When I started my professional career in 2000, Google was my secret weapon. It's also one of the things that kept in the areas where I've specialized, as my personal ability to find information on the internet is much better than dealing with intra-corporate dreck.
It's 100% a competitive edge to be able to adopt new technology faster than others. "The future is here it's just not widely distributed yet". Kudos to you for recognize that early on.
It's funny that hiring for this skill it still uncommon.
This was the first skill they taught us and they told us the exact same thing.
"You are in the business of learning, learning fast is going to be your greatest skill."
Another insightful principal that I am reminded of often.
"Businesses rarely fail because of a specific technical hurdle, more commonly they fail because the team fails."
This was back in 2013, he was spot on with almost everything he taught us.