I think this absolutely the right direction, and as a Solo Chief myself this really resonates. I see the future of collaborative work much more like a network of loosely federated, interdependent individuals rather than formal organisations. This is how Iām operating with the engineers I work with. It all becomes about aligning incentives (although of course, it always was)
Jurgen, your āmore Solo Chiefs are comingā point is right, but the more interesting future story is who they will be.
A big chunk of the next wave will be competence rich and status poor. People with real skills who got priced wrong by hiring freezes, credential inflation, automation, offshoring, or plain old corporate inertia. They will not become Solo Chiefs because they dream of being founders. They will do it because the job market stopped making sense.
That creates a different archetype than the usual solopreneur narrative: the forced pragmatist who wants independence, stability, and dignity. One person, tool leverage, a small trusted network, and systems that keep burnout and chaos out.
If you want a sharp series to execute on, write the on ramp for that person. How do you translate āIām underusedā into an offer, a cadence, and a decision system that compounds.
This really lands. Naming the Job-to-Be-Done as ābeing the single wringable neckā is powerful ā not least because it captures both the burden and the agency.
I also recognise the move from exploration to commitment here. Clarity doesnāt come from narrowing topics, but from naming the responsibility youāre actually supporting. Looking forward to seeing where you take the Solo Chief idea. I'm one, so useful to me!
I think this absolutely the right direction, and as a Solo Chief myself this really resonates. I see the future of collaborative work much more like a network of loosely federated, interdependent individuals rather than formal organisations. This is how Iām operating with the engineers I work with. It all becomes about aligning incentives (although of course, it always was)
Indeed. I find that an incredibly interesting vision of the future. One that I'd like to contribute to.
You already are :)
Jurgen, your āmore Solo Chiefs are comingā point is right, but the more interesting future story is who they will be.
A big chunk of the next wave will be competence rich and status poor. People with real skills who got priced wrong by hiring freezes, credential inflation, automation, offshoring, or plain old corporate inertia. They will not become Solo Chiefs because they dream of being founders. They will do it because the job market stopped making sense.
That creates a different archetype than the usual solopreneur narrative: the forced pragmatist who wants independence, stability, and dignity. One person, tool leverage, a small trusted network, and systems that keep burnout and chaos out.
If you want a sharp series to execute on, write the on ramp for that person. How do you translate āIām underusedā into an offer, a cadence, and a decision system that compounds.
Great input Mark! Adding this to my inspiration. š
Thanks. Youāre one of my favorite voices on Substack and I think your exploring potential solo-chiefs would be fascinating and immensely helpful
This really lands. Naming the Job-to-Be-Done as ābeing the single wringable neckā is powerful ā not least because it captures both the burden and the agency.
I also recognise the move from exploration to commitment here. Clarity doesnāt come from narrowing topics, but from naming the responsibility youāre actually supporting. Looking forward to seeing where you take the Solo Chief idea. I'm one, so useful to me!
Thanks for the validation! šš»