Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

If you were in a room with <a href="https://www.deangraziosi.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dean Graziosi</a>, you’d probably have an invisible souvenir from your experience: a little voice inside your head that interrupted your thoughts every time they told you that you weren’t worthy/smart/talented/brave enough to go after what you wanted in life. 



The voice might even sound like Dean, as his confidence is catchy. That’s because he battled—and defeated—his inner critics, working tirelessly to get to a place of self-awareness and service, impacting millions of people with his hard-earned lessons. When you understand how he became one of the top educators in the world without money or guidance, you gain hope that you can do the same.



And if you met his wife, Lisa, on your way out the door, you’d probably turn around and grab a table so you could chat longer. That’s because her rise to acclaim in the beauty industry involves <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-resilience/">resilience</a>, tenacity and living as though she was already at the top of her game, even though when she started, she was far from it. Her warm energy and faith in herself rub off on you, so you can’t help but believe in yourself, too.



It’s easy to imagine, then, when Dean and Lisa found themselves in the same room for the first time—at a dinner party hosted by friends—the connection was as instant as the alignment. Two strangers who watched their families struggle with a lack of financial resources committed their lives to figuring out how to change that reality. Two strangers who learned to manifest what they wanted without anyone teaching them how. Two strangers who were tireless entrepreneurs and knew what it meant to put it all on the line for their dreams.



Two strangers who also made lists of what they wanted in a partner and, when they shared them, discovered they had described each other with shocking accuracy.



Lisa envisioned an Italian man with New York energy, a passion for personal growth and the ability to build a home. Dean hoped for someone who loved his two children from a prior marriage as her own, was committed to growth and could thrive alongside a driven and passionate entrepreneur.



Remarkably, Lisa was as committed to family as she was <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/personal-development-plan/">personal development</a>, was an established entrepreneur who had designed hair for New York Fashion Week, was voted the top hair stylist in Arizona and was one of the top hair extension experts in the country.



Dean, who fixed cars and built houses in New York during the early days of his career, was as well-versed in personal development as he was in being a New York Times bestselling author, as his book, <a href="https://amzn.to/47JpxFs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Be a Real Estate Millionaire</a>, sold a million copies.



Long before their paths crossed, they architected successful careers rooted in purpose and grit. Today, eight years in, raising their blended family of four, they help others see that the life they want is within their reach by sharing the personal tools for success that shaped their journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manifesting-success">Manifesting Success</h2>



One of those tools often gets mixed reactions from a crowd. Manifestation is a word that, if you know, you know. And if you’re skeptical, you might wait for the other shoe to drop.



Until you hear Dean’s story.



“I dreamt big as a little kid,” he says. “I remember feeling, at 10 years old, ‘I’m gonna get rich.’ But it wasn’t for the reasons other people wanted to get rich.”



He just wanted his mom to stop working three jobs.



His parents’ split when he was 3 left his mom struggling to make ends meet—cleaning houses, cutting hair at a salon and painting houses.



“She’d work all three of those jobs and come home at 9 o’clock at night, tired, and my sister and I would make her dinner, and we’d try to help,” he remembers. “And watching her do that, I think... at 5, 7, 10 years old, I just wanted to retire my mom.”



The desire to see his mom happy and free from stress was the spark that drove him to take the path he did with such ferocity. When he was 15, he started cutting firewood. That led to fixing up and selling cars, which led to co-owning a collision center, which led to buying a rundown apartment building for no money down when he was 19. 



He’d work on cars during the day, go home to shower and eat, then would go fix up his property, learning how to do plumbing, electrical work and cabinetry. After he owned 30 apartment buildings, he took to building houses—a skill desired by the wife he had no idea he would one day have.



“That all started with this drive to kind of run away from something that was painful—watching my mom not have financial choices, not being able to be there for us,” he says. “At 26, I retired my mom, and I’ve given her a paycheck every week. She’s 80.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-infomercial-that-started-it-all">The Infomercial That Started It All</h2>



At 56, Dean has seen a lot since retiring his mom three decades ago. He admits that throughout his entrepreneurial journey, his inner critic would often chime in with <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-is-imposter-syndrome/">self-doubt</a>, telling him he wasn’t educated enough, but he never stopped thinking big, no matter how unattainable his vision seemed to others.



Most people can’t say they built a real estate empire in their 20s, but Dean can not only say it, he can say he taught others to do it themselves.



And as an author and entrepreneur, he can also say he set the wheels in motion for a friendship that would change his life.



“At 27 years old, I watched Tony Robbins on an infomercial,” he says, “and I bought everything that he had…. I felt like he was speaking to me…. I wrote down, ‘Someday, I want to thank him.’ Now he’s my dearest friend in the world.”



That introduction to the self-education industry inspired him to create his first infomercial and set of products, which led to other infomercials, several NYT bestselling books—such as <a href="https://amzn.to/4oU2yhZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Millionaire Success Habits</a>—and the honor of being one of the top success educators in the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mastering-friendship-and-business-with-mastermind">Mastering Friendship and Business With Mastermind</h2>



A year after Robbins’ program lit a fire inside him—which was more than two decades ago—Dean wrote him a letter that said, “You shifted my life. Someday, we’re going to do business together, and I can’t wait to meet you.”



Fast forward to 2018 and the two are on a golf course—a twice yearly tradition since their friendship began 13 years ago—talking about what they’d do if they went into business together.



“[We thought], Why don’t we just teach people what we’ve been doing for more than seven decades combined?” Dean recalls. “And that’s where Mastermind was born.”



As co-founders of <a href="http://mastermind.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mastermind.com</a>, he and Robbins teach people to turn their life experience, skills and passion into a product, business or personal brand by providing them with the guidance and tools needed to enter into the self-education industry. Since launching in 2018, they’ve touched the lives of more than 7 million people in over 100 countries, sharing their wisdom alongside inspiring voices like Jay Shetty, Trent Shelton, Marie Forleo and Matthew McConaughey. Through video courses and live events with guests—and some of the highest registration numbers in internet history—the two are living examples of manifestation in real time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-business-is-the-best-business">Family Business Is the Best Business</h2>



Even with millions of eyes on his work and more than a dozen profitable businesses under his belt, nothing compares to the success Dean has found with his wife, Lisa.



“Lisa taught me a whole new level of what’s possible,” he says, adding that after he met her, his business went to a whole other level and his life grew exponentially.



“She understood my drive so much, and instead of resisting, she leaned forward, and... it made me want to find the time to not put business first,” he says, adding that Lisa has made him want to “go out and solve more, do more, impact more, donate more.... I feel invincible.”



Supporting Dean was easy for Lisa because she shared his drive—as well as the confidence that whatever she wanted was possible.



“I’ve always been really good about manifesting,” she says, adding that, in her business, “the type of client I want in my chair, the connections, the events I go to—I’ve manifested all of that.”



It was the desire to support her parents that drove her to build a successful career as a hair stylist and business owner. Just like Dean, she asked herself, What’s the fast track of me making more to help my family?



“My mom and dad are both entrepreneurs, and... we lived a very [lower] middle class life our entire life,” she says. “My parents are immigrants, and they’re just really hard working.... We had very little, but we had a house.... We had clothes; we had food.”



The work ethic they modeled served as the tool she used to rise through the ranks of her career, eventually becoming Arizona’s top hair stylist.



Although she dreamed of going to college, she knew her parents couldn’t afford it, so during high school, she attended cosmetology school and worked at a salon after graduation.



The salon owner only hired stylists with a big client list. And even though Lisa had no clients—and no money to rent her chair—she assured her new boss she had everything that was needed. She pretended she was older, dressed the part and made a glowing impression—all while working three jobs and calling potential clients, pretending to be her own assistant.



