Preparing for the Jobs We Can’t Yet Imagine

For decades, every major tech breakthrough has sparked fears of mass job losses. The internet was going to wipe out entire industries - until it didn’t. Instead, it created millions of jobs we never saw coming. AI is following the same pattern, but this time, the pace is faster, the scale is bigger, and the impact will be even greater.

The World Economic Forum predicts that 39% of core skills will be obsolete or transformed in the next five years. Some jobs will disappear, yes. But AI will also create entirely new industries, roles, and opportunities - many of which we can’t even name yet. The real question isn’t “Will AI take our jobs?” - it’s “How do we prepare for the jobs AI will create?”

Why this tech shift is different

The internet connected people and businesses. Today, emerging tech is changing how decisions are made, how work is structured, and even who - or what - does the work.

Unlike previous disruptions, AI isn’t just replacing tasks; it’s augmenting human capabilities and accelerating workflows. What once took weeks now happens in minutes. And the adoption curve is exponential. 

Consider something every business does - payroll. Companies once moved from paper ledgers to cloud-based tools like Xero and QuickBooks, but people were still required to input data, fix errors, and finalise pay runs. Now, AI is changing the game, automating data entry, detecting fraud, predicting errors, and processing payroll in real time - eliminating much of the manual work.

But this isn’t something to fear - it’s something to prepare for. The future of work belongs to those who stay curious, adaptable, and ready to evolve.

What’s emerging?

Hyper-personalisation at scale – Data-driven insights are driving demand for new, high-level strategic thinking.  In the early internet days, businesses moved from mass marketing to targeted email campaigns. Now, technology can generate individualised product recommendations, adaptive learning platforms, and personalised healthcare treatments in real time.

Specialised micro-industries – Emerging technologies are fueling highly specific, unexpected job markets. The rise of the internet created influencer marketing and digital freelancers. This change is now creating niche industries like AI ethics consulting, synthetic media creation, and algorithmic auditing.

Fractional & hybrid work models – Professionals are moving beyond traditional roles, taking on diverse portfolios and even multiple jobs. AI is expanding responsibilities, allowing employees to contribute across projects in new ways. As a leader, you may not see your people all the time, but keeping them engaged, aligned, and supported is key. Success will come from managing outcomes, not hours, and building a culture where flexibility fuels productivity - not burnout. The challenge isn’t just keeping up - it’s leading in a world where work is more fluid than ever.

Forget job titles - What skills will matter?

We may not know the exact jobs of the future, but we do know which skill sets will be indispensable for business leaders navigating AI-driven change:

Collaboration with intelligent systems – Being a ‘digital native’ isn’t enough anymore; digital fluency is what sets leaders apart. The best executives don’t just collect data - they know how to use it. Think CFOs using advanced financial modelling to stay ahead of market shifts or sales leaders tapping into predictive analytics to fine-tune pricing and customer engagement. The real edge comes from turning insights into smarter, faster decisions.

Applied curiosity – The most effective leaders don’t just rely on what they know - they stay curious, adapt, and keep learning. With AI speeding up research and customer testing, businesses can experiment and iterate faster than ever. But having quick answers isn’t the same as having the right ones. The real edge comes from pushing deeper, questioning assumptions, and using those insights to build smarter, better products in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Data-driven decision-making – Business leaders will need to interpret complex AI-generated insights and act decisively. With the amount of data being collected and reported on it will be critical that leaders can understand the reporting and use it to make business critical decisions. This means staying sharp, keeping your eye for detail and trusting your people (or AI agents) are providing the right information. Right now your AI probably shouldn’t be making decisions for you, that’s a muscle you’ll have to keep using. 

These skills won’t just be valuable - they’ll be essential for leaders looking to drive innovation, maintain agility, and future-proof their organisations.

Are leaders ready?

Most organisations are investing in upskilling their frontline workers, but what about leadership? The way we work is shifting, and traditional management structures are being disrupted. Future leaders and successful businesses won’t be defined by how much they know, but by how well they:

• Adapt to new technologies and ways of working.

• Make data-driven decisions with confidence.

• Navigate complex ethical and strategic challenges in real time.

As a leader, you’ll need to evolve alongside the changing workplace. This could mean rethinking hiring strategies, refining board reports, approaching difficult conversations differently, or adapting your business planning. Your people’s expectations of work are shifting - and staying effective means shifting with them.

The future of work is a strategic choice

Clinging to outdated roles won’t future-proof anyone. The real opportunity lies in developing new skills, embracing change, and creating possibilities we haven’t even imagined yet.

So, how are you and your organisation preparing for the AI-driven future? Let’s start the conversation.