In Superagency, Reid Hoffman shares his vision of a future where AI stretches what’s possible—and makes the case that how we show up in that world matters more than ever.
We agree.
Are you a Doomer, Gloomer, Zoomer… or Bloomer?
Reid categorizes attitudes toward AI into four mindsets1:
Doomers: Individuals who perceive AI as an existential threat to humanity. They advocate for halting AI progress due to fears of catastrophic outcomes.
Gloomers: Those who acknowledge AI's advancements but focus on its potential negative impacts, such as job displacement and societal disruption. They predict a decline in human well-being as a result of AI integration.
Zoomers: Enthusiasts who push for rapid AI adoption with minimal restrictions. They believe in accelerating AI development to maximize its benefits, often prioritizing speed over caution—move fast and break things.
Bloomers: People who maintain a balanced, optimistic perspective on AI. They recognize both the opportunities and challenges presented and advocate for thoughtful, controlled progress that harnesses AI's potential while mitigating its risks. Reid aligns himself with this group, promoting a proactive and positive approach to AI integration.
By introducing these archetypes, Reid encourages readers to reflect on their own perspectives toward AI and consider how collective attitudes can shape the trajectory of technological advancement.
The Bloomers get our vote.
Bloomers are pragmatic optimists. They move fast without breaking the things that matter—like trust, equity, or the natural environment. They build with intention. They grow their own capacity, not just the AI’s.
Bloomers are responsible innovators.
How to be a better bloomer
At our NYC book launch, our host Mike Pell asked: What skills should [people] build now to become more innovative in their careers?
Dean introduced the concept of T-shaped skills.
Folks with a deep skill or craft—that’s the stem of the “T”—paired with broad capabilities across disciplines. That breadth helps them partner, adapt, and see patterns others miss. That depth keeps them in demand.
In The Insider’s Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, we didn’t mention T-shaped or use the word “bloomer,” but we absolutely wrote about and for them:
People who bring different toolboxes and ways of seeing.
People who believe innovation takes everyone—from R&D to operations to marketing to legal.
People who build systems that create new value, not just big ideas.
People who mix technical chops with empathy and enthusiasm.
I said this on stage, and I’ll say it again here:
If all you’re doing is applying formulas to known problems, AI’s coming for that.
But if you can bring your experience into combination with someone else’s—and build something new from that mix—you’ll always be valuable.
Two books. One future.
Superagency gives us the vision, the what and why.
The Insider’s Guide to Innovation @ Microsoft gives you the how.
Together, they can shape the next wave of T-shaped Bloomers—lifelong learners, creative and intentional builders, and bold collaborators in an AI-powered world.
Our recommendation for Superagency: Must Read2
Full disclosure: summary of the four mindsets provided by ChatGPT with some edits.
No time to read? Check out one of Reid’s many talks about the ideas in the book.
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