“I had different names,” she admits. “I had two cell phones. [One was my salon phone and one was my ‘assistant’]…. I knew that I was good, but I had to prove myself because I didn’t have clientele.... So, once they came in my chair, they… knew that I was good.”



Her strategy worked. Soon, she was styling music videos, doing hair at New York Fashion Week and building a client list across the country—all before she was 21.



“I just was driven,” she says.



Her drive came at a price, however.



“I started getting alopecia areata when I was about 19 or 20 years old,” she shares, adding that she likely developed the condition because of stress and anxiety from her workload. “You lose hair in chunks in your head. And I had it so bad.... I was out of my mind going to every doctor.”



She searched for a salon with the cheapest hair extensions she could find and was dismayed by the selection.



“They were these big, gum-type things,” she says. “It was the worst thing ever.... It was so bad, I wore my hair up for a good year because I had so many bald patches and little clips everywhere to hide it. And I said, ‘That’s it. I need to learn.’... And I was one of the first people in my town doing extensions.”



She practiced on friends and tried as many brands as she could before launching her own hair extension brand online.



When she and Dean met, she shared her vision of owning a salon where people could get affordable, high-quality extensions. That vision became a reality in 2019, when she opened <a href="https://www.extensionbar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extension Bar</a> in Scottsdale, Arizona.



“Extension Bar was this dream of hers,” Dean says, adding that they built the first one in a building he owns, where his offices and production studio are located. “We have a door that connects us.... And this crazy entrepreneurial woman here launched that. It’s doing great.”



Though she had plans to grow Extension Bar, a desire to be a full-time mom and wife took precedence.



“What’s really cool about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/are-entrepreneurs-born-or-made/">entrepreneurship</a> is that your passions could change,” Lisa shares. “I love being a hairstylist.... I love that.... I know how to immediately change someone’s look and make them feel so good about themselves. And the connections with my clients, I love that. But I also love being a mom and a wife.... Right now, I am so good where I’m at.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-the-blueprint-in-your-life">Finding the Blueprint in Your Life</h2>



Most people would love to feel good with where they’re at in life, but they often get stuck during the construction phase. If you look at success as a house, the most important element besides the building materials would be the design. You need a blueprint before you can begin.



“If you asked a million people if they were meant for more,” Dean says, “I think all 1 million would say, ‘Yes, I’m meant to do more, to be more, to maybe just love more or achieve more.’ But how many of them actually live into that more?”



His mother often comes to mind when he asks that question. Her drive, compassion and strong work ethic were all pivotal components to his own success story. He calls her a “badass without a blueprint” who has always given so selflessly to others.



“She was a hard worker,” he says, “but hard work alone is not enough.”



Realizing you don’t have to figure it all out on your own is key, he says, and it’s something he wishes his mom understood. If he could have all those years ago, he would have shared some of the principles guiding the success he and Lisa have experienced: modeling what works, pushing past fear and taking action no matter the discomfort.



“She was led by fear and imposter syndrome and let the fact that she didn’t have a lot of money or resources hold her back when it could have been her fuel,” Dean shares, adding that if she found someone who already achieved what she wanted and modeled them, “and found a purpose bigger than her fear, she could have taken the uncomfortable action needed to slay the dragons holding her back.”



Lisa and Dean didn’t have the blueprint when they started their entrepreneurial journeys, so they created one from scratch, changing their lives because of it. Today, they have dedicated themselves to helping others construct their own beautiful designs.



They believe that, with small mindset shifts, people will realize they are enough, know enough and can achieve fulfillment. They offer the plan and the path to get there.



“These are lessons I wish my mom had,” Dean says, “but they’re lessons I want everyone to have.”&nbsp;



Photo by Nick Onken. To read the print issue in its entirety, buy it <a href="https://mysuccessplus.com/product/success-magazine-january-february-2026-dean-and-lisa-graziosi">right here</a>.

Dean and Lisa Graziosi share how mindset, manifestation and grit shaped their blueprint for success—and how you can design your own path.

Dean and Lisa Graziosi share how mindset, manifestation and grit shaped their blueprint for success—and how you can design your own path. | SUCCESS

A Blueprint for Success: Dean and Lisa Graziosi's Winning Formula

A Blueprint for Success: Dean and Lisa Graziosi&#8217;s Winning Formula

Comment

Blueprint for Success: Dean and Lisa Graziosi’s Formula | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dean-and-Lisa-Graziosi.jpg

Home

SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/success_opengraph_image.png

Stefanie Ellis is a food and travel writer, as well as PR strategist and content creator for her own company. She has bylines in The Washington Post, BBC Travel, Eating Well, Saveur and more, and her clients are thought leaders in finance, branding, healthcare and the food and beverage space, with a former NBA player and duct work company thrown in for good measure. You can get in touch at stefanieellis.com or on Instagram @40somethingunicorn.

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/EllisHeadshot.jpg

Stefanie Ellis

Man on computer thinking, brainstorming ideas

AI can generate ideas faster than any human, but recent studies have shown that outsourcing creative ideation is not without consequences. Cognition, work quality, individual value and ethics can be jeopardized when you substitute creative thinking with a ChatGPT prompt. This leads to questions about why creativity is important—perhaps more critically than ever—as AI rapidly expands. Let’s briefly look at the risks and review five techniques for keeping up with the times while maintaining creative edge.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-s-fingerprints-on-our-creativity-nbsp">AI’s fingerprints on our creativity&nbsp;</h2>



How does AI negatively affect creativity? We don’t entirely know, but initial research raises concerns.&nbsp;



The widely circulated 2025 study “<a href="https://www.media.mit.edu/publications/your-brain-on-chatgpt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Your Brain on ChatGPT</a>” by researchers at MIT’s Media Lab raised concerns that writing with AI (versus writing alone or with search engines) results in lower brain activity. “Over four months, LLM users consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels,” researchers shared.&nbsp;



Brain activity can be traced with an EEG, but creativity isn’t as measurable: It’s an <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jocb.1530" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internal process</a> that fluctuates with <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jocb.70011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">self-belief</a>. However, more tangible than creativity alone are the ideas we create—and the impact AI has on those ideas.&nbsp;



Why is creativity important when it comes to idea generation? As we’ll explore below, the impacts are multifaceted.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ai-idea-gamble-nbsp">The AI idea gamble&nbsp;</h3>



“Reliance on ChatGPT for idea generation comes with a trade-off,” researchers from the University of Pennsylvania wrote in the paper “<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02173-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ChatGPT Decreases Idea Diversity in Brainstorming</a>.” “While enhancing individual ideas’ creativity, it reduces the diversity of ideas.”&nbsp;



The question of ethics around AI-generated ideas also remains: Concerns about AI’s impact on work integrity, accuracy and originality <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/artificial-intelligence-must-serve-human-creativity-not-replace-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loom large in creative industries</a>. Professionals are navigating these worries while being directed by employers to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/founders-master-ai-skills-fast/">master AI use</a> in their daily tasks.&nbsp;



New studies, best practices and governance on AI use in creative work will continue to be released. As AI continues to expand, people are considering <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/cost-of-convenience-ai-changes-our-information-processing/">how AI impacts the way we process information</a>. Some are contemplating questions like “Is ChatGPT bad for your brain?” The answer may have to do with balance. Perhaps the core to safeguarding creativity is remembering that it’s one of our most important muscles, and we need to use AI in a way that will strengthen, not weaken, it.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-tips-for-using-ai-in-creative-work-nbsp">5 tips for using AI in creative work&nbsp;</h2>



