Master of Many: Why a Broad Skill Set Makes You More Resilient
How can you explore different interests to future-proof your leadership?
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.”
The other day, I came across the term 'multipotentialite'. It stopped me in my tracks. For years, I’ve described myself as a versatilist—someone who applies expertise across different fields. But multipotentialite? That felt broader, deeper.
It resonated because, in a world that never stands still, having multiple interests and skills isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. It’s what enables adaptive stability: the ability to remain steady while navigating uncertainty.
What is a Multipotentialite?
A multipotentialite is someone with diverse interests and creative pursuits across different fields. Instead of following one set path, they explore, learn, and integrate knowledge in ways that lead to unique contributions.
Emilie Wapnick popularised the term in her TED Talk, Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling, explaining how multipotentialites thrive on variety, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
Think of a chameleon. It doesn’t just survive in different environments—it adapts, shifting as needed. Multipotentialites do the same, moving across industries, ideas, and skills, connecting the dots in ways that specialists might not see. They’re innovators, problem-solvers, and pattern recognisers.
Why Multipotentialites Thrive in Uncertain Times
In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, specialisation alone is no longer enough. The future of work is unpredictable, industries are evolving at pace, and the ability to pivot is a distinct advantage.
Harvard Business Review highlights that professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge are more resilient in volatile markets because they bring fresh perspectives and transferable skills.
Leonardo da Vinci—arguably one of history’s greatest multipotentialites—wasn’t just an artist. He was a scientist, engineer, anatomist, and inventor. His ability to draw from multiple disciplines enabled breakthroughs centuries ahead of their time. His mind was a laboratory of ideas, where insights from one field enriched another.
The research backs this up. A Psychological Science study found that individuals with varied learning experiences excel at creative problem-solving. A McKinsey & Company report shows that organisations with employees who bring diverse expertise consistently outperform those that adhere strictly to traditional career tracks. Blending knowledge across domains fosters resilience, innovation, and leadership effectiveness.
Develop Your Multipotentialite Mindset
Here are some ideas:
Follow Your Curiosity
Give yourself permission to explore. Read widely, take a course outside your usual domain, or experiment with new skills. What’s something you’ve always been intrigued by but never pursued? Now’s the time.
Integrate What You Learn
True multipotentialites don’t just accumulate knowledge—they synthesise it. Consider how different skills complement each other. How might psychology inform your leadership? How could coding skills sharpen your strategic thinking?
Expand Your Identity Beyond a Job Title
Instead of saying, “I’m a lawyer,” try, “I solve complex problems and negotiate creative solutions.” Instead of “I’m in finance,” say, “I help organisations make data-driven decisions.” Expanding how you define yourself unlocks new possibilities.
Ask Yourself:
What are three unrelated things you love learning about? How might they connect?
If you could experiment with any skill, profession, or project without limitations, what would it be?
Where in your life could you apply something you’ve learned from a completely different field?
What assumptions do you have about career success? How might a multipotentialite mindset challenge them?
How do you typically respond to uncertainty? What skills or mindsets help you navigate change?
Stability Through Growth
Adaptive stability isn’t about staying still—it’s about staying steady while moving forward. In a world that’s always changing, security comes from growth. Becoming a multipotentialite isn’t just about career agility—it’s about building a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
What’s the next skill, idea, or passion you’ll explore? The possibilities are limitless.
Until next time, keep adapting, keep learning, and keep growing.
