Developing Adaptability Skills

I’ve had four completely different careers. Every decade, I’ve stripped my life back to its core, reexamined my direction, and reimagined my purpose. With each reinvention, I’ve moved closer to the truth of who I am and to the work I believe I was made to do. Here are the four changes I’ve gone through: – Classical musician: Learned discipline, beauty, and the cost of perfection. – Economics professor: Studied human behavior through the lens of financial choice. – Think tank president: Led ideas with impact at a national scale. – Writer and teacher on happiness: Now I help others build lives of deep meaning. In our early careers, many of us chase fluid rewards: novel problems, fast wins, accolades, and advancement. But as we age, something shifts, and our minds start to change, our priorities evolve, and the rewards that once satisfied us begin to feel hollow. Research shows that as fluid intelligence fades, crystallized intelligence (the ability to teach, synthesize, and lead with wisdom) rises. But to access it, we have to let go of who we were and embrace who we’re becoming. By rebuilding with intention, you let go of the ego that says, “I can’t afford to change.” And listen instead to the voice that asks, “What am I being called to do next?”

The most dangerous career strategy in 2025: Following a path that worked for everyone before you. Over the last few weeks, my inbox has been flooded with messages of strife and anxiety from brilliant people blindsided by layoffs. To be honest, there is very little I can say to many. Most played the game of life perfectly. They went to great schools, got good grades, landed prestigious jobs, and worked hard. Their stories raises a critical question: What if it's not just specific jobs disappearing, but a fundamental flaw in how we've viewed careers and success? The linear world we've grown accustomed to is abruptly being disrupted. The ladders that guaranteed safety and success no longer hold their promise. For decades, we've operated under the belief that: → Business success comes from perfect execution → Career paths follow logical progression → Expertise can reliably predict the future My friend Gaetan recently said: "What if success was always more random than we wanted to believe? What if strategic planning was always more about the illusion of control than actual causality?" Navigating uncertainty now requires us to: → Judge the quality of our decisions not just results → Embrace uncertainty over false certainty → Recognize success as probabilistic For individuals navigating this shift: → Build skill portfolios, not linear paths → Combine skills uniquely; avoid single specialties → Design for uncertainty, not control → Test multiple career options → Adapt quickly; don’t chase perfection → Diversify income streams Following these principles won't just help you withstand career shocks, it makes you antifragile, allowing you to grow stronger from volatility and stress. The human cost of layoffs extends beyond financial insecurity; it's the painful realization that playing by the rules perfectly was never a guaranteed protection. Yet within this destabilizing reality lies a massive opportunity: to redefine success itself. Success shouldn't be a singular path to follow, but the freedom to create multiple paths of your own design. The true cost of clinging to old models isn't just stalling your career; it's missing the chance to discover who you might become when you stop following and start creating.

What If You Had to Reinvent Yourself Tomorrow?   You wake up tomorrow, and your job is gone. No warning. No backup plan.   Just silence – your email access is revoked and LinkedIn is suddenly feeling like a lifeline. What do you do next?   This isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening to many right now.   Some have spent decades in the same industry, only to find themselves sending out hundreds of applications, competing against people half their age, for roles that offer half their salary.   Career stability is an illusion. We assume our expertise, tenure, and network will protect us. But layoffs happen and prolonged unemployment erodes even the most confident professionals.   I have worked with highly skilled professionals who have applied to countless jobs with no response. Not because they aren’t qualified, but because their career identity was tied too closely to a single role, company, or industry.   Change is not only possible – it’s inevitable. The only question is: Will you drive the change, or will it drive you?   Most professionals don’t start thinking about reinvention until they’re forced into it – by a layoff, burnout, or obsolescence. By then, they are reacting instead of leading.   The most adaptable professionals don’t reinvent because they have to. They reinvent because they know they will have to.   Start with three hard questions: 1️⃣ If my career disappeared tomorrow, where else could my skills apply? 2️⃣ Am I networking beyond my immediate role and industry? (Weak ties create new opportunities.) 3️⃣ What is one skill, habit, or project I can start now to expand my career identity?   Reinvention doesn’t mean starting over—it means repositioning what you already have. ☑️ Take stock of your overlooked strengths. ☑️ Leverage skills across different industries. ☑️ Expand beyond your job title before it disappears. I attached a PDF to help you start. The people who struggle the most in career transitions? Those who wait until the ground collapses beneath them.   What’s one small step you could take today to future-proof your career?   #CoachRisto #CareerPerceptions #Reinvention #FutureOfWork