Can AI replace human creativity? Current information suggests this is unlikely; rather, it’s important to use AI as a springboard to amplify it. Fortunately, we can all learn to use AI more strategically to enhance creativity. Having a toolkit of approaches could help you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/first-work-smart-then-work-hard-and-hustle-247365/">work smarter</a> and keep your creativity going strong. Test these five techniques to find the balance between AI and analog work.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-train-llms-on-your-work">1. Train LLMs on your work</h3>



In his bestselling book The Accidental Creative, author Todd Henry said, “Cover bands don’t change the world.” Using AI out of the box without customization is just a rehash of what already exists online. You can personalize AI’s output greatly by providing rich context. Consider inputting details like:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Work samples that train AI on your past projects, experience, etc.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Documents that outline project outlines, brand standards, etc.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Information about your role, company, etc.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



This step lays an important foundation for the following techniques as you use AI to think with you about your work instead of solely mimicking the web content that trained its models.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-tap-ai-for-supplementary-roles-nbsp">2. Tap AI for supplementary roles&nbsp;</h3>



Instead of outsourcing your core skill, tap AI to act in a supplementary role to yours. This could look like:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Marketers drafting an article themselves and prompting AI to provide feedback as an editor</li>



<li>Speakers writing a speech themselves and having AI work as a speaking coach to help them <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ai-tools-to-improve-speaking-skills/">improve their presentation skills</a></li>



<li>Entrepreneurs generating a business plan themselves and asking AI to role-play as a potential customer&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



This supplementary approach uses AI to complement creative thinking instead of outsourcing it.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-ask-llms-for-a-creative-nudge-nbsp">3. Ask LLMs for a creative nudge&nbsp;</h3>



When you’re stuck in a creative rut, task AI with helping you brainstorm a predefined part of a project. For example, if you’re struggling to come up with 20 project ideas, ask an LLM to generate the first 10 and then use those ideas to inspire you.&nbsp;



“You’re maybe not doing it totally analog… but you’re using that as a spark to your own imagination,” shares Bob Sager, author of More Freaking Brilliant Ideas: Helping You Thrive in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.&nbsp;



When you’re stuck on a mental racetrack going in circles, AI can offer you an off-ramp. “I think that's a good use of AI combined with your own intelligence,” Sager shared.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-engage-in-a-flipped-interaction-prompt">4. Engage in a flipped-interaction prompt</h3>



Turn the tables with an LLM and ask AI to prompt you (known as a flipped-interaction prompt). Provide four pieces of information for this type of prompt:&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Your role: Who you are and what you’re trying to accomplish</li>



<li>AI’s role: A customer, your boss, a business adviser, etc.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Desired outcome: Explain your vision&nbsp;</li>



<li>Dictate the end format: A summary, action plan, etc.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



For example, an entrepreneur exploring a business idea may instruct ChatGPT to act as a startup coach. The entrepreneur will generate their own responses to AI’s list of questions, and then ChatGPT will provide a summary with takeaways.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-leverage-ai-for-quality-control-nbsp">5. Leverage AI for quality control&nbsp;</h3>



Instead of using AI to make things, ask it to find things that improve work quality. Task AI with identifying oversights, inconsistencies or missed opportunities in your work. For example, a researcher may design a study themselves and use AI to search for holes, weak points, supplementary studies and missing information.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-must-complement-human-creativity-not-replace-it-nbsp">AI must complement human creativity, not replace it&nbsp;</h3>



Why is creativity important, and why is learning to navigate alongside AI so important? The diversity and impact of human creativity today is still crucial, but so is learning how to use AI to strengthen it.



Finding harmony between safeguarding your craft and keeping up with the times is a balancing act—an uncomfortable one for many.&nbsp;



But, “growth only happens through discomfort,” Sager encourages in his book. “AI will act as the force that prompts people to grow.” Growing with AI, in fact, gives many <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/daily-ai-users-career-research/">an edge when it comes to career advancement</a> and more.&nbsp;



Finding AI’s rightful place in creative work will likely be a moving target, but it’s a worthy pursuit fighting to safeguard your own creative muscle. At a time when AI can mimic almost anything, we’ve never needed our own creativity more.&nbsp;



Photo by PeopleImages/Shutterstock

Discover why creativity still matters in the AI era, what MIT research warns about overusing ChatGPT, and how to keep your mind sharp.

Discover why creativity still matters in the AI era, what MIT research warns about overusing ChatGPT, and how to keep your mind sharp. | SUCCESS

Why Is Creativity Important in the Age of AI? Insights From Researchers

Why Is Creativity Important With the Rise of AI? | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/why-is-creativity-important-in-the-age-of-ai.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38c796985e634ffd26a6b73675b374cf3d720a3ce7601bff2f02e09e82c60bdf?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Kayla Ihrig

Happy young African American woman businesswoman manager in casual formal wear eyeglasses looking at computer screen

Career stability used to depend on how many letters you had after your name denoting the degrees you’d earned, and being able to work your way up the ladder in one organization over many years. However, in today’s technology-driven environment with the half-life of skills shrinking across every industry, success is all about staying adaptable through continuous learning to develop new knowledge, skills and abilities.&nbsp;



Remaining indispensable in today’s job market means being flexible, curious and willing to build learning agility through mentorship, microlearning and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ai-leadership-skills/">AI-driven education</a>. As the world moves from a job-based to a skills-based economy, it’s critical to evaluate the skills you can offer, suggests Annabelle Vultee, CEO of <a href="https://www.goodhabitz.com/en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GoodHabitz</a>, a learning and development (L&amp;D) company that provides digital skills development solutions for organizations to bring back the joy of learning and build habits that stick. 



“If you look at the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Economic Forum Future of Jobs report</a> from this February, you’ll see that 60% of employees, according to global CEOs, need to be upskilled or reskilled by 2030,” notes Vultee. That means the majority of workers are going to need a different skill set or new job in the next 5 years. “There will be a smaller handful of people who have all the skills that everyone wants who will get paid huge amounts of money,” explains Vultee.



How can you become that type of employee? Here we’ll explore how lifelong learning can give you an edge in your career and steps to help you upskill in this rapidly shifting economy.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-and-lifelong-learning-are-edging-out-tenure-and-credentials-nbsp">Adaptability and lifelong learning are edging out tenure and credentials&nbsp;</h2>



While not a new concept, lifelong learning at work is the foundation of modern career stability. “In today’s workplace, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn has become more valuable than years of experience,” says Vultee. “Employees who adapt easily to change and demonstrate openness to continuous learning are the ones who thrive.”



She equates this ability of continuously <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/employability-skills/">developing new skills</a> to being more like a Swiss Army knife—being able to offer a multitude of skills and shift from one to another depending on your employer’s current priorities. This needs to happen rapidly to stay relevant, which means there’s no time to go back to school. “It used to be that your continuous learning was a master’s degree or a Ph.D., but that model is being disrupted,” says Vultee.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Lifelong learning is effective because it provides the skills and mindset to thrive as the world changes. It helps you stay relevant in your field, foster innovation and creativity, approach challenges with new perspectives, build a broader network and stay confident and motivated even if you have to pivot roles.







