In November 2023, I had the pleasure of hosting a Christmas Q&A with Steven Kotler — New York Times bestselling author, award-winning journalist, and one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. It was a lively, fascinating discussion that covered everything from the neurobiology of flow to the future of AI-assisted performance — with a few laughs about Santa and elves along the way.
Steven’s journey into flow research began in the early 1990s, blending his love for action sports with a deep curiosity about neuroscience. Back then, flow was often considered a mystical state — but research from pioneers like Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi began to reveal its measurable impact on performance.
Today, we know that flow isn’t just for athletes and adventurers. From Navy SEALs to boardrooms, it’s the state where we do our best work — and there’s now solid neurobiological evidence to explain why. In fact, researchers can track the first two seconds of a flow state in the brain and body, identifying four key signals that set the process in motion.
As someone passionate about harnessing technology for positive impact, I was eager to hear Steven’s take on AI, wearables, and virtual reality. While the tools for measuring flow are still developing, the possibilities are exciting — from wearable devices that could detect and enhance flow, to VR environments optimised for peak performance.
Steven also noted the role AI tools like ChatGPT can play in creative work, sparking new ideas and helping individuals find their own on-ramps to flow. The key is personalisation — recognising that triggers vary between individuals, life stages, and even moods.
One of the most thought-provoking moments for me was Steven’s caution against over-reliance on goal setting. As a committed goal-setter myself, I appreciated his reminder that too much structure can backfire. Routines, while useful, can also dull our edge if we don’t deliberately disrupt them.
His advice? Build in spontaneity, break habits now and then, and stay open to serendipity — both in life and in work.
When I asked Steven for future predictions — from flying cars to advanced performance tech — he was understandably cautious. But he’s confident we’ll see huge leaps in how technology helps us access and sustain flow. The challenge will be balancing innovation with well-being, ensuring these tools enhance our humanity rather than replace it.
Our conversation reinforced something I’ve always believed: peak performance isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about working smarter — with curiosity, flexibility, and the right mix of challenge and skill. Technology will play an increasing role in unlocking human potential, but the responsibility is ours to use it wisely.
As WAVIA continues to explore the intersection of innovation, investment, and sustainability, the science of flow offers powerful insights — for leaders, teams, and anyone looking to do their best work.