💡 What if every lesson felt like an adventure, not a chore? Let’s be honest: unforgettable learning doesn’t happen with boring lectures or endless notes. It happens when students feel excited, curious, and emotionally connected. 🔥 Here’s how to make learning stick—and spark real transformation in the classroom: 1️⃣ Light the curiosity fire first 🔥 Don’t dump facts. Start with a question so intriguing they can’t look away. When curiosity leads, engagement follows. 2️⃣ Make it a full-sensory experience 🎧👀🖐️ Learning isn’t just mental—it’s physical. Get them seeing, touching, hearing, and doing. The more senses involved, the deeper the retention. 3️⃣ Show, don’t tell 🧪 Skip the theory dump. Demonstrate it. Let them experiment, explore, mess up—and learn through doing. Discovery beats instruction. 4️⃣ Tap into emotion 💥 Stories. Surprise. Laughter. Relevance. When students feel something, they remember it. Emotion = memory glue. 5️⃣ Be the guide, not the guru 🧭 You’re not there to give all the answers. You’re there to open doors, ask great questions, and empower them to find the answers themselves. 🎯 Truth bomb: The best classrooms aren’t quiet—they’re buzzing with energy, ideas, and wide eyes. Learning isn’t about memorizing—it’s about experiencing. Let’s stop teaching for the test and start teaching for life. Who’s ready to make education magical again? #UnforgettableLearning #ModernTeaching #STEMEducation #LearningThatSticks #CreativeTeaching #StudentEngagement #EdTech #ExperientialLearning #FutureOfEducation #TeachingReimagined #India #Kawal #EducationReform #PassionForTeaching #21stCenturySkills #TeachingTips

As AI rapidly transforms our industry, I've been thinking about which tech roles will survive – and which won't. Testing code used to require specialized skills. Today, AI can write test scripts that rival those created by mid-level engineers. Tomorrow? 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹. This isn't fear-mongering. It's our new reality. The engineers who thrive won't be those who simply write test code, but those who architect entire testing environments, design integration strategies, and optimize the full delivery pipeline. I recently watched this transformation happen in real-time with Rody, a test automation specialist with 13 years of experience. He recognized the shifting landscape and made a critical decision: to rise above the commodity skills and master DevOps. His journey began with a challenge: implementing test automation for a company without a test environment. Instead of treating this as "not my job," he collaborated with a DevOps engineer to build a Kubernetes-based testing environment from scratch. This experience sparked something profound: the realization that the most valuable engineers aren't just coders – they're architects and problem solvers 💡 Over 18 months (while balancing a new baby, a move, and job changes), Rody transformed his skill set. He now creates Flask applications deployed in Kubernetes clusters, builds Terraform projects integrated with Jenkins, and automates server configuration with Ansible. The AI revolution creates two distinct career paths for engineers: 1. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 with AI at tasks it will inevitably master 2. 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 AI while focusing on skills AI struggles with: system design, integration strategy, and holistic problem-solving Rody chose the second path. He's no longer at risk of becoming another replaceable test engineer in a sea of mediocrity. This pattern will repeat across our industry. The engineers who survive won't be those writing the most code – they'll be those who 🟢 understand how systems connect 🟢 can architect solutions across multiple domains 🟢 continually adapt to change Read his full story here: https://lnkd.in/dXEUBFmP 💬 What skills are you developing that AI can't easily replicate? 💬 How are you ensuring you stay on the right side of this divide?