<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-skills-that-will-help-you-thrive-in-the-workplace">Top skills that will help you thrive in the workplace</h2>



There’s a list of 10 major skills that global CEOs are looking for, and almost every one of them is a human skill, says Vultee. For a long time, we haven’t focused on building <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/soft-skills-examples/">soft skills</a> in the same way that hard, more technical skills are acquired.&nbsp;



You don’t have to be a born leader or have a natural tendency to be adaptable. “You absolutely can get trained on these [soft skills],” notes Vultee. “With communication, creativity, [etc.] there are degrees and a subjectivity, but actually we're getting more and more scientific about how good you are relative to the rest of the world and moving the needle on improving those skills.”&nbsp;



According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, you’ll want to prioritize the following when pursuing professional skill development.&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Analytical thinking and innovation, even as automation and AI become more prominent</li>



<li>Active learning and learning strategies to seek out and digest new information</li>



<li>Creativity, originality, and initiative to translate imagination into action</li>



<li>Technology design and programming</li>



<li>Critical thinking and analysis</li>



<li>Complex problem-solving to take multifaceted issues and break them down into digestible pieces</li>



<li>Learning agility in leadership social influence to motivate and inspire others</li>



<li>Emotional intelligence to look inward to gauge your self-perception</li>



<li>Reasoning and problem-solving to address challenges</li>



<li>Systems analysis and evaluation to understand operations and how they can be improved</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agile-learning-and-development-tools-nbsp">Agile learning and development tools&nbsp;</h2>



Whether you are moving into a new decision-making role or figuring out how to utilize AI through effective prompting, there are a variety of educational strategies to explore ranging from formal learning, like professional certifications, to informal peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and mentorships, to self-directed education with apps.



A popular option right now is microlearning, also referred to as “bite-sized learning” or “activity-based learning.” Most people are busy and are squeezing in learning in quick spurts, says Vultee. “Anything that creates a habit needs to be… a simple trigger, so it’s usually the same time of day or the same sort of activity.” The best kind has an element of gamification that offers rewards so users can create a habit. The worldwide benchmark is Duolingo, says Vultee. Her company recently piloted an app for AI learning based on the design of Duolingo.&nbsp;



Here are other ways to develop new competencies that you can initiate on your own or request from your employer:&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Online courses through platforms like Masterclass, Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning</li>



<li>Mentoring programs</li>



<li>Internal workshops led by subject matter experts</li>



<li>Job rotation and cross-training at your current organization</li>



<li>Leadership development tracks to prepare for a future role</li>



<li>Technical certifications to demonstrate proficiency in a specific area</li>



<li>AI-powered learning platforms that deliver personalized, on-demand training based on analyzing your needs and progress</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-personal-learning-system-nbsp">Building a personal learning system&nbsp;</h2>



If you are ready to upskill to stay relevant using AI platforms, habit loops and skill audits, you’ll want to approach your continuous learning with these five steps in mind.&nbsp;



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identify skill gaps so you know where to focus your continuous learning.</li>



<li>Determine how you best learn, since everyone learns differently.</li>



<li>Define clear, measurable learning goals that align with your current job or future prospects.</li>



<li>Tap into technology to help track learning programs.</li>



<li>Measure success—this can now be done using AI. “By identifying patterns humans miss and personalizing learning journeys, AI enables organizations to predict performance, close skills gaps proactively, and measure <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/soft-skills-business-success/">soft skills impact</a> through objective business outcomes,” says Vultee.</li>
</ol>



If you’re concerned about staying valuable at work, it may be time to learn some new skills, especially those related to engaging with both AI and humans.&nbsp;



Photo by Inside Creative House/Shutterstock

Sandi Schwartz

Stay relevant in a fast-changing job market. Learn how continuous learning, upskilling and AI tools can future-proof your career success.

Stay relevant in a fast-changing job market. Learn how continuous learning, upskilling and AI tools can future-proof your career success. | SUCCESS

Continuous Learning Is the New Job Security

Continuous Learning: The Key to Job Security | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/continuous-learning-job-security.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0af724ea65c7d16ec6c06e0c9696be4757bc585104306d2d32c6e6bedb33b037?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Charity De Souza

When I was younger, I thought being a leader meant carrying everything on my shoulders. Back in the early FUBU days, I wasted months chasing solutions I could’ve solved in days if I’d just reached out. I believed asking for help would make me look weak. Turns out, it made me less effective. I learned the hard way that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/values-of-a-good-leader/">true leadership</a> isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about knowing who to call when you don’t.



Think of it as the “<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-become-a-better-delegator/">art of delegating</a>.”



Over the years, I’ve seen the power of bringing in other leaders who can own an initiative and inspire confidence. The right partner doesn’t just know the answers. They know the right questions to ask. The right partner doesn’t just open doors you didn’t know existed. They walk you through them. That step can save time, money and energy you’d otherwise waste figuring it out yourself.



In my world, that might mean <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/driven-the-shark-tank-daymond-john-story/">brand building or scaling a business</a>. In global trade, it can be the difference between shutting down or becoming a Fortune 500 company. That’s where someone like my friend <a href="https://kerimkfuri.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kerim Kfuri</a> comes in. As CEO of <a href="https://theatlasnetwork.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Atlas Network</a>, he’s built his name on guiding leaders through sourcing and manufacturing challenges that would crush most businesses.



When tariff changes rocked global trade, countless entrepreneurs were left scrambling. Where do I source? How will these costs hit my bottom line? Do I have the right partners? Kerim and his team were on the front lines, cutting through the noise with clear answers.



He doesn’t just put out fires—he <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-resilience/">builds resilience</a>. He helps leaders prepare for the unexpected so they can weather the storm.



A good leader knows optionality is power. Too many people treat supply chains as if they’re fixed in stone. Kerim pushes businesses to diversify so they’re never stuck with just one option, one market or one way forward.



But this lesson goes beyond manufacturing. It’s leadership in action. Real leaders don’t need all the answers. They need to know who to lean on—and when. Surrounding yourself with the right leaders isn’t a weakness. It’s one of the smartest competitive advantages you can have.



I’ve always said the best entrepreneurs are students first. They listen. They learn. They pull perspective from those in the trenches. They apply it to their own lane. That’s how businesses grow. That’s how leaders grow.



So, let me ask you: What’s the project you’ve been wrestling with alone? Who could you bring in to help cut through the noise? And if you did, how much time, energy and money would you get back to focus on what really moves the needle?



Because here’s the truth—leadership isn’t about standing above others. It’s about standing with them.



Stay sharp. Stay connected. And remember: No leader wins alone.&nbsp;



Photo Courtesy of Daymond John. Discover more by subscribing to <a href="http://offer.success.com/success-plus">SUCCESS+™</a> to read the print issue in its entirety and so much more.

Daymond John

Daymond John shares how learning to delegate transformed his leadership and why great leaders rely on the right people—not doing it all alone.

Daymond John shares how learning to delegate transformed his leadership and why great leaders rely on the right people—not doing it all alone. | SUCCESS

The Art of Delegation:  What I Learned About Leadership from Kerim Kfuri, CEO of The Atlas Network

The Art of Delegation: Leadership Lessons from Daymond John | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Daymond-John.jpg

Three people smiling while gardening showing the benefits of volunteering

The food, the celebrations, the traditions: The season of Thanksgiving has arrived! 



Amid the hustle and bustle of prepping for guests, travel plans, and winding down professional obligations, it may seem like your time is at an all-time premium. Just the thought of adding to your already lengthy to-do list might stir up some overwhelming feelings.



But making room to start (or continue) to donate your time this month could not only align perfectly with the spirit of gratitude and giving back, but also gift you with the multiple professional and personal benefits of volunteering. 



Volunteering offers a unique path to finding a sense of joy and purpose, significantly boosts mental and physical health, and provides surprising opportunities to refine soft skills and accelerate professional development, making it a powerful way to bring fulfillment into your life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-transformative-benefits-of-volunteering-finding-purpose-through-giving">The Transformative Benefits of Volunteering: Finding Purpose Through Giving</h2>



As you reflect on all you have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season, consider how giving back can amplify that sense of fulfillment. The act of volunteering goes beyond simply helping others; it is a powerful practice that profoundly benefits you, the giver.



