3 Strategies Preparing The Next Generation For The Future Of Work

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As automation, globalization, and hybrid work models redefine professional landscapes, preparing tomorrow’s leaders requires a shift in how we approach education, skill-building, and job readiness. The traditional pathways to leadership and career—such as climbing the corporate ladder, mastering a single domain, or relying on formal education and seniority—no longer apply Instead, business leaders now prioritize an entrepreneurial mindset, cross-disciplinary skills, and the ability to leverage AI for innovation and ethical decision-making.

Here are three strategies to equip the next generation of leaders for success in the evolving future of work.

Emphasize Entrepreneurship

The future demands leaders who can adapt to uncertainty, identify opportunities in challenges, and create innovative solutions—skills essential for thriving in a workforce shaped by constant change and disruption.. An entrepreneurial mindset equips young people with these skills, whether they aim to start their own businesses or drive innovation within existing organizations. Cultivating entrepreneurial thinking prepares students for the workforce, which is rapidly changing due to advances in automation, AI, remote work, and the rise of the gig economy.

An entrepreneurial mindset is valuable in this evolving landscape because it fosters creativity and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Gigi Robinson, founder of It’s Gigi, has had side-hustles since she was 14 years old. Now in her 20s, she shared that, “through my own journey as a creator, speaker and author, I’ve learned that having a side hustle isn’t just about making extra money; it’s about building a diverse skill set that makes you more adaptable, creative, and resourceful. Whether you’re managing social media, freelancing, or running your own business, you’re gaining experience in areas like marketing, communication, strategy, and personal branding—skills that translate into any professional environment.”

According to a World Economic Forum (WEF) report, abilities such as creativity, critical thinking, and resilience are among the top 10 skills employers will prioritize by 2025, driven by the rapid pace of technological and societal change. These abilities are essential for navigating complex challenges and driving inclusive, sustainable progress. Research by the Kauffman Foundation reveals that young people exposed to entrepreneurship education are 50% more likely to express confidence in their ability to innovate and take calculated risks.

Several high school programs focus on blending theory with practical application to instill entrepreneurial skills:

• DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America): This nonprofit prepares emerging leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. DECA students participate through school-based chapters and ultimately in competitions where they pitch business ideas, solve real-world business challenges, and hone critical thinking and communication skills. With over 200,000 members globally, DECA has been instrumental in fostering entrepreneurial abilities in young leaders.
• LaunchX: LaunchX is an international summer program that empowers high school students to create startups while collaborating with peers. Students learn business acumen, creative problem-solving, and resilience. Alumni have gone on to establish companies providing solutions to global challenges, such as eco-friendly packaging and telemedicine services.
• WIT (Whatever It Takes): This organization, which I founded in 2009, supports teens in launching their own businesses with a focus on social impact. WIT graduates develop skills in financial literacy, team management, and navigating setbacks—skills often acquired only after years in the workforce. Students also receive college credit upon completion of the programs.

Students who engage in entrepreneurial activities, whether through structured programs or side hustles, demonstrate higher levels of career readiness. A 2022 Gallup survey found that students involved in entrepreneurship programs were 34% more likely to develop leadership skills and 41% more likely to report feeling prepared for future careers.

Young entrepreneurs also make tangible contributions to the economy. A report by Junior Achievement and EY suggests that over 60% of entrepreneurship-program participants eventually start their own businesses or lead initiatives within organizations, driving innovation and job creation.

Focus On Future-Proof Skills

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and rapid technological advancements, preparing high schoolers with future-proof skills is critical to ensuring their success in the workforce. These distinctly human skills— emotional intelligence (EQ) and agility—cannot be easily replicated by machines. Cultivating these abilities ensures that young leaders can thrive in dynamic environments.

