Be the Unicorn

Even in a world dominated by technology, it’s soft skills that make you stand out. Are you ready to unleash your inner Unicorn?

1. Speed Wins the Race

In today’s fast-paced world, staying ahead often demands rapid decision-making. Vanderbloemen highlights the importance of being quick not as impulsive but as calculated and decisive. Taking too long to act often results in missed opportunities, while those who respond efficiently stay ahead of the curve. Quickness is not just about saying yes but also about swift, thoughtful nos.

Being fast requires overcoming built-in fears. Our brains are wired to avoid taking risks, often leading to hesitation or overthinking. This “wait-for-the-perfect-moment” mentality holds people back. But most decisions are reversible or adjustable, meaning you don’t need to aim for perfection the first time. Confidence in quick decisions fosters better results than hesitance.

Businesses also prioritize speed. Vanderbloemen Search Group has consistently found that the candidates who respond the fastest to opportunities often end up being the top performers. Staying accessible and connected increases your ability to act quickly, while fear of imperfection must be actively conquered.

Examples

• Blake Mycoskie, founder of Toms Shoes, built multiple ventures by acting quickly on unique opportunities.
• The fastest-responding job candidates at Vanderbloemen often outshine their peers.
• Auto-responders and clear communication channels help employees remain reachable while maintaining work-life balance.

2. Agility is Key

Success and resilience boil down to adaptability. Vanderbloemen emphasizes that the ability to embrace and drive change is essential for anyone looking to thrive in our ever-shifting professional environment. Change is constant, and those who resist it risk falling behind.

Consider Ursula Burns, who became the CEO of Xerox by staying flexible and open to opportunity. She never adhered to a rigid career plan, instead choosing to learn from experiences as they arose. This mindset of career agility allowed her to grow and pivot when needed, keeping her ahead.

Even on an organizational level, adaptability proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies that shifted operations or introduced new services weathered the upheaval much better than those clinging to the status quo. Continual learning, embracing diversity, and being comfortable with questioning processes are all part of fostering agility.

Examples

• Ursula Burns extended her skill set to suit evolving roles at Xerox.
• Agile companies thrived during the pandemic compared to those stuck with outdated models.
• Individuals who prioritize learning new skills combat mental stagnation and stay professionally relevant.

3. Anticipate What's Next

Preparation isn’t about guessing the distant future—it’s about planning for what’s likely just around the corner. Vanderbloemen explains that the ability to anticipate involves studying patterns and asking “What if?” to prepare for possible outcomes. Ready thinkers who anticipate challenges are indispensable in any workforce.

In one example, Jeremy H. led a board meeting that veered off-track when guest speakers didn’t appear as scheduled. His prior preparation of a backup topic kept the meeting running smoothly. This ability to foresee and prepare can turn potential chaos into calm productivity.

By studying historical trends and thinking logically about potential changes, anyone can sharpen their ability to anticipate. It’s about focusing on immediate next steps rather than trying to map out years of uncertainty. Those steps might seem small, but they make all the difference in keeping projects on course or avoiding crisis.

Examples

• Jeremy H.’s backup plan saved a disrupted board meeting.
• Preparing for likely disruptions helped companies navigate unforeseen crises.
• Leaders seeing “one step ahead” guide teams effectively without long-term guesswork.

4. Self-Awareness is Power

Understanding your strengths, limits, and behaviors can transform not just your career but your personal life. Vanderbloemen champions self-awareness as foundational for growth. This practice helps you avoid unnecessary pitfalls and make deliberate, conscious choices.

Consider Lynsi Snyder, CEO of In-N-Out, who has faced several life challenges yet continuously grew by knowing her capacities. Despite immense personal struggles, her grounded understanding of herself allowed her to steer her company toward consistent success while staying true to its roots.

Self-aware individuals are better collaborators. They take feedback gracefully, know where they thrive and falter, and pair their skills with complementary teammates. This trait enhances leadership abilities and creates positive company cultures that value honesty and mutual respect.

Examples

• Lynsi Snyder retained In-N-Out’s classic charm by aligning decisions with core values.
• Well-rounded leaders climb corporate ladders by understanding strengths and acting on them.
• Self-aware communication at work avoids avoidable confrontations and fosters teamwork.

5. Let Curiosity Lead

Curiosity isn’t just for children or academics. It drives progress, innovation, and personal development. Vanderbloemen believes an engaged and curious mind lays the groundwork for meaningful discoveries and connections.

Bill Rosenzweig’s fascination with tea and culture turned into his company, The Republic of Tea. He wondered why no company mirrored traditional Japanese tea culture and transformed that curiosity into a flourishing, values-driven business.

Curiosity also improves learning retention, builds empathy, and encourages innovation. Asking questions at work demonstrates not only eagerness but also a willingness to explore possibilities. Small acts like broad reading and asking insightful questions build this powerful habit over time.

Examples

• Bill Rosenzweig built The Republic of Tea after being inspired by Japanese tea culture.
• Copernicus and Fleming’s groundbreaking discoveries began with simple curiosity.
• Reading widely and seeking answers foster creative thinking.

6. Build a Network That Matters

Human connections remain one of the most valuable assets anyone can cultivate. Vanderbloemen emphasizes the long-term benefits of forging authentic relationships rather than transactional ones.

Anne Sullivan, nearly overlooked at an orphanage, made a single strategic connection that changed her life entirely. That same connection enabled her to transform Helen Keller’s life, proving the ripple effects of relationships.

Strong networks operate as a well of opportunities, emotional support, and inspiration. It’s not about quantity; keep old connections alive and meaningful while forming new ones. Personal engagement and using your influence to help others are key to maintaining fulfilling relationships.

Examples

• Anne Sullivan used one timely connection to enroll in a school and later change Helen Keller's life.
• Digital platforms like LinkedIn now make networking far more accessible.
• Teams bonded by strong interpersonal dynamics perform better and endure hard moments together.

Takeaways

1. Respond quickly without obsessing over perfection and use accessible tools to stay connected while on the go.
2. Purposefully challenge yourself to embrace change, learning new skills or reconsidering old strategies.
3. Focus on building deep, meaningful connections, and give back to those who lend you their time and attention.