In a comprehensive course related to ‘managing information’ primarily in the business world but also on the personal front, Prof. Kevin Johnston (KJ), inspired us to imagine, visualize and ask questions in every walk of life. Throughout the course, KJ encouraged us to keep asking questions, be curious, and challenge the norm. We felt involved right from the start as we were encouraged to find videos (do CRAP tests for their authenticity), answer a case study (the VOS: A fictitious Digital Bank which was designed by him), use ChatGPT as a starting point for research, validate, reflect on the solution proposed and come with a holistic point of view adding our opinions and understanding. Out of the plethora of concepts and ideas discussed, I’m thrilled to share some topics and takeaways from the lectures here with you:
We learned that setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) helps manage oneself (one should lead oneself before leading others) while Wabi-Sabi, helps in cherishing and enjoying the process, and trusting the system. Evidence-based management is a crucial tool to validate the information we receive, especially using the CRAP Test (evaluate the Currency (date of publishing), Reliability, Authenticity and Prejudice of it).
In class, we also learned that it is important to create an environment of psychological safety for everyone when it comes to building high-performing teams. Empowering leads to more productivity fosters mutual well-being and enhances employee experience. Finding the personality type and applying the different leadership styles (delegating, supporting, coaching, and directing) should be a logical way of building teams.
We then focussed on Artificial Intelligence (AI), how to be aware of biases, how to make effective use of generative AI tools to our advantage without depending on them, and at the same time validating the answer it gives us. Some future trends like Web 3.0, 5G Network, DevOps, and Blockchain technology and how they cater to digitalisation and make online experiences seamless were also addressed in class.
We also discussed some effective ways of Project, Change and Risk Management: Agile-based project management, Kanban for better target tracking, ADKAR model of change management (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Action, Reinforcement) and Lewin’s three-step change model to name just a few.
Innovation being a crucial focus topic, KJ helped us understand the different challenges that arise, the Fugle (Funnel-Bugle) Model of Innovation, the Innovation lifecycle, how to analyse Big Data, make sense of it and be prepared for the IoT game of innovation.
Through a Design Thinking workshop, where we had to work on a case study in teams and come up with a quick solution through brainstorming, we learnt, hands-on, the fundamentals of User Experience and Interface. We concluded the course by discussing future trends like the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), Society 5.0, Futures Literacy phases and the future of Social Media, all giving us food for thought for the future.
Overall, we had a fantastic time learning from KJ, his experiences, and his wisdom. Most importantly, his infectious energy and will to keep learning continuously inspired us to keep being curious, discuss and challenge ideas, work as a team, solve problems and share the knowledge acquired. We are grateful to you for being an inspiration, KJ, and look forward to staying connected with you.

Text and photo: Aditya Yardi