In her book <a href="https://amzn.to/3QZHhVT" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Every Gift Matters</a>,, Carrie Morgridge emphasizes a fundamental truth that resonates deeply with the spirit of the holidays: every person and every gift can make a difference. This principle is especially relevant during a time focused on generosity. Whoever you are, no matter how much or how little time, resources, or talent you have, your gift matters.



The smallest donation of time—whether serving a holiday meal at a soup kitchen or helping a local charity with their seasonal drive—can transform a life in need. The best news is that giving and volunteering create a dual transformation, benefiting two lives: the one who receives and the one who gives. This reciprocal benefit is key to how volunteering brings fulfillment and supports professional growth.



So, as you seek a meaningful way to spend your time this Thanksgiving, remember that whether you are volunteering your time or donating small or large amounts, here are several benefits that giving brings directly to you, the giver:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-wellness-through-giving-the-mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-volunteering">1. Wellness Through Giving: The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Volunteering</h3>



Ever heard people describe feeling warm and fuzzy when helping someone? Turns out that’s not just a turn of phrase. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02699931.2022.2089871" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies have shown that</a> that warm, fuzzy feeling is real—and that giving your time to others could lead to positive impacts on your health.



So during a time of year when stress levels can run rampant over securing that perfect gift or cramming a month’s worth of work into three weeks, consider the salve of volunteering. The boost to your mental and physical strength will help you tackle—and enjoy—the month ahead.



The science behind the benefits of volunteering:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Giving and volunteering may help your body release more endorphins—chemicals that help relieve pain and reduce stress.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Data collected in the United Kingdom from 70,000 participants in a 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies showed that those who volunteered “at least once in the last 12 months” also reported higher levels of well-being, compared with those who didn’t volunteer.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375895/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A 2020 Harvard University study</a> found that adults ages 50 and above who volunteered 100 or more hours per year felt more of a purpose, encountered less depressive symptoms and saw reduced chances of early death.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-cultivate-joy-and-purpose-the-emotional-rewards-of-giving-back">2. Cultivate Joy and Purpose: The Emotional Rewards of Giving Back</h3>



While volunteering at a United Way Toys for Tots drive, Morgridge got to meet the families in need, listen to their stories, hear about their kids and then send them home with a car full of toys and food. 



“I was not the major donor of the event, nor was I an event coordinator—I merely showed up for my scheduled shift and was immediately blown away by the impact that the event had on me,” she says. “I understood why the same volunteers had been showing up year after year to help over 3,000 families.… The only regret I had about sharing my day with these families was that I hadn’t found the organization earlier in my life.”



Find a cause that brings you joy, and then invite your friends. They are looking for the same thing you are—fulfillment in giving—and most people just need to be asked. If you are being asked to join a friend, make today a yes day. Your life might never be the same.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-accelerate-your-career-path-how-volunteering-refines-professional-goals">3. Accelerate Your Career Path: How Volunteering Refines Professional Goals</h3>



Think of volunteering as a way to test and refine your current skills—and maybe even develop new ones.&nbsp;



Perhaps you’re just beginning your marketing career and a local hospital board is in need of a strategic plan to introduce their signature event to a new demographic. Gaining similar leadership experience might take years at your 9–5, but thanks to volunteering, you could be readying yourself for more stretch opportunities much sooner.&nbsp;



Maybe a role in sales has always piqued your interest and your child’s school needs a fundraiser. Taking the lead offers a great, low-pressure way to determine whether securing corporate donors is something you’d be successful with or would want to eventually turn into a full-time position.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-build-core-competencies-volunteering-is-a-masterclass-in-soft-skills-development">4. Build Core Competencies: Volunteering is a Masterclass in Soft Skills Development</h3>



Not only will volunteering give you an improved perspective on life, but it will also help you develop more <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/soft-skills-examples/">soft skills</a> that can help your career.



In a <a href="https://businessnamegenerator.com/soft-skills-in-the-workplace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 survey</a> conducted by Business Name Generator, 84% of the 1,015 respondents indicated they believe new employees must possess soft skills and demonstrate them in the hiring process. The soft skills identified as most important? Nearly a quarter of respondents said communication, with 22% citing problem-solving, and time management and critical thinking tied at 19%.



What better way to develop these sought-after soft skills than by helping others through volunteering? You’ll develop these crucial skills while spreading goodwill and making people smile.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-personal-insight-for-professional-growth-discovering-your-strengths-through-service">5. Personal Insight for Professional Growth: Discovering Your Strengths Through Service</h3>



You can also glean information about your personality traits—are you more energized by the hours spent designing an invite or the interactions you had making meals for others?—and collaboration style—do you prefer working with a large board or a small group? 



More knowledge means you’ll be able to form a more accurate picture of how you’d like your future career path to look.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-deepen-your-roots-foster-a-stronger-connection-to-your-community">6. Deepen Your Roots: Foster a Stronger Connection to Your Community</h3>



When you take care of your own backyard, you’ll have a much greater sense of connection to your neighbors. Seek out food banks or soup kitchens in your community that provide services beyond the meals, ones that seek to fight poverty. 



Whether you have a little or a lot to give, helping your neighbors help themselves is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-strategic-networking-how-volunteering-builds-valuable-connections">7. Strategic Networking: How Volunteering Builds Valuable Connections</h3>



Building connections and fostering relationships is often vital to career success, whether you’re hoping to make a move, searching for a mentor or trying to secure investors or partnerships for your business venture. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/15-inspiring-quotes-about-giving/">Volunteering</a> can introduce you to professionals whose paths you might not otherwise cross. 



After seeing your dedication and skills in action, these individuals might be more likely to accept a coffee invite or pass along a resume.



It’s important to stay in touch with the connections you make when volunteering, even after you’re no longer involved. Ultimately, you want to build and maintain meaningful relationships.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-boost-your-confidence-gaining-pride-and-self-assurance-through-service">8. Boost Your Confidence: Gaining Pride and Self-Assurance Through Service</h3>



Providing a service to others and helping them feel good about themselves can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride. These feelings naturally carry over into personal and professional endeavors. 



Perhaps you were the point person for your community’s clothing drive, seeing to every detail from communication to collection to distribution. Your success in that area might inspire you to raise your hand for more project management opportunities or speak up with an organizational idea you might not have felt comfortable sharing before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-giving-back-your-next-great-move">Make Giving Back Your Next Great Move</h2>



As the year draws to a close and you reflect on the spirit of Thanksgiving, the message is clear: volunteering is a powerful investment in yourself.



It is a uniquely reciprocal act—a gift that gives back. Whether you dedicate a single hour or commit to a monthly shift, you unlock transformative benefits that span your professional growth, personal well-being, and community connection.



These rewards include boosted wellness (through reduced stress and improved mental health), accelerated professional development (by refining crucial soft skills and gaining leadership experience), and deeper fulfillment (cultivating a stronger sense of joy, purpose, and community connection).



Volunteering is key to holistic growth, serving as a strategic move to build both a stronger professional profile and a more enriching personal life. This Thanksgiving season, realize the profound power in taking time to do good—for others, for your community, and for your future self.



This article was updated November 2023. Photo by PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

Discover 8 surprising benefits of giving back, from developing high-demand soft skills and refining career goals to achieving deeper personal fulfillment.

The benefits of volunteering are much more vast than you may think. Here’s a look at 8 unexpected personal and professional volunteer benefits. | SUCCESS

How Does Volunteering Bring Fulfillment and Support Professional Growth?