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to discuss one of the most critical shifts in today’s workplace with Sharon S. from The Straits Times - the urgent need for companies to transition their talent focus from ‘employment’ to ‘employability’. Fostering employability means giving every colleague the ability to stay relevant, adaptable, and future-ready throughout their career.    In today’s landscape where people seek purpose and growth, leaders must rethink how we attract, retain, and engage our people. A key part of our approach towards skills-based roles at Standard Chartered has been through Talent Marketplace – an internal gigs portal that we launched in 2019. This platform democratises opportunity, allowing employees to explore internal gigs, build new skills and follow their passions while solving real business needs. This flexibility is fundamental to the modern employee experience.     The pivot from traditional jobs to more holistic skills-based roles has been further accelerated by technology such as AI. Providing employees with the right tools is also a catalyst for upskilling. To date, over 23,000 colleagues have used our AI academy, and 45% of our technology and operations teams have been upskilled in Generative AI, enabling them to deliver greater experience for our clients and colleagues.     As leaders, our roles have now evolved from creating employment, to actively generating employability. This means investing in our colleague's development, providing the tools for continuous learning, and creating ecosystems where people can continue to build their skillsets.     It is through this skills-first, human-centric approach that we continue to build resilient organisations and empower peoples’ career progression and growth.    Check out the full article linked below 👇

At the executive level, you might delay a swift career move if you primarily rely on job boards to get seen. ➡ The ABC's of Job Search – "Always Be Connecting" ⬅ Executives, relying solely on online applications is not the key to finding your next opportunity. 🔑 I am sure you already have found that the “spray and pray” method—mass submitting résumés—yields poor results. Instead, focused networking is a strategic investment that increases your odds over time. Yes, it may feel awkward to ask for help, especially when you’re used to being in charge. However, many people enjoy sharing their wisdom, so seeking informational conversations to gain insights and guidance demonstrates your curiosity and humility. Networking isn’t about being pushy—it’s about building relationships and staying connected with people in your field. Relationships matter even more if you’re shifting careers or targeting roles where your experience doesn’t align perfectly on paper. Instead of applying online, double down on relationship building and gaining introductions. Remember, opportunities often arise before they’re posted. In this “hidden job market,” leaders find roles through trust, advocacy, and internal recommendations. And your goal? 🌟 To get seen. 🌟 Don't wait for the perfect job posting to appear. Stay active in your network, build meaningful connections, and be known for your unique value. The hidden job market belongs to those who invest in relationships. What is one thing you can do each week through the end of the year to strengthen your network? #jobs #careers #management

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 A few days ago, I shared a message for new graduates entering #healthcare - encouraging them to lead with curiosity, not just credentials. To build not just a resume, but a mindset. That reflection stayed with me. India’s #pharmaceutical and #biotech sectors are on the rise - with innovative therapies, vaccine breakthroughs, AI enabled digital health platforms and so much more, shaping the future. This pivot from volume to value puts one thing front and center: talent. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞? ▪️ 𝐀𝐈/𝐌𝐋, 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 - powering precision medicine ▪️𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐞�� 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 - trial design, real-world evidence ▪️𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 - navigating global frameworks ▪️𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 - enabling complex therapies ▪️𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 - adaptability, collaboration, and lifelong learning 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞? 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - Expand skilling programs in universities and vocational centers - Launch fellowships, apprenticeships, and industry-linked internships - Offer incentives for firms investing in workforce development 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚 - Modernise curriculum to reflect today’s science and tomorrow’s needs - Enable joint industry-academic projects and global faculty exchanges - Focus on real-world readiness through placements and hands-on labs 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 - Build internal academies and experience hubs like NEST by Novartis Development India Hub - Co-design early-career programs across R&D, regulatory, and supply chain - Promote digital fluency through open workshops and national challenges To professionals, educators, and policymakers: Let’s come together to nurture the minds that will build tomorrow’s cures. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 India is evolving from a ‘generics powerhouse’ to an ‘innovation-first life sciences leader’. This evolution needs to be backed by a talent ecosystem that’s not just skilled - but future-ready. #LifeSciences #HealthcareInnovation #SkillingIndia #WorkforceDevelopment #STEMCareers #TalentFirs

