#4 “That ship has sailed.” – The opportunity is gone for good.
“So, it’s perfectly fine to ignore AI while it’s getting smarter by the minute and we’re stuck spinning our wheels… isn’t it?”
Less than two years ago, generative AI made headlines with its amazing new capabilities: it could engage in conversations; interpret massive amounts of text, audio, or imagery; and even create new documents and artwork. After the fastest technology adoption in history — with over 100 million users in the first two months — businesses in every industry began experimenting with it.
Yet, despite two years of broad managerial attention and extensive experimentation, we are not seeing the large-scale GenAI-powered business transformations that many people initially envisioned.
While the technology evolves week by week, the hardest part of today’s innovation work isn’t finding the AI tools that can increase productivity or respond to customer desires — it’s the people challenges.
This isn’t a signal to slow down.
It’s a window — and a warning.
The real transformation won’t come from technology alone.
It will come from people who are willing to evolve first.
➡️ 11% of the global workforce may be left behind by 2030.
That’s not a prediction—it’s a warning.
According to the World Economic Forum 2025, millions of people won’t be able to reskill fast enough to keep up with how work is changing. Not because we are unwilling—but because we’re unsupported, unprepared, or unsure where to begin.
Fact is that while there will be 170m new jobs, 98m will be displaced.
Gone.
And already today, 63% of employers already say the skills gap is their biggest challenge.
📉 Nearly 40% of core job skills will shift by the end of this decade.
📈 Skills in AI, data, and cybersecurity are in high demand.
💡 But creativity, resilience, and adaptability are just as essential.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t just a technology problem. It’s a human challenge.
Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked across Europe’s major financial institutions, leading transformations, launching PMOs, managing regulatory programs, and guiding large-scale change.
Since 1 year, I made my own leap:
➡️ I embraced change.
➡️ I launched my company to help others do the same.
© My mission is now clear, and deeply personal:
Embrace. Lead. Transform.
🔹Help people acknowledge and accept the change reshaping our work and lives
🔹Guide them to lead and master AI, not fear it
🔹Support their career evolution, tailored to their unique strengths and needs
I’ve experienced reinvention first-hand - across countries, industries, and turning points. I do strongly believe we need resilience and adaptability.
Now I help others build their own transformation - with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Not someday. Now.
Change is no longer optional. It’s personal.
The Good News (Yes, Really!)
While the future of work is shifting fast, it's not all gloom:
✅ Only 41% of companies are planning workforce reductions
🔁 77% are prioritizing upskilling their existing employees
📈 60–70% expect to hire for new skill sets
What This Means for us:
Upskilling is non-negotiable – Invest in learning to stay relevant
Shift your focus – Embrace entirely new skills, not just incremental improvements
Stay in the game – Don’t end up on the “replaceable” bench
So, what are the top 10 skills most likely to be ruling in 2030?
According to WEF:
1. AI and Big Data
Description: the ability to understand, develop, and leverage artificial intelligence and big data analytics is crucial for driving innovation and decision-making in nearly every industry.
Examples:
AI Model Development: Building machine learning models to predict customer behavior or automate tasks.
Data Analytics: Using tools like Python, SQL, or Tableau to analyze large datasets for business insights.
Automation: Implementing AI-driven chatbots for customer service or automating routine data entry.
2. Networks and Cybersecurity
Description: as digital threats increase, skills in securing networks and protecting sensitive information are vital for organizations of all sizes.
Examples:
Network Security: Setting up firewalls, detecting intrusions, and managing secure access controls.
Cybersecurity Operations: Monitoring for threats in real-time, responding to incidents, and conducting security audits.
Cloud Security: Protecting data stored in cloud environments and ensuring compliance with regulations.
3. Technological Literacy
Description: this refers to the ability to confidently use, adapt to, and understand digital tools and platforms in everyday work and life.
Examples:
Productivity Software: Mastering tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or project management apps.
Collaboration Platforms: Using Slack, Teams, or Zoom for remote teamwork and communication.
Adapting to New Tools: Quickly learning and integrating new software or apps as they emerge.
4. Analytical Thinking
Description: the capacity to process, evaluate, and interpret complex information to make data-driven decisions and solve problems.
Examples:
Data Analysis: Identifying trends in sales data to inform marketing strategies.
Critical Thinking: Evaluating the pros and cons of a new business initiative.
Problem-Solving: Diagnosing issues in a production line and implementing effective solutions.
5. Creative Thinking
Description: the ability to generate innovative ideas, think outside the box, and approach challenges from new perspectives.
Examples:
Innovation Workshops: Brainstorming new product ideas or process improvements.
Storytelling: Creating compelling narratives for marketing campaigns or presentations.
Lateral Thinking: Finding unconventional solutions to technical or organizational problems.
6. Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility
Description: adapting to change, managing stress, and staying effective in dynamic or uncertain environments.
Examples:
Change Management: Leading teams through organizational restructuring.
Stress Management: Maintaining productivity during high-pressure projects or crises.
Learning New Skills: Quickly picking up new tools or methods as job requirements evolve.
7. Leadership and Social Influence
Description: the ability to guide, inspire, and motivate others while building strong professional relationships.
Examples:
Team Leadership: Managing project teams and ensuring collaboration.
Mentorship: Coaching junior colleagues and sharing expertise.
Networking: Building relationships with peers, clients, and industry leaders.
8. Curiosity and Lifelong Learning
Description: a continuous desire to learn, grow, and stay updated with new knowledge and trends.
Examples:
Upskilling: Taking online courses to learn new technologies or methodologies.
Industry Research: Staying informed about emerging trends and best practices.
Self-Improvement: Seeking feedback and actively working on personal development.
9. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Description: the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others.
Examples:
Conflict Resolution: Mediating disagreements between team members.
Empathy: Understanding and responding to customer needs and concerns.
Self-Awareness: Recognizing personal strengths and areas for improvement.
10. Environmental Stewardship / Sustainability
Description: understanding and applying principles of sustainability to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible business practices.
Examples:
Green Initiatives: Implementing energy-saving measures in the workplace.
Sustainable Product Design: Developing products with minimal environmental footprint.
Corporate Responsibility: Leading or participating in company-wide sustainability programs.
These skills will be essential for thriving in the evolving workforce of 2030, combining technical expertise with human-centric abilities.
Next week will go through them, with particular focus on their applicability to PM, PMO and management leadership and how Ai can help us improving ahead of dangerous time.
Looking forward to your comments below.
Until then, have a good week.
Thank you
Pierpaolo