Remember when we were kids, and adults would ask: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

We’d respond with dreams of becoming firemen, doctors, football players, or (in my case) “building LEGO everyday” 😂.

Isn't it funny? We were asked this question, not knowing how much the world would change by the time we grew up.

Fast forward to today: the world is evolving at such a rapid pace that even those of us well into their careers might need to rethink their professional paths in the next five years.

This week's edition is about World Economic Forum's latest Future of Jobs Report 2025, which provides a comprehensive analysis of emerging and declining roles, skill shifts, and the labor market by 2030.

Insights from 1,000 companies, 27 industries, 14 million workers - the report is comprehensive enough to show us what we might have to be when we grow up.

🔍 The Future Job Landscape

1️⃣ Net Creation of 78 Million New Jobs by 2030

While certain roles are expected to decline, the report projects a net gain of 78 million jobs by 2030. This growth is driven by factors such as technological advancements, the green transition, and the reorganization of labor.

Key drivers of this include:

• AI and Big Data: As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, roles in AI and data analysis are surging.
• Green Transition: The shift towards sustainable practices is creating demand for roles in renewable energy and environmental engineering.
• Care Economy: An aging global population is amplifying the need for healthcare professionals and personal care aides.

Important: 92 million jobs will be displaced. Which means that most of us will need to re-skill.

2️⃣ Fastest-Growing/Declining Jobs Through 2030

According to the report, the roles with the highest projected growth rates include:

• Big Data Specialists: Experts who analyze and interpret complex data to inform strategic decisions.
• Fintech Engineers: Professionals developing innovative financial technologies and solutions.
• AI and Machine Learning Specialists: Individuals designing and implementing AI algorithms and systems.
• Software and Applications Developers: Creators of software applications tailored to user needs.
• Security Management Specialists: Experts ensuring organizational security in an increasingly digital world.
• Renewable Energy Engineers: Professionals focusing on sustainable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power.
• Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists: Experts working on the development and maintenance of next-gen transportation.
• Environmental Engineers: Individuals addressing environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions.
• Nursing Professionals: Healthcare providers offering essential medical services in various settings.
• Secondary and Tertiary Education Teachers: Educators preparing the next generation with critical knowledge and skills.

Conversely, the report identifies roles expected to see a decline by 2030:

• Clerical and Secretarial Workers: Positions such as cashiers, ticket clerks, and administrative assistants are decreasing due to automation and digitalization.
• Postal Service Clerks and Bank Tellers: The rise of digital communication and online banking reduces the need for these roles.
• Data Entry Clerks: Automation tools are streamlining data processing tasks, diminishing demand for manual data entry.

3️⃣ The Evolving Skills Landscape

The report emphasizes that skills are becoming more critical than job titles. The most in-demand skills by 2030 include:

• Analytical Thinking: The ability to assess complex information and make informed decisions.
• Creative Thinking: Innovating and developing original ideas to address challenges.
• AI and Big Data Literacy: Understanding and leveraging AI technologies and data analytics.
• Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility: Adapting to change and recovering from setbacks effectively.
• Curiosity and Lifelong Learning: Continuously seeking new knowledge and skills to stay relevant.

You heard me hammer this point many times. What we used to call soft skills, are the new HARD skills. Just take a look below:

🚀 Bringing It All Together – Why Should You Care as a Leader?

The pace of change in the job market is accelerating. Five years may seem distant, and at first when I read this I thought "this is not something I need to worry about right now".

But is it not?

Take a good look at this graph.

Whether in the context of organizational planning, strategy, talent and personal career development, here's what this means for us as leaders:

1️⃣ Focus on Skills Development

Prioritize reskilling and upskilling initiatives within your organization or yourself. We have data now proving that a huge wave is coming. Better to learn how to surf it - it avoids a wipeout and it's more fun anyway.

2️⃣ Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

We were educated to think knowledge is something we get at school and it serves us our whole career. I think now lifelong learning is the norm. Pursuing new knowledge and adapting to emerging technologies will just be part of our life for a long time.

3️⃣ Embrace Technological Integration

Stay ahead by integrating AI and automation into your business processes. Every month you spend postponing this, you are falling behind.

Because AI not only enhances efficiency - yes - but also prepares your workforce for future demands.

And those are coming, at light-speed.

I’ll see you next week.

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