Cognitive Diversity and Mitigation

When life throws us into the storm of uncertainty, how we think and solve problems can determine whether we sink or swim. Today, I want to share something that has profoundly impacted the way I approach challenges and opportunities alike. It’s a concept called cognitive diversity, explored in The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and further illuminated in The Difference by Scott E. Page. 

These books have given me a framework to better understand how diverse ways of thinking can solve even the most complex problems. Reflecting on my experiences—including the 26 years I spent in prison—I relate to the theory of cognitive diversity. It's a way of life for people who live in adverse circumstances such as a prison.

What is Cognitive Diversity? 

Cognitive diversity is the inclusion of different ways people think, process information, and approach obstacles. Unlike the homogeneity that can come from grouping like-minded individuals, cognitive diversity values the blending of multiple perspectives. Scott E. Page’s work demonstrates this clearly, showing that cognitively diverse teams consistently outperform even the most skilled individuals when tackling complex and unpredictable issues.

I learned about Scott E. Page from a book I'm reading, called The Black Swan. The author refers to “Black Swans” as those rare, high-impact events that disrupt the norm. Think of a criminal charge.

When facing the unpredictable, it isn’t raw intelligence or experience alone that ensures survival. It’s diverse thinking that fosters resilience, encouraging people to see problems from different angles and unearth creative solutions. This concept relates very well to our work with the Straight-A Guide, where we urge people to live as if they're the CEO of their life. They must:

• Consider problems
• Visualize the best solution
• Create a plan
• Develop tools, tactics, and resources
• Build accountability metrics to measure progress,
• Adjust as necessary,
• Execute the plan.

To succeed through crisis, a person draw upon all resources, think creatively, and rebuild.

Lessons from Prison 

During my time in prison, I lived through a Black Swan event that lasted for decades. I was incarcerated at age 23, and a judge sentenced me to serve 45 year. The system felt as if it were designed to obliterate hope, or break a person's spirit.

One principle helped me persevere. I learned from diverse perspectives. 

Prison might not be a place where you expect to find life lessons, but it’s where I found some of the most extraordinary insights. Not from one mentor or one strategy, but from many minds and disciplines. I pulled lessons from philosophers like Viktor Frankl, who taught me that choice, even in suffering, is a form of freedom. I admired leaders like Nelson Mandela and Frederick Douglass, who turned systemic oppression into a catalyst for liberation. Entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs introduced me to the power of strategic thinking and innovation. 

Each of these individuals offered different perspectives. Whether it was focus, perseverance, or adaptability, learning from them sharpened my decision-making and enriched my worldview. That diversity of thought wasn’t just enlightening; it was practical and gave me tools to chart my own path under bleak circumstances. 

These lessons became the foundation for the work I do today. Through Prison Professors, I strive to show that transformation comes from within—but it’s catalyzed by new ideas, perspectives, and strategies. 

Cognitive Diversity Solves Problems 

Whether you’re navigating a crisis like incarceration, running a business, or rebuilding your life, the key to thriving lies in expanding your mental frameworks. Linear thinking often fails in the face of complexity, but cognitive diversity ensures agility and innovation. 

Here’s how it works in practice:

1. Multiple Perspectives Lead to Breakthroughs. When you approach a problem through different lenses, you’re more likely to see solutions others miss.
2. Challenge Assumptions and Biases. Collaborating with individuals who think differently forces you to question your assumptions, leading to better decisions. 
3. Enhanced Resilience. Diverse thought helps you respond to Black Swan events because it prepares you to adapt in real-time.

Applying this mindset, I encourage individuals entering or navigating the justice system to broaden their views. Instead of only listening to legal advice or conventional wisdom, they should seek varied experiences and information—from business strategies to mindfulness practices. Taking steps to cultivate a richer mental toolkit will prepare them for life beyond their immediate challenges.

For an example, see the section on the "Founder's Page" of our website, where I describe the various influences along my journey.

Cultivate Cognitive Diversity 

Whether you’re rebuilding your life post-adversity, managing a startup, or striving for personal growth, cognitive diversity can elevate your results. Here’s how to start integrating it into your daily thinking:

• Read Widely. Explore books on philosophy, science, entrepreneurship, and biography. Each genre will offer unique insights. 
• Seek Mentors with Different Expertise. Connect with people outside your usual circles. A financial analyst can teach you strategic clarity, while a teacher might introduce more empathy into your decision-making.
• Ask Questions. Don’t settle for surface-level understanding. Dig deeper by asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening to responses. 
• Engage in Constructive Debates. Discussions with people who challenge your views lead to growth, not conflict. 
• Build Diverse Teams. Whether for business, community work, or rebuilding your support network, include people with different skills and approaches. 

Turning Diversity into Strength 

Cognitive diversity acknowledges that no single person or skillset has all the answers. It empowers us to adapt, thrive, and grow through collaboration and broader thinking. 

The lessons I learned through reading, studying, and reflecting during my years in prison are timeless. They’ve carried me through life’s uncertainties and position me to prepare others for their own journeys. 

Transformation isn’t linear or simple. When you make room for more perspectives, the impossible becomes achievable. Take action steps toward expanding your thinking. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone you admire but know little about. Maybe it’s choosing a challenging book. Or maybe it’s reflecting on whose perspectives you value in your decision-making process. 

The path to lasting growth begins with these steps. 

Reflect and Apply 

Ask yourself:

1. How diverse are the perspectives that guide your thinking? 
2. Who challenges your thinking, and how do you listen to them? 
3. What’s one way you can actively seek out new ideas today?

Your responses to those questions can shape your strategy through the journey ahead. I encourage you to reflect on them. Build a profile on Prison Professors Talent and show what you're learning. It's a pathway to building bridges to the highest level of liberty at the soonest possible time. Start working to earn freedom today.

Remember, success comes from bold steps and diverse ideas. Keep growing and be cool.

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