is not easy. There’s climate change, the accelerating pace of technological advancements, and an urgent need to tackle sustainable development goals. And on top of that, a thousand other spinning plates in our daily lives. Oh yes—leaders and changemakers, just like everyone else, are human too! We have feelings, energy limits, hopes, dreams, family, friends—and the same 24 hours in a day.
As we wrap up February—Charles Darwin’s birth month—I want to share three key pieces (plus a few bonus resources) I’ve written about his legacy. While Darwin is often synonymous with evolution, natural selection, and birds’ beaks, his impact stretches far beyond those scientific contributions. (Hint: He had an active family life, plus health challenges, and occasional woes that slowed him down too.)
Over the years, I’ve explored Darwin’s life and works—not just through deep study as a biologist, but by tracing his footsteps from the Galápagos Islands to Down House. Through these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate not only his discoveries but also his relentless curiosity, interdisciplinary approach, and deep thinking.
Life Lessons from the HMS Beagle
My first deep dive into Darwin's story explored his HMS Beagle voyage. This piece paints a picture of how he showed us the power of careful observation, the importance of running smart experiments, and the value of thinking big.
Think great ideas happen overnight? Darwin’s story tells a different tale. He spent years refining his ideas, engaging with other thinkers (including competitors!), and ultimately reshaping how we understand life itself. Today’s leaders can take a page from his book: Pay attention to the world around you, challenge assumptions, and embrace both deep and broad thinking.
💡 | You can read the article here.
Look Around You, Stay Curious, and Think Hard
Darwin wasn’t the only one questioning how species change over time, but his rigorous approach and interdisciplinary thinking set him apart. He welcomed challenges to his thinking, engaged with other scholars, and designed experiments to refine his ideas.
Today, we live in a world of exponential technological change—faster and more complex than ever before. So what can we learn from Darwin? Even with AI and automation at our fingertips, observation, curiosity, and rigorous thinking remain essential if we want to tackle the biggest challenges ahead.
💡 | You can read the article here.
Insights from Down House
Innovation isn’t a solo journey. Darwin’s work was shaped by his environment, his family, and his ability to experiment with the world around him. At Down House, where he spent most of his life, I discovered how Darwin turned his everyday environment into a laboratory for testing ideas. His home wasn't just a workplace. It was a space where family, experimentation, and deep thinking came together.
| You can read the article here.
Bonus: Darwin and Investing
Here's a bonus! I recently shared a review of the book "What I Learned About Investing from Darwin," which I discovered in the Omaha airport (Warren Buffet’s hometown). It's a fascinating example of how Darwin's insights continue to influence fields far beyond biology.
💡 | You can check the book review here, and also browse more books on biology, leadership, and more in my digital bookshelf.
AI, Evolution, and the Future We’re Shaping
And before you get back to your day, I’m sharing one more piece inspired by evolution—this time, exploring our tech-enabled world. In this piece, I examine how AI’s rapid advancements are unfolding in seemingly the opposite direction of human evolution.
I also ask critical questions that I believe every leader needs to consider: How do we create ethical technology? How can we use technology to create the best possible future(s)? What responsibilities do leaders have in shaping AI’s role in society?
💡 | You can read the article here.
Many years after his lifetime, it’s clear that Darwin’s legacy isn’t just about evolution—it’s also about embracing curiosity, challenging assumptions, and thinking deeply about the world around us.
If these ideas resonate with you, please share them with others who might find inspiration in Darwin’s story!
Be voracious,
Tiffany
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