We've all heard the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none." But have you heard the full quote? "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." I've found that being a generalist with wide-ranging interests is a real asset and incredibly valuable, especially in our rapidly changing world. The greatest generalists were the Renaissance polymaths like Leonardo Da Vinci. They made groundbreaking contributions precisely because of their curiosity about multiple disciplines. Yet, the idea that being a "generalist" is somehow anti-specialization has taken root, especially in corporate settings. The reality is that our professional journeys are rarely linear. In machine learning, there's a concept of exploration vs. exploitation that's relevant here. Exploration means trying out new solutions, and gathering more information about something unknown. Exploitation means using the knowledge you've already gained to maximize your current rewards or performance. The most effective approach cycles between the two modes. This concept applies to why being multi-passionate and deliberately cultivating a generalist mindset can enhance leadership: * Adaptable: Diverse interests make you an adaptable, shape-shifting leader, deftly navigating challenges. * Innovative: Engaging in multiple disciplines fosters cross-pollination of ideas and sparks creativity. * Visionary: A wide range of experiences sharpens strategic perspectives & foresight, and improves decision-making. Take Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, whose diverse career within IBM spanned engineering, sales, marketing, and strategy. This versatility allowed her to drive major transformation initiatives by combining technical expertise with insights from non-technical roles. Specializations have a shockingly short half-life these days, especially in technology and AI fields where knowledge can become obsolete within 1-2 years. Continuously expanding your cognitive toolkit through exploration becomes crucial for long-term relevance. To be clear, this is not about being a wandering generalist but integrating varied skills while building core competencies. This versatility is a powerful asset in leadership. Embrace your inner generalist, and say yes to exploration! This mindset fuels lifelong, multi-modal learning and innovative problem-solving. Oftentimes, you'll outshine the masters of one. #creativity #innovation #mindset #leadership #skills #culture

A Journey of Growth, One Conversation at a Time - 🎙️ Ever had a moment when you look back and realize how much you’ve grown—not just professionally, but personally? Hosting the 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 has been one of those experiences for me. Every episode has been a deep dive into the minds of leaders who’ve navigated their own shifts. And honestly, after each conversation, I walked away with more than just insights—I gained a new perspective on what it means to truly embrace change. Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded that growth doesn’t come from staying in our comfort zones. It comes from stepping into the unknown, learning continuously, and connecting with others who can guide us along the way. These aren’t just themes I’ve observed—they’re lessons I’ve felt deeply after every episode. Here are the 𝐭𝐨𝐩 3 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 that have really stood out: 1. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞: Change is inevitable, and how we respond is key. Our guests highlighted the importance of embracing change with courage, whether it’s planned or unexpected. 💪🌟 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Ask yourself, "What’s the worst that could happen?" Often, the potential rewards are worth the risk. 🚀 2. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: In a constantly evolving world, staying still isn’t an option. Our guests emphasized the need to keep learning and stay curious. 📚🌍 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Dedicate time each week to learn something new, no matter how small. It keeps you growing and relevant. 🔄 3. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Mentorship is about building connections that guide your career. It’s been a pivotal element for many of our guests, both as mentors and mentees. 🤝✨ 𝐓𝐢𝐩: Seek out a mentor for guidance, and if you can, offer mentorship to others. It’s mutually beneficial. 🌱 I’ve taken these powerful themes and distilled them —𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 3 Tips from each episode. It’s a quick, actionable guide to help you apply these lessons to your own career journey. Whether you’re considering a career shift, looking for inspiration, or just curious about how others navigate change, this carousel has something for you. Stay Connected—The Journey Has Just Begun! If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, there's a lot more to come: New Guests, New Stories, and more. Stay Tuned! And don’t forget to subscribe to the 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫—it’s where I share deeper insights, exclusive content, and updates on what’s coming next. We’re all on this journey together, learning, growing, and adapting. Thank you, Prabir Jha, Phani Pattamatta, Raja Krishnamoorthy, Nathan SV, Harjeet Khanduja, Shyam Sadasivan, Neeraja Ganesh, Deepshikha Kumar, Tarun Nallu, Abhijit Bhaduri, Jon Younger PhD, Vikas Dua, Sangeeta Shankaran Sumesh, and Moritz Kaffsack for joining me on Career Shifts. Also, a big thanks to all of you; you helped me make this show a great success! #CareerShifts #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Mentorship #Podcast