Tips for staying ahead of the knowledge curve

By Steven Pulver ’03

I've navigated through a rapidly evolving world, from my formative school years and the dawn of revolutionary computing technologies to the current era of artificial intelligence and advanced web apps. These are the strategies I’ve used to cultivate innovative thinking and maintain an edge in our fast-paced world.

Embrace lifelong learning

Steven Pulver ’03 pursued technology, media, and communications at Western University’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies, and earned his Master of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) from the University of Waterloo before attending Western Law. After practicing corporate law in Toronto, he co-founded MinuteBox in 2017, an industry-leading Software-as-a-Service platform that has transformed corporate record management and compliance for law firms, legal departments, family offices, and more.

Invest in your knowledge and skills through continuous education, online courses, or workshops. Stay curious and open-minded.

Seek diverse perspectives

Prioritize critical thinking

Leverage your creativity

Nurture your creative thinking and apply it to problemsolving, innovation, and decision making. Imagination is a human trait that sets us apart from machines, igniting the sparks that illuminate the uncharted paths of possibility.

Surround yourself with people from different backgrounds and industries. Engage in conversations and embrace collaborative problem solving. Welcome the winds of change as they reshape the landscape of your thoughts and ideas.

Analyze information and make informed decisions based on logic and reason. Human discernment goes beyond what AI can accomplish. Trust the whispers of your intuition —they are your guide.

Cultivate emotional intelligence

Develop empathy, selfawareness, and interpersonal skills. These qualities are crucial in understanding and connecting with others, a feat AI cannot (yet) achieve.

Inspire and mentor others

Stay informed and adaptable

Keep up with industry news, trends, and emerging technologies. Be prepared to adapt and pivot when necessary to maintain a competitive edge.

Share your experiences and knowledge with others, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. Encourage students and alumni to embrace change and adapt to the evolving landscape. We can all learn from one another.

Connect with nature

Let nature’s wisdom and tranquility ground you, fostering balance amidst the challenges of personal and professional growth. Get your hands dirty. Sit around a campfire.