Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa
Episode: Predictions for 2026
Date: January 20, 2026
Overview
In this insightful solo episode, Sharran Srivatsaa moves beyond simply sharing his “26 Predictions for 2026” by providing practical frameworks for how listeners should think about predictions and—more importantly—how to translate them into real business actions. Drawing on his multi-industry experience, Sharran breaks down a handful of key future trends, why they matter, and specific strategic moves founders, operators, and business owners can make to position themselves ahead of the curve. He urges listeners not to blindly consume trends, but to ask: If this is true, what should I do differently?.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Predictions Are Usable Only If You Act On Them
- [01:12] Sharran explains that predictions are often treated like clickbait but are only valuable when you treat them as active frameworks.
- “Predictions are useless if they just sound interesting…So today I want to actually do something a little different for you.”—Sharran [01:12]
- He encourages listeners to assume predictions are true and then reverse-engineer action: “If these were true, what would I do?”
2. Defaults Shape Behavior
- [03:28] Using examples from organ donation and software usage, Sharran underscores how defaults drive massive shifts in user behavior—people nearly always do what’s easiest.
- “Defaults remove a ton of operating friction in people’s lives…When something is easy, people will just choose it.”—Sharran [04:38]
- Strategic takeaway: Don’t force customers to work for you; build where their attention already is and minimize friction in your user journey.
3. Attention is Hyper-Concentrated, Not Broad
- [06:19] As platforms mature, users follow fewer voices, and attention becomes more valuable for the few who command it.
- “Trying to be everywhere does not work…You have to pick one place, you gotta find out a good format, and you gotta do it well. It’s gotta be art to you.”—Sharran [08:08]
- Authentic, high-quality, personal content will stand out even more as “AI slop” and mass automation fill feeds.
- Personal example: “Can you imagine if I just turned on an AI version of this podcast? That would be weird—you know this is not AI, right?”—Sharran [09:17]
4. 2026 is the Year of Hyperlocal
- [10:37] Sharran emphasizes that focusing on dominating a local region—becoming a “local celebrity”—will drive outsized results, especially as Facebook organic reach rebounds for local topics.
- “Stop trying to reach everyone in the world. You want your videos to be seen by your perfect local audience.”—Sharran [12:01]
- “If you gave me 18 months…I could become the mayor of Laguna Beach. Because I would make every single person know who I was and love me for it.”—Sharran [13:07]
- Advice: If you run a local business, run a “mayoral campaign” for attention in your city—do what it takes to become locally known and trusted.
5. Distribution Is the Kingdom
- [14:05] Great products alone aren’t enough—distribution is the foundation that drives business growth.
- “If product is king, I will tell you that distribution is the kingdom.”—Sharran [14:19]
- “Distribution lets you launch things…lets you test ideas, generate revenue without scaling. You don’t need investors. You need distribution.”—Sharran [15:01]
- Focus on building email lists, social followings, and partnerships that let you reach your target audience directly.
6. Boring Channels Still Work
- [16:04] In the midst of hype cycles, boring, proven strategies like email and direct mail continue to quietly outperform.
- “Boring things make people a lot of money…Email outperforms paid ads. Direct mail is growing again because our mailboxes are empty!”—Sharran [16:17]
- “Returns come when all the newness, all the hype is worn out…If you can stick with it longer than the buzz, that’s when you win.”—Sharran [17:12]
7. AI for Growth, Not Just Saving Costs
- [17:45] Shift your focus: AI’s value will come from tools that drive customer acquisition and revenue, not just automation or cost savings.
- “AI is going to help businesses grow…I think the tools that help bring in customers matter more than tools that only save time.”—Sharran [18:06]
- “There’s going to be so much crap in AI’s contracts…lawyers are set for life for the next 10 years!”—Sharran [18:37]
8. Entertainment Will Dominate Content
- [19:02] People seek entertainment above all; comedic and entertaining creators will capture the most attention and engagement.
- “If you create content, remember this: entertainment matters. …Cat videos get views because they're entertaining.”—Sharran [19:20]
- Add entertainment value to any business content to stand out and connect.
9. The Biggest Winners Will Get Even Bigger
- [19:53] Market share, platform dominance, and asset appreciation will consolidate to those already winning—a “rich get richer” effect.
- “I think the big winners just get bigger over time…Big winners win more. That’s pretty powerful.”—Sharran [20:03]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Predictions are useless if they just sound interesting. You don’t have to agree with what I say, but it may give you the unfair advantage.” — Sharran [00:00]
- “When Wayne Gretzky skated, he skated where the puck was going to be. And that idea applies outside of hockey too.” — Sharran [02:14]
- “Defaults remove like buying friction. So when something is easy, people will just choose it because it’s easy.” — Sharran [04:38]
- “Trying to be average does not work. …Making more videos is not the answer. Making better videos is the answer.” — Sharran [08:52]
- “This is the year of hyperlocal. Focus on the people who live near you. …Run that campaign like you’re running for mayor!” — Sharran [12:08]
- “Distribution lets you launch things.” — Sharran [14:39]
- “Boring things make people a lot of money.” — Sharran [16:17]
- “AI is going to help businesses grow…The tools that help bring in customers matter more than tools that only save time.” — Sharran [18:06]
- “Entertainment matters... Cat videos get views because they’re entertaining.” — Sharran [19:20]
- “The big winners win more.” — Sharran [20:03]
Important Segment Timestamps
- 01:12 — Why Most Predictions Are Ignored and How to Use Them
- 03:28 — Defaults Shape Human Behavior & Market Share (Google Gemini Example)
- 06:19 — Concentration of Attention & Building Real Audience in a Noisy Landscape
- 10:37 — Rise of Hyperlocal Brands and Local Content on Facebook
- 14:05 — Distribution > Product; How to Build Leverage Through Reach
- 16:04 — The Power and Undervaluation of “Boring” Channels like Email and Direct Mail
- 17:45 — AI as a Growth Driver, Legal Risks, and Revenue Focus
- 19:02 — Entertainment as the Ultimate Differentiator for Content
- 19:53 — Why and How the Big Winners Will Get Bigger
Final Framework & Call to Action
Key Question:
“If this were true, what am I going to do?” — Sharran [21:42]
Instead of waiting for clarity or consensus, identify even one likely trend, figure out your move, and skate to where the puck is going. Every prediction is both a warning and an opportunity—play offense, not defense.
To access all 26 predictions, check the show notes or Sharran’s Twitter/Substack.