Emotional Intelligence is fundamental to maintaining our relevance in the AI revolution

We have had some major systemic shifts or revolutions in the last 100 years 

The industrial revolution changed the world by overthrowing the agrarian society

The internet and mobile phone revolution which made us a truly global community and has democratised opportunity 

Today, we are at the beginning of an AI revolution that will take us places that we did not thought possibleArtificial intelligence is becoming faster, more efficient, cost-effective, and systemized. 

Whatever it is you know, AI can and will learn it and use so quickly you will become irrelevant! 

• How can you survive and thrive in the AI revolution? 
• What can you do to take advantage and stay relevant ? 

You will need a completely new focus. 

The focus will need to be about the development of human capital - building relationships. 

Connecting, Collaborating, Contributing Consistently and building Communities 

Knowledge and skills is no longer power - machines can do that -  It’s the human interaction that will have greater value. 

The power is 

• emotional intelligence, (EQ ) 
• conversational intelligence and the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively , (CQ) 
• relational intelligence and the ability to navigate human dynamics. (RQ )

And 

• Likeability intelligence (LQ) 

It’s the power of vulnerability that will set us apart from AI.

No matter how sophisticated A.I. becomes, it can never show real human vulnerability. It is in our vulnerability that we get to know each other beyond anything the “data” can reveal. 

Harvard Business Review (HBR) explains, “Those that want to stay relevant in their professions will need to focus on skills and capabilities that artificial intelligence has trouble replicating — understanding, motivating, and interacting with human beings.”

It is in genuine vulnerability that we reveal ourselves not only to each other but often to ourselves. 

This is how we truly connect human to human, heart to heart, mind to mind.

So where can we find a springboard to vulnerability?

In a word— learning. 

Organisations need to recognise the value of people on their balance sheets 

When we look at the balance sheet  of a company - what is missing in the numbers is it’s people . 

It cost us 1.5 to 2 times the annual salary of an individual to replace them. The training of that individual at an emotional intelligence level can be a stellar  investment that will pay off for their entire career with your organization. 

The revolution is upon us and we can no longer ask our people to do what we are not willing to do. 

Training and continuous learning of the soft skills is key 

In the age of AI, EQ must be incorporated into professional development efforts. Allocate time for EQ learning initiatives. 

Compelling scientific evidence has already emerged citing a positive relationship between EQ and job performance. I reckon this relationship will only be fortified in the upcoming years. 

“What are you doing to actively increase your emotional intelligence, your ability to connect, collaborate and contribute with your peers and those around you? 

Call the team at BSI Learning may be able to guide you on your EQ journey .

So where can you invest in the next 13 months and get a min 6% return?

SMSFs are looking for Yield  - and they are not getting it with bank deposit returns - sub 2% .

Returns in The ASX baskets of shares has done really well in the year to 30 June 2019 .

Investors expect a 6.1 per cent total return from Australian shares over 12 months, but will struggle to meet it (but not by much) according to my friend Recep Parker of Investment Trends . (Ps He is seriously smart)

It is expected that a diversified portfolio of quality Australian shares can yield 6 per cent this year after franking, with The Plato Australian Shares Income Fund targeting a 9 per cent gross return, including franking.

But beware - This is no time for complacency. 

According to Morningstar, after strong gains this year, Australian shares are 20 per cent overvalued (on a market-weighted basis for the S&P/ASX 200 index),

Living off capital and not doing the risk thing taking riskier bets on yield may be a stellar strategy this year - 

says Peter Bolton, a former investment adviser and editor of yeildreport.com.au, which tracks yield across asset classes.

So where do you invest your savings  that is in your super, mattress or Banks to give you an adequate yield?

These are some ideas 💡 of where you can get 6% yields in an article by Tony Featherstone in the AFR today https://www.afr.com/personal-finance/budgeting/how-to-get-a-6pc-yield-without-losing-your-shirt-20190717-p5281i

Unlisted Australian Government Bond Funds

The Mercer Australian Sovereign Wealth Bond has starred with a total return of 11.5 per cent over 12 months. The Jamieson Coote Active Bond fund had a 10.4 per cent in that period and the Vanguard Australian Government Bond Index Fund returned 9.98 per cent.

These are outstanding returns given the risk profile of government bonds but are unlikely to be repeated in the next 12 months without a slew of further domestic rate cuts.

Listed Australian Government Bonds 

The Russell Australian Government Bond ETF returned 12.01 per cent over 12 months to June 2019, ASX data shows. The iShares Treasury ETF returned 10.59 per cent and the SPDR S&P/ASX Australian Government Bond Fund 10.52 per cent.

Corporate fixed-interest funds

They are investment in bonds - debt issued by corporates 

This form of corporate debt has a greater risk of default but typically has higher returns.

In investment-grade bonds, the Vanguard Australian Corporate Fixed Interest Fund has a gross return of 8.08 per cent over one year to June 2019. It invests in bonds issued by Australia’s major banks, offshore banks, property trusts and other lending institutions.

Neuberger Berman’s NB Global Corporate Income Trust is part of a new breed of listed funds in Australia that offer exposure to global high-yield corporate bonds – a $US2.7 trillion market.

Listed on the ASX in 2018, the trust holds a portfolio of sub-investment-grade bonds from up to 350 companies, including Netflix, Dell, Hertz and Virgin Media. The goal: a 5.25 per cent annual return (after fees) paid monthly, with low volatility.

