Personal Evolution in a World of Uncertainty

I can’t help but compare our situation today, to almost 100 years ago when the tramway started replacing carriages and stagecoaches.  

Hear Me Out

​Many employees lost their jobs, companies went bankrupt and so naturally, there was some resistance to the tram with people comparing it to a devil or goblin.

Fast forward to today...

Have you hopped in a driverless car yet? Let me tell you, my husband and I were in a busy area in Phoenix, Arizona moving through really slow traffic in a driverless car. You’d think that I would have been fine and relaxed. Yet, there I was hanging on tight to the buckle of my seatbelt on the edge of my seat.
 
Why? First, there was no one in the driver’s seat. Hello!! And second, I was secretly concerned about hackers taking our driverless car to a place where we did not want to go. Am I watching too many movies?

Tell Me...

Are you worried about the new technology? Everyone seems to be using the acronym AI and trying to explain it. Too many articles, workshops and webinars are popping up. Everyone is sharing their experiences and expertise.
 
How are you feeling?
 
Who do you trust more? Cyber-physical systems or humans? Technology or people? Are you worried about hackers? Are you scared of the new technology in the same way that people in the 1900s were?

The Future Is Here

Ladies and gentlemen, the future is here and you need to embrace innovative knowledge and skills. Yes, jobs will be lost and companies will go bankrupt and you may find yourself looking for a new opportunity or even a fresh career.

Attending every AI webinar or reading every article on recent innovations available is not going to be enough for you to be ready.

You can, if this is of interest to you. However, your priority should be to explore, experiment and experience. It is the most significant way to alleviate your concerns.

Evolution

Evolution is perfectly normal. Technological innovations indicate progress. And you are in the middle of this wonderful era.

You need to be a part of this advancement if you want to remain a part of the workforce.

​Remember the dinosaurs? Recent research shows that dinosaurs became extinct because they could not adapt to the new conditions on Earth

Lesson Learned

​I like to think we are smarter than the dinosaurs. And based on past innovations, you know better than the people who resisted the tram. You have access to innovative tools and you need to adapt to fit in a world that is constantly changing.
 
Have you already adapted your job mindset to deal with innovative technologies? How are you growing professionally? Which skills have you developed to keep your place as an expert in your field? Please share.

Skills of the Future 

A few years ago, we were calling them the skills of the future and they had many names depending on who and what you asked. The most common name in North America was soft skills. I’ve also seen them called success skills, human skills, and non-cognitive skills. They were basically the work skills that you needed to learn to stay marketable including:

1. Creativity 
2. Persuasion
3. Collaboration 
4. Adaptability 
5. Emotional Intelligence

​
Can you think of other skills?

The Future Has Arrived 

While the above-mentioned skills are still beneficial, the new skill I suggest is an inherent mindset shift to be open to change and to increasing your opportunities to experiment and explore.

My Personal Experience

I evaluated colleagues’ advice and reviewed clients’ feedback. I reflected using questions such as:
​
1.How do I persuade a twenty-year-old to make my services a priority?
2.What type of services would appeal to a 15-year-old who is not getting along with their parents?
3.Which unique career services make me stand out in my profession?
4.And last, but not least, in an age where AI powered chatbots are writing resumes and providing coaching support, what chances do I have against AI?

It's All About Re-Invention

I reinvented my services to reignite innovation and passion for me and my clients.

In an age where everybody is talking about AI and how to handle new technology, and based on recommendation from my colleague, Dr Brian Hutchison, I re-humanized my services. Face to face interactions and human support are dwindling. I found a gap in the field and upped my game.

My goal was and continues to focus on helping clients transition from school/higher education to higher education/work by knowing who they are, how they grow and what’s next for them. I also still delve into clients’ specific needs going beyond goals.

However, I now provide regular check-ins, consistent nudging and a 24-hour support line.

My clients love this service!

I focus on accountability and handholding. I help clients stay accountable while offering steady support when setbacks occur.
 
Take the time reflect and ignite self-awareness to ensure your continued success. Don’t be like the dinosaurs or the people scared of trams.
 
How are you adapting and winning the future in your industry?
 
Share your story and let’s support each other during these exciting and innovative times.

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I am Hoda Kilani CCDP ®, CPCC, certified Career and Academic coach. As a private practitioner, I have coached and mentored over a thousand clients with career direction to effectively select next steps that match their career aspirations. I regularly speak at national and international events on the value of career literacy.