How Volunteering Creates Fulfillment & Professional Growth | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/the-benefits-of-volunteering-header.jpg

Jill McDonnell

Carrie Morgridge

woman giving a high-five to her colleague in the office while other coworkers are facing them

Discover actionable strategies to become more productive and learn effective time management, prioritization, and focus techniques.

Discover actionable strategies to boost your productivity.

How To Be More Productive: Unlock Your Potential | SUCCESS

How To Be More Productive: Strategies For Maximizing Your Efficiency

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/how-to-be-more-productive-studio-romantic-shutterstock.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ae4b54ccfd3dc1660cb937761ce475996486c675a15166c712cc546c7ffdc9f2?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Brett Surbey

Discover actionable strategies to boost your productivity and learn effective time management, prioritization, and focus techniques.

Climbing career ladders is crucial to professional success. However, growing in the same company for over a decade just might be the key to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/career-goals/">professional growth</a>. Choosing beyond a traditional career-oriented path, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/koral-chen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Koral Chen</a> grew from a college intern to senior vice president of brand development and licensing of SMAC Entertainment, a talent management firm.



As a busy communications and business major, sophomore student Chen was trying to find an internship that didn’t require several interview rounds or a cover letter. Landing a job interview with <a href="https://www.smac-ent.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SMAC Entertainment</a>, she met the executive vice president over coffee and secured her internship. Unknowingly, she also claimed her seat at the table for the next decade.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-the-first-connection-nbsp">Making the first connection&nbsp;</h2>



Chen initially began working on the talent management side before advancing to brand licensing, and now she is building out the commercials and production department. Chen explains that her tenure at SMAC is driven by a fundamental but simple reason: “It was between SMAC and a different company that was definitely more well-known on paper and would have probably been a better resume opportunity. But for some reason, [I] chose to go with SMAC,” she says.&nbsp;



And it didn’t take long for her to realize she had a passion for nurturing talent and brands. Her first brand launch was with Michael Strahan, television host for Good Morning America. Catering to morning news watchers, viewers often took fashion advice from Strahan, which meant there was an organic need for professional attire. Gaining success, they expanded to several JCPenney stores and offer a full lifestyle brand to men and boys.



Chen is also a key player behind sports commentator Erin Andrews’ clothing line Wear. The women’s sportswear market had been lacking in clothing and style, with nearly 50% white space; now, the brand offers an apparel line for female fans.&nbsp;



Since then, SMAC has branched out into the NFL and beyond. “We started with the NFL, and now across every major league, about 30 different colleges as well,” Chen reports.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-brand-vision-nbsp">Expanding the brand vision&nbsp;</h2>



Chen notes that the identity of branding has evolved during her time in brand management. In the past, celebrity names were essential to building a brand and receiving retail placement.&nbsp;



However, Chen believes that’s a misconception. “At the core of it, it needs to be a product that people need, regardless of the celebrity that’s attached to the celebrity,” Chen explains, “kind of like adding a really great secret sauce that we’re able to create really fun moments around it, but it’s not going to guarantee success.”



So, how does a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-build-a-brand/">brand successfully reach its target audience</a>? By creating a quality product that genuinely connects to brands.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-leadership-nbsp">Balancing leadership&nbsp;</h2>



Holding an executive position now, Chen has learned that effective leadership is all about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-delegate/">delegating</a>. Schedules get busy, and it can be hard to stay on track, which is why leaning on each other and delegating are the best ways to move forward. “The team always says you need to delegate, right? That’s kind of the biggest thing, and it’s taking the time to teach the whole team [to be proactive],” she says.&nbsp;



She encourages her team to think ahead, seizing future business opportunities and taking ownership of projects rather than just responding to tasks. “If you’re just reacting, then you’re going to just always be a step behind,” Chen emphasizes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-back-nbsp">Looking back&nbsp;</h2>



Although her career path wasn’t conventional, Chen says it was the right decision for her. “I think the biggest thing was trusting my gut to take on this job, as opposed to, again, the one that was probably more cookie-cutter and better on the resume,” she says.&nbsp;



Passing on bigger companies and opportunities has given her the chance to build her career without listening to the extra noise and pressure that accompanies career choices.&nbsp;



She advises young professionals entering the workforce today to start being vocal. “There’s been countless people in our company [who] have said, ‘I’m super interested in this. Can I join this meeting?’ And it could be something they have nothing to do with, but giving them that ability to do a little bit extra and explore that and see if that’s something that’s interesting to them, I think is fulfilling for them and also good for the company because you may unlock different talent,” Chen says.&nbsp;



This applies not only to entry-level professionals but those already well into their careers. Chen also states that for those looking to get noticed, it is time to stop waiting for a job listing and start reaching out to build connections.



Chen believes you don’t need a perfect plan; it all begins with trusting your gut and focusing on where you excel.



Photo by GaudiLab/Shutterstock

Rena Machani

Discover how Koral Chen rose from intern to SVP at SMAC Entertainment, driving brand success for stars like Michael Strahan and Erin Andrews.

Discover how Koral Chen rose from intern to VP at SMAC Entertainment, driving brand success for stars like Michael Strahan and Erin Andrews. | SUCCESS

Inside Koral Chen’s Rise From College Intern to Senior Vice President at SMAC Entertainment

Inside Koral Chen’s Rise: From College Intern to SMAC SVP | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/koral-chen-smac-career-growth-1.jpg

Happy Businesswoman Using Laptop Computer in Modern Office

The gulf between workers who use <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-businesses-switching-to-microsoft-copilot/">generative AI</a> every day and those who don’t is widening. According to PwC’s newly released 2025 Global Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, employees who engage with generative AI daily report dramatically higher gains in productivity, confidence and compensation than their less frequent counterparts.



While <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/news-room/press-releases/2025/pwc-2025-global-workforce-survey.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">92% of daily users</a> say the technology boosted their productivity in the past year, only 58% of infrequent users can say the same. Similar gaps appear in perceived job security and even salary growth, suggesting that AI is already reshaping global career trajectories in tangible ways.



<div style="height:10px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



You'll also enjoy: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/google-gemini-3-model-productivity/">Step Into the Future of Productivity With Google’s New Gemini 3 Model</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-everyday-ai-habits-giving-workers-a-competitive-edge">The everyday AI habits giving workers a competitive edge</h2>



This new PwC survey suggests a striking confidence gap in those already getting ahead with artificial intelligence. Daily generative AI users are much more upbeat about the future of their roles, with 69% feeling optimistic about the year ahead. That’s a big jump compared with infrequent users at 51%, and an even bigger one compared with non-users at just 44%.



So what exactly are these AI-savvy workers doing differently? In many cases, it’s not about mastering complex models or building custom tools; it’s about weaving even the most <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-train-ai-for-your-workflow/">basic AI capabilities</a> into the fabric of their day. Daily users are using generative AI to draft emails, summarize long documents, prepare presentations, analyze data and automate repetitive tasks that once drained hours from their week.&nbsp;



And, increasingly, they’re using the same <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ai-tools-for-small-business-growth/">tools</a> to finally move forward on personal projects they’ve been dreaming about for years. AI is helping people outline books, design logos, build business plans, map out career changes, develop online courses, prototype apps and even rehearse for job interviews—tasks that once might have felt too time-consuming or intimidating to start.



