Day 56 of Embracing the Wonders of Life!

Last weekend at the North Sea Jazz Festival, I witnessed something extraordinary: Matteo Mancuso. A guitarist who doesn’t just play music—he reinvents it. Without a pick, using traditional fingerpicking techniques fused with tapping, jazz phrasing, and metal intensity, he’s created a style that’s uniquely his own. It’s not just impressive—it’s transformative.

Mancuso stands out, even among today’s wave of guitar innovators. Think of Mike Dawes, whose fingerstyle playing turns a single acoustic guitar into a full band. Or Tim Henson of Polyphia, who blends fusion, rock, and hip-hop into a futuristic soundscape. These artists are not just playing—they’re reinventing. But what sets Mancuso apart is how he returns to the basics—no pick, just fingers—and then builds something entirely new from that foundation.

Mancuso’s performance reminded me of something we often overlook in the tech world: the power of fundamentals. In an age where Generative AI and Agentic AI are reshaping how we work, it’s tempting to believe that tools alone will define the future. But just like Mancuso’s mastery of the guitar, true innovation comes from those who deeply understand the basics and then dare to reimagine them.

Think of developers who’ve spent years honing their understanding of systems, architecture, and logic. When they embrace AI, they don’t just automate—they elevate. They become the Mancusos of our industry: blending tradition with experimentation, precision with creativity.

This is the moment for craftsmanship to shine. The tools are powerful, yes—but in the hands of someone who knows how to wield them with intent, they become revolutionary. Whether you're coding, designing, leading, or strategising, the call is the same: invest in your fundamentals. Understand the “why” behind the “how.” Then, use today’s technologies not just to do more—but to do better.

Take 30 minutes this week to revisit a foundational skill—be it in coding, architecture, or leadership. Then, explore how AI can amplify it. Don’t just adopt the new—infuse it with your expertise. That’s where the magic happens.
Because the future won’t just belong to those who use AI. It will belong to those who, like Matteo Mancuso, blend mastery with imagination—and play a whole new tune.