Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman of Ogilvy UK and author of 'Alchemy', shares his visionary insights on the future of work and the economy. He discusses the rise of digital nomadism and critiques outdated employment structures. Rory explores the paradox of affordable goods versus soaring housing costs, arguing for reforms like land value tax to tackle economic inequality. He also highlights the disconnect of the US economy from global trends and reimagines work-life balance in light of modern challenges faced by workers.
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insights INSIGHT
Nomadism Prediction
A percentage of the population will adopt nomadism due to remote work technologies like Zoom.
These technologies offer free "where" and "when," which some value more than money.
insights INSIGHT
London's Rent-Seeking Economy
London's high cost of living, driven by landlords, offsets higher salaries.
This creates a rent-seeking money funnel that benefits property owners.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Tax Land Value
Tax land value instead of beneficial things like labor and creativity.
This approach aligns with Henry George's economic principles.
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The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business and Life
Rory Sutherland
In this book, Rory Sutherland explores the art and science of creating magic in brands, business, and life. He combines scientific research with entertaining stories and case studies from his career, including campaigns for AmEx and Microsoft. Sutherland emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior, highlighting how decisions are often influenced by subtle external signals rather than objective qualities. The book challenges traditional marketing strategies by advocating for a more holistic and creative approach, using techniques such as storytelling, social proof, and framing to influence consumer decisions. It also explores how these principles can be applied to various social aims beyond just selling products.
The two-income trap
Why Middle-Class Parents Are Going Broke
Elizabeth Warren
In this book, Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi reveal how the financial stability of middle-class families has deteriorated despite the increase in dual incomes. They argue that the rise in fixed living expenses, such as housing and education costs, and the decline in employment security have created a 'two-income trap.' The authors propose several policy solutions, including subsidized daycare, school vouchers, tuition freezes for public universities, and stricter credit regulations to mitigate these financial pressures. The book challenges the 'overconsumption myth' and highlights the need for institutional changes to support middle-class families[1][2][3].
Progress and poverty
English Land Restoration League
In 'Progress and Poverty', Henry George examines the paradox of why poverty and economic depressions occur alongside technological and economic progress. He argues that the private ownership of land, which increases in value without the owner's effort, is a primary cause of poverty and economic cycles. George proposes a single tax on land values as a remedy, suggesting it would reduce other taxes, encourage productive use of land, and distribute wealth more equitably. The book was highly influential, contributing to the Progressive Era and worldwide social reform movements[1][2][5].
Rory Sutherland is the Vice-Chairman of Ogilvy in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s most renowned advertising agencies. He is the author of several books among which Alchemy: The Power of Ideas That Do Not Make Sense, and of a fortnightly column in The Spectator. Known for his thought-provoking insights, Rory Sutherland joins My Wildest Prediction, to share his visionary takes on work, the housing crisis and the US economy.
My Wildest Prediction 
