In business, the changing market realities and the disruption of traditional industries are compelling business leaders and stakeholders to review every aspect of their operations.
Hard questions must be asked and unpleasant answers may be the outcome. What are the industries vulnerable to disruption? Which are the companies that are well positioned to turn changes and challenges to opportunities?
The future is complex. Innovation is crucial for long-term success.
How can technology help find innovative solutions to problems? How can we pool our talent and resources to improve peoples' lives and invest political capital in forging the way forward in sport, business etc?
Here in Tokyo, Japan, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly is taking place against a backdrop of turmoil in the corridors of power. Yet again the focus on forging the way forward for sport is distracted by the travails of sports politics.
There are Olympic venues to visit, meetings with potential training camp venues in addition to the serious business of preparing the Olympic movement for a sustainable future.
That "the seas are rough" is not an understatement or cliche but turmoil is beclouding the waters making the vision a difficult task. Outing fires that never seem to go out.
Members of the Olympic sports movement are pulled in different directions.
One can argue with a fair degree of correctness that there is a need for a comprehensive and durable solution to address the root causes of the problems that are existential threats to the Olympic movement. Despite our individual national interests - and in a number of cases - personal interests, we must continue to stay on the course of integration and collaboration.
We must listen to the chorus of complaints and do so with a sense of urgency. If this isn't done then it may well be that when or if change comes, it will be too late for some. The lives and careers lost can't be replaced.
I have often said to the amusement of those who thrive on the political machinations, intrigue and gossip that the world of international sports politics is a brutal contact sport.
People act in bad faith as a means of oppression or for other improper purposes. Reprehensible conduct and abuse of process are cleverly masked as a desire for transparency and accountability.
In the game of sports politics those who believe they control the levers of power and control will shut down any real or perceived threat with brutal efficiency.
It's a lonely place and a lonely world swimming or trying to swim against the tide that maintains the status quo. Et,tu Brute? It's such a charade.
Editor's Note
Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) and the views expressed are not those of the organisation.