In a world obsessed with upskilling and lifelong learning, there’s a crucial skill we rarely talk about: unlearning.
While AI accelerates our ability to access and apply knowledge, it also forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: what got us here won’t get us there.
In this new era, it’s not just about learning more—it’s about unlearning faster.
📌 1. Why unlearning is essential now
🧠 Our brains are wired for efficiency. Once we learn something, we turn it into habit or mental shortcut.
📌 That’s great—until those shortcuts become obstacles.
❌ Relying on old processes in a world that has changed.
❌ Clinging to legacy KPIs or decision models.
❌ Assuming past experience always trumps new insight.
💡 Example:
A senior marketer still focused on TV ads might ignore data showing younger audiences live on TikTok. The experience is valid, but unlearning the old channel hierarchy becomes essential.
📌 2. The cost of not unlearning
📉 When we fail to unlearn, we stagnate.
Companies miss opportunities.
Leaders make decisions based on obsolete assumptions.
Teams resist change—even when change is what keeps them relevant.
📌 In the AI era, agility isn’t just about speed—it’s about mental flexibility.
💡 Stat:
According to a McKinsey report, adaptability and “learning agility” are now among the top 5 skills companies seek in leaders.
📌 3. How to unlearn (without unravelling your expertise)
✅ 1. Identify outdated mental models
Ask yourself: What do I believe that might no longer be true?
(e.g., “More meetings = more alignment”)
✅ 2. Create space for doubt
AI gives you faster answers—but are you asking the right questions?
✅ 3. Practice “reverse mentoring”
Let younger colleagues or digital-native peers challenge your assumptions.
✅ 4. Experiment with new tools and workflows
Don’t wait for the company to change—test what’s possible on your own.
💡 Analogy:
Unlearning is like decluttering your mental desktop—you remove what’s outdated to make room for what matters.
📌 4. What leaders must do to foster a culture of unlearning
👥 It’s not just personal—organisations need it too.
✅ Reward people for challenging the status quo.
✅ Celebrate experiments that failed for the right reasons.
✅ Promote systems thinking over rigid procedures.
📌 AI is forcing companies to rethink everything from hiring to product development.
The ones that unlearn fastest will lead the pack.
🚀 Conclusion: Let go to leap forward
📢 The most valuable minds in the AI era aren’t the ones who know the most—
They’re the ones who are ready to relearn everything.
💡 In a time where knowledge evolves daily:
✅ Learn fast.
✅ Apply smart.
✅ Unlearn bravely.
🌍 What have you had to unlearn in your role recently?