In addition, organizations could be doing more to help their employees thrive using artificial intelligence, the survey finds. Just half of non-managers indicated they feel they have access to adequate learning and development opportunities with the new tech, compared with two-thirds of managers and nearly three-quarters of senior executives. If a workplace isn’t AI-friendly, it can hold back the growth and development of everyone on the team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-early-ai-adopters-are-pulling-ahead-in-the-workplace">Why early AI adopters are pulling ahead in the workplace</h2>



Based on current trends, those already leaning into AI are poised to widen their lead over the rest of the workforce in years to come, according to PwC. While 75% of daily users say they have the learning and development support they need, just 59% of infrequent users feel the same. And this is the pattern we see again and again: once professionals go all-in on AI—once they get comfortable and start relying on what these intelligence tools can do—the old way of working doesn’t just feel outdated. It feels like a place they could never realistically return to.&nbsp;



The data suggests AI is delivering two core benefits for today’s professionals. First, it’s giving them back precious hours: cutting through tedious tasks, reducing stress and easing that familiar sense of being swamped. Second, it’s helping them earn more. In this early phase of AI adoption, people are discovering that the technology elevates the quality of their work, sharpens their focus on what matters and gives them a clearer path to demonstrating their value and moving up the ladder.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-skills-now-command-a-56-wage-premium">AI skills now command a 56% wage premium</h2>



According to PwC’s latest <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/ai/ai-jobs-barometer.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI Jobs Barometer</a>, employees who know how to work with AI tools are earning a <a href="https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/workforce/hopes-and-fears.html#address-trust-gaps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">56% wage premium</a> compared to peers in the same roles who don’t have these skills—more than double the gap from last year. From finance to customer support, AI is taking hold everywhere, but it still needs skilled humans to guide it. Workers who can harness AI effectively aren’t just more efficient, they’re becoming indispensable. With routine work increasingly automated, knowing how to use AI creatively has become a highly prized skill and one that also shows up in the paycheck.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McKinsey</a>, the biggest revenue boosts from AI are appearing in <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/adobe-ai-toolkit/">marketing</a> and sales, strategy and corporate finance, and product and service development. But while AI may be the tool, humans are still the driver. Workers who know how to wield it effectively aren’t just completing tasks faster—they’re carving out a competitive edge that can last for years. Daily use of generative AI is helping professionals focus on what matters most, freeing up time and energy for higher-impact work that drives both personal growth and business results.



Even the simplest AI tools can be game-changing. From drafting emails and analyzing data to rehearsing for job interviews and mapping out career changes, AI is helping workers reclaim hours that once evaporated into administrative or repetitive tasks. And increasingly, people are using that freed-up time to finally make progress on personal projects they’ve long put off—writing books, building businesses, designing passion projects or upskilling in entirely new directions. The advantage goes to those who embrace the technology, integrate it into their routines and use it to amplify not only their professional output but also their long-term growth and aspirations.



Photo by Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

New data reveals daily AI users earn more, feel more secure and rise faster at work. See how GenAI habits are creating a major career edge.

The gulf between workers who use generative AI every day and those who don’t is widening. According to PwC’s newly released 2025 Global Workforce Hopes | SUCCESS

New Research Shows Daily AI Users Earn More and Advance Faster

New Research Says Daily AI Users Earn More and Advance Faster | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/daily-ai-users-career-research.jpg

Pablo explores how AI, emerging technologies, and today’s strategic choices are shaping the way we live, work, and build the future. He translates complex innovations into clear insights that help leaders and professionals anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Pablo-Urdiales-Antelo.png

Pablo Urdiales Antelo

You have to be at least a teen to be considered for the U.S. Olympic bobsled team. But there’s no maximum age. So, you could essentially bobsled forever. But for Steve Mesler, after three <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/20-olympic-quotes-to-inspire-you-to-do-better-and-be-better/">Olympic games</a> and one history-making gold medal in 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, that was his sign to retire from the sport at just 31.



But the transition to post-Olympian life was challenging. “You went from being the best in the world; you’ve been on television; you’ve met presidents. We got to fly in an F-16; we did the Top 10 on Letterman; we met Tom Hanks; we were on the cover of Sports Illustrated,” Mesler says. “Then, you have to go back and start over because there’s no way to jump the line. That was humbling.”



A single conversation shifted Mesler’s perspective. “My best friend asked me, ‘What does it feel like to have written the first line of your obituary at age 31?’ I didn’t want that to be the case,” Mesler says. “You have a couple of choices: You could just live off of it and do… speaking [engagements] and try to make that work. Or you can start over.” Which is what he did. By that point, he’d already had to start over once before.



At 22, Mesler was in his fifth year of college and about to start an internship—while dealing with the aftermath of a career-ending elbow injury. The former track and field star remembered that one of his former University of Florida coaches had an athlete in the 1998 Winter Olympics.&nbsp;



Although he wasn’t familiar with bobsledding, his mind was sparked. “I literally got my computer out and I emailed—with my bad left hand—the Olympic Committee and said, ‘I’m this big, this strong, this fast, and can I do this?’” Mesler recalls. “Next thing I knew, I was training for bobsled.”







Mesler describes his Olympic teammates as castaways from college athletics. “Here I was, a formerly broken track athlete, trying to become a different person. No one in bobsled knew that I had been an injured track athlete. We just showed up,” he says.



There’s some carryover, Mesler explains, when you go from one intense sport to another. “The way you run and the speed and strength and size. I had all the right tools. I had to gain weight. You need to be… stronger as a bobsledder. Then, I hit my cruising altitude, and it was a very reasonable transition,” Mesler recalls.



While on the verge of being inducted into the U.S. Olympic &amp; Paralympic Hall of Fame, class of 2025, Mesler describes his typical day in Calgary, Canada, now that he’s made the ultimate pivot from Olympian to consulting, coaching and building Classroom Champions, a nonprofit for children to thrive academically thanks to the <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-become-a-mentor/">mentorship</a> of world-class athletes.



“I work with CEOs and founders to help them perform better at their jobs and in their life with a sense of well-being,” Mesler says. “My coaching work is my bread-and-butter work, but I left my role as an athlete behind so I didn’t have to just do one thing,” he adds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-day-in-the-life-of-steve-mesler">A Day in the Life of Steve Mesler</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-45-a-m-wake-up-work-out">4:45 A.M. | WAKE UP, WORK OUT</h2>



Right when Mesler wakes up, he starts the day with healthy greens and breakfast. Next up is his daily workout. (You can take the man out of the Olympics, but you can’t take the Olympics out of the man.) “I either go for a run—we live not far from the river, so I’ve got a handful of beautiful running options—or I work out in our basement gym. It depends on the day. Two to three days a week, I’m doing body circuits, legs, lower body and a lot of core. I beat my body up a lot over the years, so my back and core strength is really important,” he says.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-a-m-dad-duty">7 A.M. | DAD DUTY</h2>



When his two children wake up, they have breakfast and get ready for their own days. Mesler gets them to school before he gets his own workday started in his home office. “I tend to hold my mornings for writing, thinking and creativity, especially post-workout,” Mesler says. “There’s a lot of science around how that is when the creative juices are best.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-noon-lunch-date">NOON | LUNCH DATE</h2>



Like so many entrepreneurs, Mesler doesn’t always have the luxury of an actual lunch hour. But he is committed to keeping this one appointment on his calendar: “My wife and I have lunch scheduled once a week,” he says. “Otherwise, you’ve gone far too long without doing that.”&nbsp;



When you have young kids at home, sometimes date night becomes date day, and that seems to work for Mesler and his wife, Rhiannon, a tenured associate professor at the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-p-m-client-time">1 P.M. | CLIENT TIME</h2>



While his mornings are mainly for thinking and theory, his afternoons have him connecting with peers and clients. “I might get on a Classroom Champions’ call. Sometimes, our CEO will want me on a call to a donor to tell our story. Or I’ll have <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-hire-a-business-coach/">coaching</a> sessions with clients. Then, I will get a proposal out to a potential new client,” he says. “There is this idea that, in order to get a new client, you need to spend seven hours across 11 touchpoints in four different mediums. That is the 7-11-4 rule.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-p-m-get-social">4 P.M. | GET SOCIAL</h2>



