Author Jim Collins on unlocking your potential

Jim Collins, author of *Good to Great*, explores the evolution of his perspective on life and career through his latest work, *What to Make of a Life*. Central to this shift is the concept of "encodings"—durable, innate capacities that, when aligned with the right environment, catalyze extraordinary performance. Individuals should move beyond rigid life plans, instead embracing an organic, unpredictable process where one’s work serves as a "hedgehog" activity—a singular, deep focus that fuels personal fire. By treating economic resources as fuel for this pursuit rather than a primary goal, professionals can sustain excellence well into later life. Furthermore, shifting from a mindset of frustration with others to one of gratitude for their unique contributions transforms both personal fulfillment and organizational culture, reinforcing the understanding that a life is never finished until it is complete.