Future Work/Life is my newsletter in which I explore ideas focused on the future of work and how to design legendary careers. If you find it interesting, please share it!
I spoke at an event titled ‘The Loud Layoff Epidemic’ last week, and mid-sentence, I had a realisation, which I’ve been mulling over ever since.
Adapting to new circumstances
Rewind three years. I’d just left my last company and had no idea what I would do next. At first, this felt invigorating. But after a while, I started to worry.
Having led businesses for many years, I could turn my hand at most things, but it had been a long time since I’d specialised in anything. I’d become a generalist.
I was always selling, but I wasn’t a salesman.
I came up with creative ideas every day, but I wasn’t a creative.
My vision defined the products we built, but I wouldn’t call myself a product guy.
Fortunately, before too long, I realised that what differentiates me are less tangible characteristics.
They’re what we call ‘soft skills’ – although I think ‘power skills’ is more appropriate.
Because while functional, practical skills are essential - and I certainly know when to defer to the experts honing them every day - talent also shows up in how you behave. How you solve problems. Communicate with others. Motivate yourself to succeed.
And possibly my biggest strength. A crucial skill for the fast-evolving future of work.
Adaptability.
Not just accepting involuntary change – whether personal, societal, or technological – but knowing how to turn it into a positive.
For me, since February 2020, that’s meant:
Leaning on writing to develop ideas and capitalise on the growing interest of people in the future of work (despite not having written more than an email for 15 years).
Opening up countless doors after getting over my reluctance to put myself out there (and listen to the sound of my own voice) by launching a podcast.
Taking advantage of the shift to digital communications to transform myself into someone who loves networking (when it used to fill me with dread!).
Why the realisation?
Why did this come to me during an event about tech layoffs?
Well, as you’d expect, one of the main themes the audience was interested in is the effect of technology and generative AI on the labour market. While it may be too early to attribute tech layoffs to people playing around with ChatGPT, the winds of change are blowing. AI may not imminently cause mass unemployment, but that’s no reason to rest on your laurels. Whether you’re a leader – the audience represented at the event – a founder, or just someone ambitious to grow your career, it’s always time to scenario plan.
To expect the unexpected.
And to anticipate its effects on your work and life.
Instead of fearing what you might lose, focus on the possibilities it could create.
Ask yourself how you can take advantage of the fact that most people either:
a) Will worry but do nothing.
b) Won’t even be aware that this is happening.
How and why to be more adaptable
Adaptability isn’t just a desirable skill when hiring someone, whether as an employee, partner or supplier - it’s a way to future-proof your career.
So, with that in mind, embrace extreme adaptability by:
Constantly experimenting, embracing the fact that not everything you try will work (but with consistency, knowing a few things will).
Establishing a mindset of open-mindedness to new opportunities and being clear about what you want to achieve.
Cultivating a community of collaborators and supporters you trust will hold you positively accountable.
Treating creativity as a value you live by, including how you use technology to enhance your work.
Considering every day an opportunity to follow your curiosity and learn something new.
Never missing the chance to reflect on your moments of progress and growth.
We’re experiencing the greatest work/life revolution in history, and it isn’t going to slow down any time soon.
AI may not take your job, but someone who understands it might.
So, embrace technological change.
Take control of your future.
Be adaptable.
My bestselling book, Work/Life Flywheel: Harness the work revolution and reimagine your career without fear, is out now. You can order your copy HERE (UK) or HERE (US).
Here’s what Professor Damian Hughes, host of The High-Performance Podcast said about it:
“Ollie’s excellent book will show you the practical techniques of reimagining your life and career and reveals how much better things could be for you, if you can adopt his hard-earned wisdom.”
