Services should revolve around those who use them and be fit for

Liz Kendall’s words, “Services should revolve around those who use them and be fit for the future, not stuck in the past,” call forth a timeless truth about progress and the need for innovation in all aspects of life. In this statement, Kendall challenges us to think not only about what we offer to others but about how we can adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of the future. Just as the ancient wisdom often emphasized the importance of change and adaptation, so too must we ensure that the services we provide are not relics of the past but tools for the future, designed to serve the individual in a world that is constantly shifting and evolving. It is a call to focus not on the past or on tradition, but on the future, where humanity’s needs must be at the core of everything we do.

In the ancient world, progress and innovation were key tenets of great civilizations. The Romans, for example, were master builders who understood that the success of their empire depended on their ability to adapt to new challenges. Their roads, aqueducts, and public baths were innovations that redefined the way people lived, and these innovations were not just created for the sake of tradition but to address the needs of a rapidly growing empire. Just as the Romans built roads to connect their vast empire and aqueducts to bring fresh water to cities, so too must we design services that respond to the needs of our time, not simply replicate the services of the past. Kendall’s message is a reflection of this ancient understanding—that progress comes when we are willing to evolve and reimagine what has come before.

Consider the story of Archimedes, the great Greek scientist who continually sought to apply innovation to practical problems. One of his most famous inventions was the Archimedean screw, a device used to lift water for irrigation, a solution that transformed agriculture. Archimedes was not bound by the methods of his predecessors; he looked to the future and sought solutions that could serve the needs of his society. Just as Archimedes used ingenuity to create tools that served the people, modern services must also look forward, ensuring that their designs address the needs of today and anticipate the challenges of tomorrow. Kendall’s words echo the sentiment that the services we provide, whether in healthcare, education, or business, should be forward-thinking and designed to meet future demands.

The ancient Greeks also understood the value of adaptation and change in governance. Pericles, the great Athenian leader, led his people through a period of innovation, focusing on democracy and the strength of individual participation. Under his rule, Athens saw a revolution in how people interacted with their government, as direct democracy allowed the citizens to shape their own future. This radical reimagining of governance not only served the needs of his time but laid the foundation for the future of democratic societies. Much like Pericles, Kendall’s quote urges us to reshape our services and systems to be more responsive, dynamic, and in tune with the needs of those they serve. To be truly effective, services must be designed to fit the times and shape the future, just as Athenian democracy did for its citizens.

Kendall’s statement also speaks to the danger of being stuck in the past, a theme that the ancients often warned against. Herodotus, the ancient historian, chronicled the rise and fall of great empires, noting that those who refused to change were doomed to fail. The Egyptians, once at the height of their power, saw their empire falter because they did not adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape. The pharaohs were slow to adopt new methods, and the kingdom eventually fell to invaders. Herodotus’s account is a cautionary tale—when we cling to outdated ways, we risk being overtaken by the forces of change. The message here is clear: if we do not evolve and adapt, we risk being left behind. Kendall’s words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that the future requires us to move forward with intention and vision.

Today, we can see the truth of this in the evolution of technology. The Internet, once a novelty, has become a cornerstone of modern life—revolutionizing everything from communication to commerce. Companies that embraced this technological transformation have flourished, while those that resisted change have faded into obscurity. Kodak, for example, was once the leader in photography, but its failure to adapt to the digital age led to its downfall. On the other hand, companies like Apple have embraced innovation and progress, constantly evolving their products to meet the needs of the modern world. Kendall’s message applies here as well—those who embrace change and create services for the future will thrive, while those who cling to outdated models risk becoming irrelevant.

Lesson for the ages:

The true test of a society’s success lies in its ability to adapt and