Reskilling for Productivity

On my first day at an elite strategy consultancy, my boss told me: Shut down your computer and get a notepad. Thinking is a skill and you need to know how to do it right. That moment humbled me. I went from freshly minted MBA confidence to the humility of an apprentice. I spent years learning through repetitive work, pattern recognition, and countless mistakes that eventually became judgment. That apprenticeship model is now disappearing. AI isn't just changing entry-level work; it's eliminating the traditional first rung entirely. Young workers are seeing employment decline as 66% of enterprises reduce entry-level hiring due to AI adoption. The paradox we're living through: AI is simultaneously raising the floor and lowering the ceiling for entry-level talent. It's harder to get in, but those who do get in are positioned to create impact faster than any previous generation. Here's how to prepare for the AI-shaped career: 👉🏼 Build a hybrid skill stack Pair AI literacy with domain expertise (marketing, finance, product) and strong interpersonal capabilities. 👉🏼 Prioritize real experience early Internships, apprenticeships, and project-based work are no longer optional. They are essential for overcoming rising entry barriers. 👉🏼 Use faster learning pathways High-quality certificates, bootcamps, and non-degree credentials deliver job-ready skills faster than traditional degrees. 👉🏼 Practice visible, portfolio-based work Public projects, case challenges, writing samples, and tangible outputs break through automated screening filters. 👉🏼 Learn to collaborate with AI Treat AI as a copilot. Use it to amplify your output while sharpening your judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking. 👉🏼 Invest in networks and mentors As traditional apprenticeships fade, intentional mentoring and professional communities become your competitive advantage. 👉🏼 Commit to lifelong reskilling Mirror organizational adaptability by continuously learning and reskilling as technologies and business models evolve. Your career is no longer a ladder. It's a portfolio of capabilities you build, test, and recombine throughout your life. Are you building the skills that make you irreplaceable? ♻️ Share this post, especially with anyone entering the workforce. 🔔 Follow me, Nikki Barua, for insights on navigating change in the AI age.

It’s a sobering picture for today’s manufacturing COOs...... Unfilled orders have surged to record levels..... job openings are declining...... and productivity remains stalled. All the while there's a real crisis unfolding as experience departs. ⚠️ 84 % of manufacturers say the loss of experienced personnel is hurting quality, efficiency, and productivity. Even worse - serious injuries and fatalities are soaring - hitting numbers we haven't seen in 20 years. Inflationary pressures and supply disruptions are squeezing margins, but the widening skills gap may be your biggest risk. 📈 As experienced workers retire or leave, your knowledge walks out the door. 📉 New, less experienced personnel struggle to keep pace, leading to increased safety incidents, stalled productivity, and missed orders. What can you do? ➡️ Capture critical expertise now— digitize work instructions, SOPs, and capture best practices at the corporate level with tools that make them all accessible at the point of work. ➡️ Upskill and reskill your frontline workforce rapidly with interactive training and AI‑driven guidance. ➡️ Empower your teams with real‑time data, collaboration tools, and decision support to improve safety and prevent errors. Finally, true productivity pathfinders look beyond the factory walls. They orchestrate supply networks to flexibly deliver a product portfolio that uniquely creates value for their customers. They invest in their people not just as labor but as the stewards of quality and innovation. LNS Research helps executives benchmark against peers, provides the latest insights to closing the skills gap, and develops a strategy that goes beyond resilient to sustainable. To Scale Connected Frontline Workforce Applications for continuous learning and decision intelligence, adopt Virtual Operations Center approach to break down silos, and embed an operating model so that local improvements cascade through the entire value chain to enhance safety, quality, competency, and productivity at all levels of the organization. 🔔 Follow Matthew Littlefield, Niels Erik Andersen, James Wells, Vivek Murugesan, and Michael Carroll for the latest to help you protect quality, productivity, and, most importantly, your people. #CFW #Manufacturing #Transformation #TheGreatGoodbye

Getting ready for AI? Don’t underestimate the reskilling need. While roughly 5% of the global workforce consistently needs to be reskilled each year, the rapid evolution of AI has sent this figure skyrocketing. According to the IBM IBV, in 2024, global CEOs estimated that, on average, 35% of their workforce needed to be reskilled. That translates to more than a billion workers worldwide. What exactly is creating this chasm? The escalating need for true transformation. Instead of automating specific roles wholesale, organizations are pairing people with domain-specific AI agents to improve their performance. In fact, 87% of executives expect jobs to be augmented rather than replaced by generative AI. This means, rather than learning a new skill or tool, workers must completely rethink how they do their jobs to make the most of gen AI. What should leaders do? 1. Prioritize AI Literacy: Mandate AI skills training for all roles and foster a culture where AI proficiency is essential. Use hands-on projects to enhance understanding and effective integration of agentic AI into workflows. 2. Foster Collaboration: Break silos by creating collaborative environments to test AI-enabled workflows. Hold cross-department leaders accountable for AI outcomes, emphasizing governance and strategic integration. 3. Prepare for the Future: Introduce roles like process orchestrators to manage AI tools and governance. Implement oversight for autonomous AI decisions, host hackathons to inspire innovation, and align incentives with AI adoption goals. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/4gE5ICW #IBM #IBMiX #AI #genAI #KI

