What are crucial skills?
The World Economic released its 2025 report on the fastest-growing skills for 2030. I break these down into three categories: Thinking, Relationship and Digital. Future by Design intentionally covers Thinking and Relationships, seeing these as the crucial skills to hone in an AI world.
Future by Design’s skills map
Thinking into 2030
The Future is Strategic
When I read the list of top 10 trending skills for 2030, one theme stands out: The Future is Strategic.
The type of thinking required for the future is exactly what is required to be an effective leader today. While many don’t see themselves as people leaders or have that ambition, we cannot ignore that we need to acquire these thinking skills now and begin to see ourselves as thought leaders and trusted advisors.
I also want to point out something glaringly obvious: the Thinking skills of the future are normally described as ‘innate’ and labelled ‘characteristics’ of a person. I call BS on this.
BS because absolutely everyone can learn thinking skills. The problem is that most of us from minoritised backgrounds, those of us who are women, LGBTQI+ and neuro-awesome, were not invited to the rooms when these skills were taught.
That is precisely why I’ve created Future by Design. I’m here to correct the very false assumption that creative, analytic, data-driven, agile, self-aware thinking is innate, and I’m inviting you into the room.
So if you’re seeking a safe place to practice strategic thinking skills., I offer packages that are hands-on, practical and collaborative. You can find more here.
How thinking shows up in business
Driving Strategic Decisions: Critical thinking enables you to analyse data and translate it into clear narratives. You will be able to answer business questions and be empowered to make strategic recommendations to your leadership and colleagues. It positions you as a trusted advisor.
Increasing Influence and Credibility: Data storytelling and critical thinking help you communicate effectively, build trust, and establish yourself as a knowledgeable authority. It also involves using data-driven insights to support arguments and persuade others.
Enhancing Problem-Solving and Innovation: Developing analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges, enables you to make informed decisions, and identify opportunities. By thinking creatively you arrive at innovative solutions, leveraging AI as a tool to enhance critical thinking and creativity.
Relationships are Social Influence
Every single one of you under the age of 40 has an advantage when it comes to relationships at work - you understand influencer and creator culture.
The problem? A lot of the folks you work with don’t.
So you’re stuck in this in-between where you’ve seen positive influencers and creators build momentum online and get sh*t done, but you’re confined to what feels like something out of the Office at work: email and Slack/Teams, fireside chats, back-to-back meetings, 1:1s. and an information loop that excludes us.
Plus, you’re tired of masking.
Once called ‘soft skills’, these relationship skills are now widely acknowledged by our communities as ‘crucial skills’ and you already have these as a foundation.
What most of us need is to pivot. We need to view those legacy modes as tools of social influence at work. Doing so positions us nicely as trusted advisors and enables us to get on with things authenticaly.
How relationships shows up in business
Enhancing Professional Influence and Recognition: By effectively communicating your value to colleagues and leaders, crafting a compelling online persona, and ensuring your contributions are heard and valued, mastering digital presence boosts influence and attracts opportunities.
Fostering Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Building genuine connections with colleagues, navigating team dynamics and creating a supportive and inclusive environment enables you to define your personal brand with values. It's about understanding your role within a team, leveraging individual strengths, and promoting mutual respect to transform team interactions into a source of collaboration.
Improving Communication Effectiveness and Well-being: Focus on clear and concise communication to cut through digital noise, articulate ideas confidently and establish healthy boundaries. Effective digital communication reduces overload, frees up time for meaningful work, and protects mental health, contributing to overall professional growth and well-being.
Hi I’m Elisha and I’ve built the thing I wish I had in my first job.
I’m a skills coach and strategist who’s been the only queer person - and the only woman - in the room, the manager figuring it out on the fly, and the one trying to write a ‘professional and impactful’ email at 22 with no idea how.
I’ve led teams, started movements, and now?
Now I help you feel more you at work.
You don’t need to do this alone!
You absolutely deserve support that’s honest, useful and rooted in your reality.
Let’s make work feel less impossible - and more like you.
If you’re not ready to book - or hate forms, DM me on Linky! I’d love to connect with you.
