In Part 1, we covered the first four foundational skills - AI literacy, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Now, we’ll dive into the remaining five skills that will round out your future-ready toolkit for 2026.

Creativity and Innovation – The Human Competitive Edge

• Creativity fuels fresh ideas, unconventional solutions, and business growth.
• Todd Henry, author of The Accidental Creative, notes: “Creativity is your insurance policy in an automated world—it’s how you solve problems machines can’t.”
• Mick Ebeling, founder of Not Impossible Labs, proves it through innovations that marry technology and humanity, showing that resourcefulness and imagination create impact at scale.

Digital Resilience & Cybersecurity Awareness

• Security-savvy teams protect both the organization and the trust of those they serve.
• Matthew Devost, cybersecurity expert, says: “Cybersecurity is no longer just IT’s job - every employee is part of the front line.”
• Morgan Wright, cybersecurity strategist, emphasizes: “Awareness means recognizing social engineering tactics, understanding how your data is used, and practicing daily security hygiene.”

Communication in a Multi-Channel World

• Communication today means adapting your message for AI-assisted writing, video calls, live talks, and every medium in between.
• Vanessa Van Edwards, behavioral investigator and author of Cues, teaches how to master nonverbal signals and connection, even across screens.
• Phil M Jones, author of Exactly What to Say, focuses on the precise language and framing that moves people to action - “Curiosity is the fuel to great conversations.”
• Great communicators make complex information clear and persuasive. This skill bridges gaps across teams and translates data into action.

Leadership Without Authority

• Leading without authority is about inspiring and mobilizing others, no matter your role. Includes empowering others, managing projects, and fostering environments for diverse perspectives.
• John Maxwell, leadership expert, says: “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. You don’t need a title to lead.”
• Carla A Harris, renowned financial Vice Chairman, Managing Director, and Senior Client Advisor adds: “In flatter, cross-functional organizations, influence comes from trust, credibility, and delivering consistent results.”

Building Your Future-Ready Skill Set

• The winning formula: leverage technology while strengthening your uniquely human capabilities.
• Heather McGowan, a leading future of work strategist, advises: “Learn to discern which changes matter and adapt before the market forces you to.”
• Nikolas Badminton, futurist advisor to top organizations, says: “Pay attention to the signals of change before they’re obvious, and align your skills for what’s next.”

The ten skills outlined across both parts aren’t just about surviving technological disruption - they’re about leading the transformation. Start building them now, and you’ll be ready to thrive in the workplace of 2026 and beyond.

Are any of these skills top of mind in your organization? If so, Contact Us today and let’s talk about potential speakers who can elevate these skills across your teams.