Hi there,

Well its all a bit mad out there right now isn’t it?

One thing for sure is the management job market is experiencing some big shifts. Layoffs, AI disruption, economic uncertainty - it's a lot to handle.

As you think about your future career here's the hard truth: working hard won't protect you anymore.

Organisations will make tough decisions when they need to, regardless of your dedication.

To help I've been thinking about what managers need NOW to not only insulate themselves from the changes but also get ahead.

Here are three essential strategies to future-proof your career, plus I have some resources to help.

1. Embrace AI and Continuous Learning

Yesterday while driving to pick up my daughter, I listened to a podcast called Ai Explored, where an AI chatbot was interviewed by the host so naturally, it was mind-blowing. The reality? AI isn't just coming - it's here, and it's transforming everything, and at an incredible pace.

You can't afford to wait for your company's IT department or your boss to guide you. Leaders who understand and can leverage AI will have a significant advantage.

A starting point is to think about the impact in your industry. Copy and paste this AI prompt in ChatGPT, Claude or your AI tool of choice and see what it tells you as to where it thinks your industry will be with AI in just five years.

AI prompt:

You are a Generative AI expert. I want to understand the future of AI in my industry. Tell me in five years from now (2025), how will AI transform the [INSERT industry name] industry, and what new opportunities and challenges will it create for managers in this field? Consider advancements in automation, decision-making, customer experience, and efficiency. Provide specific examples of how AI tools and systems will be integrated into daily operations, and suggest key skills or strategies professionals should develop to stay ahead.

Five years is nothing, I’ve clothes I wear that are older than 5 years!

Will it all happen? Maybe, maybe not. But this is the direction we are heading in and the leaders who succeed will be the ones who have this digital literacy edge and that includes understanding and using AI in their work.

Let me know what you find out about your industry - just hit reply.

2. Build Your Network (Yes, Really!)

I know, I know - networking might make you cringe. But here's the truth: people hire people they know and trust. Recommendations are like gold.

The reason most people fail at networking is they don’t have a system or process to help them. They just think ‘I need to up my networking’ and then feel awkward and stop.

Just 15 minutes a week of strategic networking can make all the difference when you need it most.

3. Strengthen Your Resilience

Managing through uncertainty requires emotional strength.

I've learned that combining supportive relationships, clear boundaries, and simple practices like taking a walk can transform how you handle pressure.

Want to learn exactly how to implement these strategies? In my latest video,The TRUTH about the Management Job Market in 2025, I break these down with real examples.

I also pulled together a playlist of short, actionable videos to help you get ahead on this — no nonsense, just practical steps, including the exact system I share with my clients on how to network. Check it out here.

Quick Question: Which of these areas do you find most challenging? Hit reply and let me know - I'd love to hear your thoughts. I’m thinking about developing more content to help, including on AI for leaders, so your ideas would be so helpful.

Have a great week,

Helen

​ Want to work together? ​Manager OS Course - Reclaim Your Time & Accelerate Your Career with Manager OS - A Proven System to Help Managers Lead with Confidence & Ease Work with me 1:1 - Book a coaching session​ ​The Leadership Vault: Your Private Access to Every Issue. Every strategy, tip, and lesson shared in past newsletters—now available in one place. Stay ahead, stay informed, and lead smarter. ​Visit my website to find out more. ​

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