People within a startup community and organizations throughout an entrepreneurial ecosystem often discuss the “future of work” together. As leaders transition today’s workforce into tomorrow’s playforce, the CIRKA equation helps us talk less and do more.
Curiosity is what drives us to appreciate what goes into the answers. It keeps us asking how and why. Curiosity has always driven ingenuity, but as knowledge and solutions become so easy to find, it will be the curious who avoid mediocrity by exploring the edges.
Initiative is a signal that shows you care. It’s showing up, raising our hand, keeping a promise, and sticking with it. The earlier initiative is shown, the faster trust builds. This allows initiative to stack, which increases impact over time.
Real Skills help us all connect, communicate, and collaborate. First curated by Seth Godin, this evolving encyclopedia is an expansive list of modern credentials that go beyond our natural talents. Real skills shine through self control, productivity, wisdom, perception, and influence.
Knowledge is foundational, specific proficiency required to do the work. For example, DJs need to know what knobs to turn, while doctors must understand human anatomy. Vocational knowledge may require formal education, but autodidacticism (being self-taught) is also an assessable path to transform anyone’s personal interests into know-how.
Adaptability is knowing how to learn. It keeps us nimble, even when systems try to force rigidity. When change is constant, adaptability is what helps leaders remain versatile and relevant while also avoiding the pull toward mediocre.
EXTRA SHOT
Life is too short not to enjoy our time.
Unquantifiable depth in each of these variables power the simplicity of the CIRKA equation. Energy guided by these playforce principles move us beyond loops that limit progress and ignite action on the timeline of now.
1 Comment
Ben McDougal · February 10, 2026 at 9:28 AM
How can such a simple solution solve the complex debate around the future of work?
The understanding is rooted in 25+ years of collaborating through connection. This experiential wisdom is wonderful, but thinking/writing/talking about education through the lens of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, and innovation has embedded perpetual learnings from students, educators, founders, employers, and community builders. Along the way, “Playforce” was coined to describe a workforce that thirsts for significance through work that feels like play. In fact, an optional multiplier in the CIRKA equation is having fun through an intrinsic sense of play. The depth of each variable (curiosity, initiative, real skills, knowledge, and adaptability) is also key to equalizing the equation.
This long-term focus has provided clarity, but the CIRKA equation was refined through an ambitious collection of 100+ professional, in-person interviews for You Don’t Need This Podcast. During this prolific sprint, leaders boldly shared timeless insight linked to all parts within the educational system and related influences from people throughout startup communities and organizations that make up entrepreneurial ecosystems. Navigating this many peculiar interactions sealed in the required comprehension that connects through pertinent perspectives.
Forecasting the future is impossible, but action guided by Playforce Principles will help anyone activate exponential value as we all continue building the future of work.
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