Smart beta equity ETFs 

The iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ETF had a trailing yield of 7.14 per cent at the end of June 2019, ASX data show. It provides exposure to a basket of 50 high-yielding stocks.

The UBS IQ Morningstar Australian Dividend Yield ETF aims to replicate the price and yield performance of Morningstar’s model income portfolio, consisting of 25 stocks. Its trailing yield is about 4.9 per cent and one-year total return (including capital growth) is 11.6 per cent.

One of the first yield-focused ETFs, the Russell High Dividend Australian Shares ETF, had a trailing yield of 8.5 per cent in June 2019 and total return of 11.7 per cent. 

And then their are hybrid funds 

This is where the funds find the acquisition of the LiC with debt and equity 

I’ve invested in GEAR that invests in the top 50 - leverages it by 30-50pc - dividends pay interest and growth gives a return .

Peer-to-peer (P2P) funds

Enables your money to invest in an individual loan or pool of loans, potentially earning a higher return compared to fixed interest, albeit with higher risk.

They promote net returns about 6.5 per cent over 12 to 15 months.

Investors in property-based P2P funds must be comfortable with potential default risks if borrowers cannot repay their loan and property prices falls.

Investors who believe property values are stabilising and the risk of loan defaults is easing because of rate cuts, might find extra appeal in P2P platforms in mortgage securities. 

They suit experienced, risk-tolerant investors who understand the risks of property lending.

Lending to Business  or others that you know 

There is a business called Credi - the people’s bank - that enables you to be the bank to people that you or your trusted adviser knows - with all the relevant securities in place.

Another business - Thincats - invest in small business - and promote 10-15% returns - where they do the analysis and risk profile - and “crowd source the lending.

Investing in Business and Venture Capital 

This can give exponential returns - but is not for the faint hearted . It might be worth putting a small percentage of your portfolio into high risk stocks or shares - on the chance that maybe it can become a google, Apple, Microsoft, 10cent, canva , amazon or atlassian  .

You will also be playing a part in the Innovation Space!

Global Stocks 

Look to invest in global stocks - China, Asia, USA and Europe 

And then there is Direct  Property - Commercial and Residential 

Residential Property has taken a hammering this year - however long term - with the ability to borrow money at low interest rates - it’s enabled many Australians to build wealth over the years. 

Based on the stability and attractiveness of the Australian lifestyle - it looks like demand for property in Australia is likely to rise - however there are risks that you need to look out for and strategies to follow to maximise the likelihood for growth.

With negative gearing available - it is a stellar way to build your assets and wealth with the help of your taxes 

Commercial property - will give higher returns - because there are higher risks 

How to invest 

These investments are all readily accessible via Wraps and online. 

If you want to know how to invest your savings and super - and minimise your risk - based on your risk profile - speak to your financial planner - www.arktotalwealth.com.au

Www.arktotalwealth.com.au

me&u gets support of Australian superstars

Steven Premutico sells Dimmi’s and launches me&u with the help of Australia’s tech superstars 

The Idea 

Steven Premutico (pictured) is back with another piece of hospitality-tech sure to make waves in the industry.

When Steven Premutico sold Dimmi’s he spent thirty days walking the famed Camino San Tiago in Spain, where he came up with the idea to create me&u.

The Investors 

The new startup has received investment from some of Australia’s best known Tech Players - many of whom had a precious success with Dimmi’s - including Cliff Rosenberg (a current non-executive director  at Afterpay, and formerly at Dimmi and managing director (MD) at LinkedIn APAC), Will Easton (MD Facebook Australia, ex  Dimmi), Jason Pellegrino (ex MD Google Aus, Domain CEO), Mike Abbott (co-founder Uber Australia), Tim Reed (CEO MYOB), Neil Perry, and John Szangolies (founder of Urban Purveyor Group).

The pain me&u solves 

"It's clear Aussies love to eat in restaurants, but the way we order and pay is terribly clunky and antiquated whether that be trying to catch the waiter's attention to order, waiting for the bill at the end of the night or the awkwardness of splitting the bill. It simply shouldn't take five minutes to pay a bill! We will fix that."

What me&u does 

Customers simply need to tap their phone onto an NFC (near field communications) beacon provided by the restaurant which sends a menu instantly to the me&u app, allowing customers to place an order right away.

The app also allows for those with allergies and dietary requirements to filter out inappropriate choices.

At the end of the meal customers can pay via the app and even split the bill, removing the need for awkward conversations and piles of miscounted cash.

Premutico says the new app will be disruptive in hospitality by combining the beauty of Instagram with the convenience of Uber.

In addition to improving the ordering and payment process in restaurants, Premutico says me&u will give floor staff more time to improve customer service and allow them to focus on what matters.

The app will improve efficiency and enable waiters to provide a more effective customer service to patrons 

"Waiters run around tirelessly all night, service lessens, the customer experience drops, and upselling doesn't happen. We want to free up the waiters, improve the customer experience and improve industry profitability.”

"At Dimmi we disrupted the way we book our favourite restaurants. Now we will disrupt the way we order and pay," says Premutico.

The customers and industry me&u helps 

At launch over 500 restaurants have already signed up to use me&u, including Rockpool Dinging Group, Boathouse Group, Chat Thai, Watsons Bay Hotel, Sonoma and Pablo.

"For the hospitality industry to survive and thrive - it has to evolve and use the technology available to provide a more effective customer experience. “  says Premutico.

So what are the insights from this blog  that you can adopt in your business?