Embrace speed: A manifesto for thriving in the next era of work

Introduction

The digital landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. New tools, platforms, and ways of working are forcing companies to rethink everything—how they operate, how they innovate, and how they deliver value. And in the middle of all this? People like us, trying to make sense of it all while pushing for growth, change, and impact.

It’s clear that to thrive in this next era, companies need more than just new technologies—they need new ways of thinking. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what guiding principles and mindsets will help StealthX excel in this fast-paced, ever-changing environment.

In this week’s newsletter, I thought it might be helpful to break down and share these ideas with you. Feel free to steal and use with your company/team 😊

1. Curiosity over certainty

We live in an age where no one has all the answers. But the key to thriving in this chaos is to embrace the unknown. A mindset of “I don’t know, BUT I’ll figure it out” is far more valuable than a rigid know it all. Curiosity drives innovation. It opens doors to new possibilities, while certainty often keeps them closed. This is especially true in digital work, where what’s true today may be outdated by tomorrow. The future belongs to the curious.

Whether it’s incorporating new tools, adjusting to shifts in customer behavior, or simply rethinking how you approach a project, staying flexible is crucial. It’s not enough to have one good idea—you need to be ready to evolve continuously.

The companies that thrive in this environment are the ones that can pivot quickly. They don’t cling to old methods out of comfort. They stay nimble, always scanning for what’s next and adjusting their strategies on the fly. This adaptability is something I’m baking into our DNA at StealthX. It’s how we will stay ahead — constantly pushing boundaries.

2. Get stuff done

In this era, action beats planning every time. Moving fast is the name of the game. Sure, strategy is important, but waiting for the perfect plan will leave you in the dust. Progress happens when you’re in the trenches, testing, tweaking, and iterating. The faster you can execute, the quicker you can pivot or double down on what works.

The next generation of digital leaders is moving away from the long, drawn-out processes of the past. They’re jumping in, building quick experiments, and letting the market guide them. I’ve found that taking this approach helps us deliver far faster, and it’s not just about speed for speed’s sake—it’s about learning through doing.

3. Make room for play

Innovation isn’t (often) born in offices and conference rooms. It’s born in spaces where people are free to tinker, experiment, and play. At StealthX, I’m making it a point for us to prioritize time for experimentation, because I know that true breakthroughs often come from trying unexpected things and making room for failure. In fact, failure isn’t something to avoid—it’s necessary. Every misstep fertilizes the soil for the next big idea.

Companies that don’t make time for experimentation are doomed to stagnate. Whether it’s carving out a few hours a week for side projects or making space monthly to try new things is crucial to staying ahead of the curve.

4. Unique experiences are the new currency

Efficiency is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s a baseline expectation. What sets brands apart now is their ability to create unique and memorable experiences. In a world increasingly powered by AI and automation, those who can deliver a personal touch, surprise their customers, and create emotional resonance will win.

I’m seeing this play out with clients who initially come to us looking for help in “streamlining” or “digitizing” their services. But what they soon realize is that everyone is doing that. What really sets them apart is how they make their customers feel. The challenge in the digital era is not just about solving problems, but doing so in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

5. Be yourself, always

Authenticity has become a rare commodity in a world driven by polished corporate facades. People can sense when you’re faking it. Teams and companies that embrace who they truly are—quirks and all—are the ones that build deeper trust and stronger relationships with both their clients and each other.

Over the past few years it’s become increasingly clear that that showing up as my true self, without the pretense or need to fit a mold, is the key to building lasting partnerships. This isn’t just about being “real” for the sake of it. It’s about leading with transparency, which invites others to do the same, making collaboration more fluid and effective.

6. Create, tinker, and share

Our ultimate edge? It’s the creative muscle we’ve built through experimentation, innovation, and sheer grit. We’re not here to just launch websites or ship products—we’re here to build entirely new experiences that challenge what people think is possible. And we don’t do it alone. By constantly creating and sharing our innovations, we’re able to spark new ideas, drive progress, and add value to everything we touch.

In fact, part of what will make us different is our focus on experimentation as part of the process. The most successful companies we know build intentional time and space for innovation, and so do we. That’s how we’re able to tackle crazy problems, deliver faster, and still keep our work fresh and exciting.

Wrapping up

As the world continues to shift, I believe the companies that succeed will be the ones that embrace these principles. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, being willing to take action, and staying true to who you are. It’s about creating unique experiences that people remember and making space to play, experiment, and tinker along the way.

I believe this manifesto is a blueprint for thriving in the digital age. And the good news is, it’s not hard to get started. It just takes a commitment to embrace the speed/chaos and lean into the future with curiosity, creativity, and courage.

I hope these thoughts help you thrive in this next era of work 😊

Onward & upward,

Drew

If we haven’t met yet, hello! I’m Drew Burdick, Founder and Managing Partner at StealthX. We work with brands to design & build great customer experiences that win. I share ideas weekly through this newsletter & over on the Building Great Experiences podcast. Have a question? Feel free to reply to this email — I’d love to hear from you.