In a world where headlines seem to shout about disruption and uncertainty, there’s a deeper rhythm at play—one that Ray Dalio calls the “Big Cycle.” Dalio’s research, captured in his book Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order, reveals that history doesn’t just repeat itself; it rhymes, following cycles of prosperity, decline, and renewal. For the energy sector, understanding these cycles isn’t just academic—it’s essential for building resilience and driving progress.
Dalio identifies three main forces shaping the rise and fall of nations and industries: long-term debt cycles, internal social divisions, and external competition. These forces are converging today, just as they did during past transitions between empires and economic eras. The energy sector, facing its upheaval with the shift to renewables and digitalization, sits at the heart of this global transformation.
He published the book in 2021 with a mini-series on You Tube. The shortest version here. The longer version here. The book, here.
We see these cycles reflected in our industry. The transition to clean energy, for example, mirrors previous industrial revolutions—disruptive, unpredictable, but ultimately transformative. As Dalio notes, those who recognize the patterns and prepare for change are best positioned to thrive.
One of Dalio’s core principles is that adaptability and openness to new ideas are critical for success during times of change. We echo this belief through our commitment to building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce. Our AI Purpose Driven Engine helps you find your A+ customers, talent, and investments. We believe that diverse teams are more innovative and resilient, key attributes for navigating the cycles Dalio describes.
As we enter a new phase of the world order, energy leaders must look beyond short-term trends and focus on long-term cycles. This entails investing in talent, promoting (real) diversity -- not the stuff you see but the things that are undetectable to the naked eye and only found through AI, and embracing emerging technologies. Our resource center offers insights and tools to help organizations and professionals stay ahead of the curve. The world is changing, but with the right principles, we can shape a more sustainable future.
The future isn’t something to wait for—it’s something we shape together. With ALLI, you’re not just adapting; you’re leading. Get in touch to learn more.