As I reflect on my 25-year journey in HR, I can't help but chuckle at how my career has evolved. Who would have guessed that I would one day find myself saying, “I’m learning how to work harmoniously with a robot”? It sounds like something from a science fiction novel, yet here we are in the age of AI! While AI can perform some incredible feats, it also presents us with challenges we need to tackle head-on. To make AI a productive partner in our workplaces, we must assess our current talent pool, create a robust plan for the future not just for work but for our people, and prioritise ethics above all else.
According to the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2023," change is coming at us like a freight train by 2027:
- 83 million jobs are expected to vanish (out of a staggering 673 million jobs captured in the dataset).
- 69 million new jobs will sprout up (yes, you did the math right!).
- That means a 23% disruption rate causing a net loss of 14 million jobs, or 2% of current employment.
- A whopping 44% of roles will face disruption, with 6 in 10 workers needing to upskill.
- AI is set to replace 50% of first-level entry jobs.
- Machines will handle 34% of all business-related tasks.
- 75% of companies will operate with a blend of AI and human workers.
It’s an exhilarating yet daunting prospect! After spending years navigating the corporate labyrinth and holding executive positions across seven sectors, I can confidently say that I’ve never seen a transformation as rapid as what we’re experiencing today. The pandemic, the influx of Gen Z into the workforce, and the rapid advancements in AI have all acted as catalysts, propelling us into the Fifth Industrial Revolution faster than you can say “adapt or die.”
During my recent sabbatical, I took the time to immerse myself in the digital landscape. I explored chatbots, AI marketing strategies, design branding, CRMs, coding, and even the latest social media trends. Yes, I dipped my toes into TikTok and meme culture! It was a whirlwind of learning that has left me buzzing with excitement. And the biggest takeaway? We are only scratching the surface of what’s to come!
I’ve always had a bit of a side hustle when it comes to mentoring and discussing the future of work. I’ve frequently spoken at events on these topics, sharing insights and sparking conversations. However, to truly deepen my understanding and become fully educated, I knew I had to step away from my executive role for a while. That time away has been invaluable, and now I’m ready to impart my wealth of knowledge to others. Having managed to create a business that is running at 80% automation (yes! All by myself but please don't judge me on this as its certainly not my area of expertise), I now have the ability to show up with intent and support those who need it the most and let me tell you, even though we are running super efficiently- I MISS having a team and I miss interacting with people, something no robot will ever replace.
Channeling my inner Gen Z during this journey, I realised that learning something new can—and should—be fun! In this fast-paced world, staying relevant and engaging isn’t just desirable; it’s essential. We need to understand and cater to the diverse generations in our workplaces, creating environments that feel less like a grind and more like an engaging adventure.
So, why did I decide to step away from my 9-5 executive role? The answer lies in my quest for purpose. I needed to find my Ikigai, a Japanese concept that translates to “a reason to live.” This personal exploration has been a game-changer, aligning my passions and values both at work and home. I come from a multigenerational family, and it's clearer than ever how my experiences can bridge gaps and facilitate transformational change.
What lights me up? Transforming workplaces, coaching & mentoring and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This passion led me to launch Cocreators-BtG (Bridging the Gaps), where we create meaningful, inspiring, and measurable workforce strategies. Our mission is to link these strategies to business goals and values while focusing on soft skill development and inclusivity.
Here’s where it gets exciting: We’ve developed over 100 learning micro-bites that are immediately downloadable and packed with valuable content and activities. These resources not only offer insights but also come with two free thought leadership eBooks—because who doesn’t love free stuff?
At Cocreators-BtG, we believe in giving back. That’s why 50% of our membership fees go towards supporting Gen Zs and educators through affordable mentoring and skill-building opportunities. We also offer classes designed for anyone looking to upskill and take my researched and qualified insights and tools back to their organisations.
If you’re running a small or medium sized business, don’t miss out on our complimentary 30-minute discovery call! We provide bespoke services tailored to your needs, from fractional support to implementing effective workforce strategies. Our AI bot can help expedite processes, allowing us to create exceptional work in half the time.
As we stand on the brink of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, it’s clear that adapting to change and embracing AI is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival and success. Together, we can harness the power of technology while keeping the human element at the forefront.
So, are you ready to embark on this transformative journey with me? Let’s explore the tools and skills that will create workplaces that are not just efficient but also vibrant and human-centric.
#FutureOfWork #AI #HRTransformation #CocreatorsBtG #WorkplaceInnovation #LearningAndDevelopment #DiversityAndInclusion #Upskilling #Ikigai #TransformationalLeadership
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