How to Stay Ahead in the New Era of Work with Mary Shea

“I never expected in my life that I would see something more impactful than the Internet in the way we communicate, work, and talk with others. I do think it's going to be bigger than that in terms of the societal and social impacts. Fasten your seatbelts and let's get ready for the ride.”

Those are the words of Mary Shea, a 25-plus-year business expert, Global Chief Evangelist, and former CRO, Analyst, and Co-CEO.

Sounds like a miracle, and it truly is. We're talking about AI.

While it might not come as a surprise to you, we're still just scratching the surface of what this technology is capable of.

However, Mary believes AI will completely transform the workplace as we know it. Gone are the days of rigid office structures and outdated business practices.

Of course, we were wondering:

How is the future of work changing, and how can you adapt to these changes effectively?

Let's see what Mary has to say about it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adapt to the New Era of Work

1. Embrace Flexibility

The future of work is characterized by a demand for flexibility. Today's workforce craves a hybrid model that balances remote and in-office work.

While face-to-face collaboration remains valuable, it's essential to create compelling reasons for employees to come into the office.

As Mary points out, “I don't devalue in-person collaboration and work, and I think it's absolutely important. But I think there are other ways of doing it.”

To make office time worthwhile, align it with the needs of your employees. Focus on creating opportunities for genuine collaboration and professional growth.

Beyond just offering bonuses like free lunch, make sure that in-person interactions foster valuable connections and drive productivity.

Flexibility isn't just a perk; it's a necessity for attracting top talent.

As Mary confesses, “You could pay me a million dollars. I would not give up the flexibility.”

2. Adapt to AI

AI is reshaping industries much like electricity did in the 19th century.

However, instead of fearing job losses, recognize that AI can enhance productivity and save time for more meaningful work.

Embrace AI as a tool to augment your capabilities, rather than a replacement for human effort.

To remain competitive, continuously update your skills. Engage in professional development to stay up-to-date on AI advancements and their applications in your field.

Considering the competitive job market, clearly highlight your achievements and skills related to AI and automation.

Update your CV and LinkedIn profile with specific examples of how you’ve leveraged these technologies to drive results.

3. Stay Curious and Engaged

The pace of technological change means that staying ahead requires a commitment to lifelong learning.

Use every resource at your disposal to expand your knowledge and skills. Whether you're starting your career or advancing in it, staying curious and adaptable will keep you relevant in the evolving job market.

As new tools and technologies emerge, align your skills with the latest opportunities. This might involve learning new software, adopting innovative practices, or exploring emerging fields related to your industry.

Nevertheless, despite all the technological advancements, don't forget the importance of human connections.

Mary reminds us, “Let's keep our humanity right as we embrace all these other tools and techniques.”

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The future of work is here, and it's an exciting ride. Navigating this new era means embracing change with open arms and staying adaptable.

Hybrid work models are becoming the norm, and leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement can set you up for success.

So, how do we stay ahead? It's all about being flexible, continuously learning, and making the most of the opportunities that come with these changes.

Now that you know how you can adapt to the new era of work, discover the full list of episodes at The B2B Revenue Executive Experience. If you enjoy the show, instructions to rate and review it are found here.

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