Agenda
7:15 - 8:30 p.m. Discussion
Event Summary
In a world increasingly pushing for early and narrow specialization, is our focus misplaced? Join the Austin Forum on Technology & Society for a thought-provoking online book discussion on David Epstein's influential work, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.
Epstein, a science writer, challenges the conventional wisdom that intense, early specialization is the sole path to success and innovation. Drawing on fascinating examples from sports, science, art, and business, he makes a compelling case for the power of breadth: diverse experiences, varied interests, and delayed specialization as drivers of creativity, adaptability, and long-term achievement, especially in complex and unpredictable environments.
During this interactive session, we'll explore key themes from the book, including:
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The distinction between "kind" and "wicked" learning environments and why generalists thrive in the latter.
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The "sampling period" and its importance in developing a strong "match quality" between individuals and their pursuits.
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The surprising benefits of "far transfer"—applying knowledge across seemingly unrelated domains.
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Why cultivating a wide range of skills and knowledge can lead to greater innovation and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
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Counterarguments to the "10,000-hour rule" and the potential pitfalls of overspecialization.
Whether you're a student, educator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about optimizing learning and career paths in the 21st century, this discussion will offer fresh perspectives and spark a lively exchange of ideas. Come prepared to share your insights on the value of breadth in a specialized age.
Moderator
Jay Boisseau, Executive Director, Austin Forum on Technology & Society and CEO, Vizias
Jay Boisseau is an experienced, recognized leader and strategist in advanced computing technologies, with over 25 years in the field. Jay is the executive director and founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society, which he created in 2006 and is the leading monthly technology outreach and engagement event in Austin--and now attracts national and international attendees online. The Austin Forum is one of the pillars of the Austin tech scene, providing connections to information, ideas, collaborations, and community overall. In addition, Jay is CEO, co-founder (June 2014), and a partner in Vizias, a small team of passionate professionals with expertise in high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence (AI), technology community building, and technology outreach & event planning. Vizias staff lead, execute, and support the Austin Forum through Vizias Research, Education, and Outreach, a non-profit dedicated to using technology for positive social impact. Jay has held previous leadership positions at Dell Technologies, the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin, the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center. He received his doctorate in astronomy from UT Austin, and his undergraduate degree in astronomy and physics from the University of Virginia. For Jay's full professional bio, visit here.
Attendance Instructions
Online via Google Meet
Once you register via Eventbrite, you will receive the direct link in your confirmation email. You will also receive the link in a reminder email one day before the event.
Space is limited, so please register only if you’re confident you can attend—and kindly cancel your registration if your plans change so we can open your spot to another participant.