40% of workers will need to reskill within the next 3 years because of AI. That stat sounds overwhelming. Not because people aren’t willing to learn, but because most don’t know where to even start. If you’re feeling stuck, here’s a simple framework I recommend anyone facing a pivot or reskill use: 1. Audit your current skills Start with what you already know. What problems have you solved? What tools do you know? What industries do you understand? What soft skills do people compliment you on? You have more transferable skills than you think. 2. Watch industry signals AI isn’t replacing every role, but it is changing how work gets done. Look at your industry and ask: Where is AI being adopted? What skills are in growing demand? Which roles are becoming more strategic vs. tactical? 3. Identify high-leverage gaps You don’t need 10 new certifications. Focus on skills that: Amplify your existing strengths Open up multiple pathways Have a clear demand in job listings 4. Build a simple learning plan Set a 90-day plan: 1 skill focus 1 project or certification 1 habit to build confidence 5. Reposition your story You’re not starting over. You’re reframing your experience to fit where work is going. Update: Resume LinkedIn AI is changing work. But those who take action now won’t just survive, they’ll thrive. What skills are you working on right now? Comment below

Upscale and Reskill Talent at Manufacturing Sites In today's rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, companies continuously seek innovative ways to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition. With the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to upscale and reskill talent at manufacturing sites and leveraging AI-driven solutions, organizations can optimize operations, empower their workforce, and achieve unprecedented success. 1. Identifying Skill Gaps through Data Analysis Machine learning algorithms and predictive analytics can analyze vast data and identify skill gaps within the manufacturing workforce. By examining factors such as employee performance, historical data, and industry trends, organizations can gain invaluable insights into areas where upskilling and reskilling efforts are required. This data-driven approach enables targeted training programs, ensuring employees receive the specific knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their roles. 2. Personalized Learning Paths It is crucial to provide personalized learning paths for each employee. AI-powered platforms can assess individual skill sets, learning preferences, and career aspirations to create tailored training programs. By offering personalized learning experiences, organizations can foster employee engagement and motivation and accelerate their professional growth. 3. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Training VR and AR technologies are revolutionizing training methodologies in the manufacturing sector. These technologies enable employees to simulate real-world scenarios, practice complex tasks, and develop critical skills in a safe and controlled environment. By leveraging VR and AR training programs, organizations can enhance the learning experience, boost knowledge retention, and improve operational efficiency. 4. AI-Enabled Performance Support AI-driven performance support systems provide real-time guidance and assistance to employees on the manufacturing floor. By utilizing sensors, IoT devices, and AI algorithms, these systems can monitor operations, identify potential bottlenecks, and offer actionable insights to optimize workflow. Furthermore, AI can provide instant feedback and suggestions to enhance employee performance, ensuring high-quality output and reducing errors. 5. Collaborative Robots (Cobots) Collaborative robots, "cobots," are designed to work alongside human workers, complementing their skills and capabilities. Cobots are equipped with AI algorithms that enable them to learn from human operators, adapt to changing production requirements, and perform repetitive or physically demanding tasks. Manufacturers can enhance productivity, improve workplace safety, and free up human resources for more complex and strategic assignments by deploying cobots. Embracing these best-in-class strategies will empower the manufacturing workforce, foster innovation, and pave the way for a successful future.

🚨 AI Won’t Replace You—But Someone Who Knows How to Use It Will. 🚨 Remember when the internet transformed entire industries? Or when cloud computing redefined business operations? AI is the next wave—and it’s moving faster than anything before. But here’s the truth: AI isn’t replacing people. People who master AI will replace those who don’t. The difference between thriving in this new era or being left behind isn’t about AI taking over your job—it’s about whether you’re ready to leverage AI as a powerful ally. Here’s Why Mastering AI is No Longer Optional: ✅ Supercharge Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks and focus on high-impact work. Tools like Microsoft Copilot can summarize reports, draft emails, and streamline workflows in seconds. ✅ Boost Creativity & Innovation: AI isn’t just for automation—it’s a creative partner that helps you brainstorm ideas and solve problems faster. ✅ Data-Driven Decision Making: AI reveals insights that humans might miss, empowering better decisions and strategic moves. ✅ Stay Agile in a Changing World: Tech moves fast. AI literacy ensures you stay ahead while others fall behind. ✅ Elevate Your Role: AI handles the routine so you can focus on strategy, leadership, and driving business growth. The AI Learning Gap is Growing A World Economic Forum report predicts that by 2025, 50% of employees will need reskilling due to AI and automation. If you’re not learning AI now, someone else is—and they’re preparing to take the lead. How to Get Started: ➡️ Explore Microsoft Copilot and AI tools that fit your workflow. ➡️ Take AI courses on platforms like Microsoft Learn and LinkedIn Learning. ➡️ Experiment and refine—apply AI to daily tasks and analyze the results. AI Won’t Replace You—But Someone Who Knows How to Use It Will. The future belongs to those who embrace AI as a tool for growth, not a threat. Are you ready to lead in an AI-driven world? #AI #Leadership #MicrosoftCopilot #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation

Employees don’t need replacing—they need reskilling. As generative AI reshapes industries, many leaders face a tough choice: hire new talent or upskill their current team. Here’s the reality: hiring externally is expensive, time-consuming, and risky. A bidding war for AI/ML talent doesn’t just strain budgets—it overlooks the potential within your existing workforce. Let's face it - many top companies have laid off talent in 2024, only to hire fewer, more expensive talent who are more skilled in AI.  Companies like Google, Microsoft, Duolingo, and others. Why upskilling is the smarter solution: 1. Retention & Morale: ➜ Investing in employees’ growth shows you value them. ➜ This builds loyalty and boosts engagement. 2. Cost-Effective: ➜Upskilling saves on recruitment, onboarding, and acclimation costs. 3. Faster Impact: ➜ Your team already knows your culture, processes, and strategy. ➜ With new skills, they can hit the ground running. But here’s where companies go off the rails. Upskilling only works if employees see the “why.” Help them understand. AI isn’t replacing them; it’s empowering them. Freeing them from repetitive tasks to focus on creative, high-value work. Their growth = career advancement. Learning these skills isn’t just for today; it’s for their future. Set clear goals for how AI skills will immediately enhance their roles. Time training so they can apply it right away. Create hands-on opportunities to practice and innovate with new skills. Upskilling isn’t just a cost-saving measure—it’s a vote of confidence in your team. Layoffs make headlines. But investing in your people makes a lasting impact. 📌 Has your job been impacted by AI-related layoffs? >> I'm a career coach for execs in the tech industry and CRO for software consulting focused on AI. >> Schedule a time to discuss your AI transformation.  

Dear Mortgage Industry, Addressing non-producing and non-essential roles is a sensitive and complex challenge for any organization. While it may involve difficult decisions, strategically embracing and managing such roles can minimize disruption and align the organization for future success. Here's a structured approach: 1. Conduct a Comprehensive Role Evaluation • Assess contributions: Identify roles that are not directly contributing to profitability. Use metrics like revenue generated, cost savings, or operational impact to evaluate their relevance. • Determine alignment: Analyze how these roles align with the company’s strategic goals, current needs, and long-term vision. • Review overlapping functions: Look for department redundancies that may lead to inefficiencies. 2. Engage in Transparent Communication • Communicate openly: Share with employees the company's challenges, emphasizing the need for adaptability to sustain the business. • Show empathy: Acknowledge the value these roles have provided in the past and avoid framing the conversation around blame. 3. Explore Alternatives to Elimination • Reskill and upskill: Offer training programs to transition employees in non-essential roles to more relevant positions. • Reassign roles: Shift employees to areas experiencing growth or in need of additional capacity, such as sales, innovation, or customer support. • Part-time or project-based roles: Consider converting full-time positions into part-time or project-based roles to retain talent at a reduced cost. 4. Realign the Organizational Structure • Streamline processes: Consolidate functions to reduce redundancies and improve efficiency. • Leverage technology: Automate routine tasks to increase productivity without requiring additional headcount. 5. Implement a Dignified Transition Plan • For roles that must be eliminated, ensure fair compensation and benefits to support affected employees during their transition. • Provide career support: Partner with recruitment agencies or offer access to career counseling, resume workshops, and networking opportunities. 6. Foster a Culture of Adaptability • Encourage innovation: Empower employees to suggest new ways to add value to the company and foster a culture of continuous improvement. • Promote agility: Regularly reassess roles and adapt them to align with evolving business needs, making gradual adjustments rather than drastic cuts. 7. Learn and Adapt • Analyze outcomes: Monitor the impact of changes on profitability, morale, and productivity. • Gather feedback: Continuously solicit employee feedback to improve the process and ensure that decisions are well-informed. By approaching this challenge thoughtfully and empathetically, the company can strengthen its reputation, retain valuable talent, and position itself for sustainable success. #mortgage #future #2025 #essential #production #nonessential

Using technology for its own sake won’t drive the productivity gains you seek. True productivity comes from a holistic transformation, from rethinking outdated methods and aligning them with meaningful innovation. Generative AI (GenAI) exemplifies this principle. Instead of replacing human jobs, GenAI is designed to augment them. This makes keeping humans in the loop not just a priority, but a necessity. Adopting GenAI successfully often follows a productivity J-curve. To unlock its full potential, organizations must: - Update business processes to align with new capabilities. - Reskill teams to work alongside advanced technologies. - Adapt business models and structures to sustain long-term impact. It’s not about tech for tech’s sake but about moving toward change that works with humans, not against them. Source: https://lnkd.in/eDDxCbJ9 #Tech #Productivity #Innovation #GenAI