The workforce is experiencing unprecedented change: According to a 2020 McKinsey report, automation and AI could displace 85 million jobs globally by 2025, but they are also expected to create 97 million new roles that prioritize human-centric skills like strategic thinking.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports that 50% of all employees will require reskilling by 2030 to keep pace with shifting workforce demands (WEF Future of Jobs Report). The report highlights that analytical thinking remains the most sought-after core skill, with 70% of employers identifying it as essential in 2025. Following closely are resilience, flexibility, and agility, underscoring the need for adaptability in navigating rapid change. Additionally, leadership and social influence are increasingly valued as workplaces prioritize human-centric skills in an era of digital transformation.

AI and big data also top the list of fastest-growing skills, followed closely by networks and cybersecurity as well as technology literacy. Complementing these technology-related skills, creative thinking, curiosity and lifelong learning are also expected to continue to rise in importance over the 2025-2030 period. Preparing students with these skills early ensures they are better equipped to adapt to these changes.

Schools and programs focused on integrating critical thinking, adaptability, and digital literacy are leading the way:

• Google’s Grow with Google: This initiative offers free digital-skills training, including courses on data analytics, IT support, and UX design, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving. The program has trained over 8 million individuals globally, providing participants with the skills needed for modern jobs.
• Coursera for Campus: Partnering with schools and universities, Coursera offers courses focused on leadership, EQ, and advanced technical abilities. High school students benefit from access to real-world skills that prepare them for higher education and the workforce.
• University of Louisville – Bird’s Nest: Founded by Dr. Karen Freberg in Fall 2022 alongside a team of dedicated students. The Bird’s Nest student agency at the University of Louisville equips students with the skills and experiences employers value by providing hands-on, real-world opportunities to work with clients such as Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, Sun Tan City, and more. Through experiential and engaged learning, students tackle projects that integrate directly with their coursework, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.

Future-proofing students involves teaching them not only current technical skills but also the ability to “learn how to learn.” This metacognitive ability—understanding how to acquire and adapt knowledge—will set them apart as industries evolve.

Teach High Schoolers How to Use AIAs artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, equipping high school students with the ability to understand and use AI is no longer optional—it is essential. AI is reshaping numerous fields. It is central to marketing, customer service, and logistics. For example, tools like ChatGPT streamline workflows, enabling professionals to focus on strategic tasks. In addition, AI-driven platforms such as DALL-E and Adobe AI enable users to generate artwork, animations, and music, bridging technology with creativity.

A 2023 report from McKinsey found that 50% of companies have adopted AI in at least one business function, with applications spanning healthcare, finance, education, and retail. A 2022 LinkedIn report listed AI and machine learning among the top ten in-demand skills for job seekers, with 75% of hiring managers prioritizing candidates who possess these skills.

Programs that integrate AI education focus on foundational concepts such as data analysis, algorithm design, and ethical considerations. Notable initiatives include:

• AI4ALL: This nonprofit introduces underrepresented high school students to AI through hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship. Participants work on real-world applications such as AI models for environmental sustainability and medical diagnostics, gaining both technical and ethical insights.
• Code.org’s AI Curriculum: Code.org has developed AI modules that teach high schoolers how to build and apply machine-learning models. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, ethics, and problem-solving, making AI accessible to beginners.
• AWS Educate: Amazon’s program offers free resources and training for students to explore AI concepts, cloud computing, and machine learning, ensuring they are prepared for AI-integrated workplaces.

By not ignoring AI usage, and instead educating students, AI education can emphasize the importance of ethics. Students learn how biased data can lead to inequitable outcomes. They can also gain a better understanding of data privacy and the importance of protecting personal information in AI applications. Exploring how AI can both solve problems and create unintended consequences is empowering to students.

High schools must integrate AI education into their curricula to prepare students for the demands of a digital economy. With the right education, the next generation can harness AI’s potential to solve global challenges and drive positive change.

Preparing the next generation for the future of work requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking, future-proof skills, and proficiency in AI. These strategies not only equip young leaders to adapt to a rapidly changing workforce but also empower them to drive innovation and address global challenges. The future of work is already here, and we don’t want to leave the next generation behind.

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