“I was very big in social media at the dawn of Twitter [now known as X]…. In 2010, I was literally the fourth most-followed athlete from the Olympics that year. It was Shaun White, Lindsey Vonn, Apolo Ohno,” Mesler says of the three who came before him. “But it had no purpose after that.” Fifteen years later, he is leaning in once again, with a university student who helps him edit content. His clients don’t discover him on Instagram, per se, but that presence comes with the job if you’re your own boss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-p-m-dinner-hour">6 P.M. | DINNER HOUR</h2>



The dinner hour isn’t just about what’s on Mesler’s plate. It’s about the official end of his workday. “In the summer, I’ll pick up the kids and go to the pump track. It’s a BMX-style kind of thing, and the kids are super into it,” he says of the breather he takes from his job. “Once we come home, we’ll have dinner at 6 p.m., and then put the kids to bed.” That’s when he has time to himself to read or watch The Daily Show, so he can bookend his day with that peace and quiet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-p-m-power-down">9 P.M. | POWER DOWN</h2>



Shutting off your laptop is only one part of signaling the end of your day. The other part is shutting off your mind. “I experienced a really gnarly depression in 2019. I never want it to happen again…. I’ve had numerous bad concussions and unlimited micro concussions,” Mesler says. “So, I’m basically done working by 6 p.m., outside of outlier scenarios. I’m turning my brain off at night, and when things pop into my brain, I will action them right away—sometimes that just means throwing myself a calendar invite for the next day. I do my best to not ruminate.” A savvy tactic for anyone, but especially for a business owner who still approaches <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/importance-of-healthy-work-life-balance/">work-life balance</a> with the discipline of an Olympian.&nbsp;



Discover more by subscribing to <a href="http://offer.success.com/success-plus">SUCCESS+™</a> to read the print issue in its entirety and so much more.



Photo courtesy Sports Illustrated

Olympic bobsled champion Steve Mesler shares how he shifted from sports to leadership coaching, building balance, resilience and success.

Olympic bobsled champion Steve Mesler shares how he shifted from sports to leadership coaching, building balance, resilience and success. | SUCCESS

Olympic Gold Medalist Steve Mesler Shares How He Shifted From Sports to Leadership Coaching

Steve Mesler: From Olympic Gold to Leadership Coaching | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/steve-mesler-olympic-leadership-coaching.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4dfeaa33b32ce10d22163869dcbcb41a8aca557842bad36ba1638fdec017d205?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Alison Bonaguro

Woman sitting at table record new video on cell phone camera

More companies are seeing the benefits of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/job-applicants-video-submissions/">video-based job applications</a>, whether it’s a one-way recording or a live digital panel for the interview. According to research from LinkedIn, <a href="https://news.linkedin.com/2021/march/linkedin-and-microsoft-skills-commitment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">79% of hiring managers</a> believe that video introductions have become more important when vetting applications, so being comfortable on camera is now an essential skill. Unfortunately, it’s also a skill many applicants don’t naturally possess.&nbsp;



Generative AI could offer a solution as a real-time, personalized feedback tool. Professionals are already seeing the benefits of using AI for helping to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-optimize-your-resume-for-ai/">optimize their resumes</a> and cover letters, and recently AI communication coaching has become an integral part of video interview preparation.&nbsp;



Here’s how to knock your next video-based job application out of the park. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-make-your-first-impression-on-camera-count">Make your first impression on camera count</h2>



Communication and confidence coach Kelli Thompson recommends thinking of video as a first impression for a recruiter or hiring manager. “Think about presenting [yourself] in a quick and efficient manner,” she says.&nbsp;



To combat the absence of energetic exchange, where we can see another person nodding along and reacting with facial expressions, Thompson has three tips to appear more natural on camera:



1. “Look at the camera—it mimics that eye connection—versus looking down at your notes.”



2. “Have pictures of people (if it helps) propped up around your camera so it feels like you’re talking to someone.”&nbsp;



3. Finally, she recommends incorporating your humanity and personality into your video. “Don’t just robotically read the answers into the camera. Tell stories. Give anecdotes. Just because a human isn’t sitting there doesn’t mean that you can’t respond to the questions like you would a real human.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-ai-video-application-tools-for-real-time-feedback">The best AI video application tools for real-time feedback</h2>



Thompson suggests using <a href="http://yoodli.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yoodli.ai</a> for instant feedback on how often you rely on filler words and what your storytelling skills are like. It’s not without limitations though. “It still can’t replicate a real conversation… that banter back and forth,” she says.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Cheryl Laidlaw is a web designer and AI strategist who also vouches for Yoodli’s video interview support. Additionally, she suggests experimenting with various AI video interview coaching platforms, like <a href="http://interviewsby.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">InterviewsBy.AI</a>, which tailors mock interviews to the job description and suggests stronger sample answers. <a href="http://huru.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huru.ai</a>, which creates role-specific interview simulations and scores your performance, is another option. Finally, there’s Google Interview Warmup, which offers a simple (but free) option to transcribe your answers for review.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-use-chatgpt-claude-or-gemini-for-ai-job-interview-practice">How to use ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini for AI job interview practice</h2>



If you’re more comfortable with a typical generative AI platform like <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-use-chatgpt/">ChatGPT</a>, Claude or Gemini, you can still use them to support your video application preparation. Laidlaw recommends always opting for the pro versions of your AI of choice, regardless of your industry. She also emphasizes the importance of training your AI extensively in your tone of voice, your style of writing, vocabulary and preferences—long before asking it for job application support.



Here are some prompts she recommends to get started:



1. General interview simulation prompt



Act as an experienced interviewer for the role of [insert role]. Ask me 5-7 realistic <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/8-ai-related-job-interview-questions/">interview questions</a> based on the following job description or skills:



“[Paste job description/key skills].”



Ask one question at a time. After each of my responses, give feedback on how I could improve my structure, examples or confidence level. End with an overall summary and my top three areas to work on.



2. Behavioral or competency-based interview prompt



You are an expert behavioral interviewer trained in the STAR method. Conduct a mock interview for [job role]. Focus on behavioral questions such as teamwork, leadership and conflict resolution. After each of my answers, evaluate whether I covered Situation, Task, Action, and Result clearly. Then rewrite my answer in a more compelling and concise way.



3. Video or on-camera simulation prompt



Simulate a one-way video interview (like HireVue or Sonru). You will ask me a series of questions. I have 30 seconds to “prepare” and two minutes to “respond.” After each answer, give feedback on content, delivery, tone and video presence (eye contact, energy, body language). Conclude with a summary of what I could improve if I were on camera.



4. Presentation practice prompt



You are part of a hiring panel for a senior role. I’m delivering a 5-minute presentation on [insert topic, e.g., “How I would grow your brand using digital strategy”]. Create a realistic brief, ask clarifying questions before I begin, then simulate the panel’s reactions and follow-up questions. Afterward, critique my presentation structure, storytelling, engagement and clarity.



5. Curveball or stress-test scenario prompt



Act as a slightly challenging interviewer. Ask me tough or unexpected questions that test my composure, such as: “Tell me about a time you failed,” or “Why should we hire you over someone more experienced?” Occasionally interrupt or ask for clarification, just as a real interviewer might. Then assess how well I maintained professionalism and composure.



6. Group or panel interview prompt



You are a panel of three interviewers, each with different priorities. The HR rep cares about culture fit, the manager about delivery and the director about ROI. Ask questions from each perspective and let them occasionally disagree. Afterward, tell me how effectively I addressed each stakeholder’s concerns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-the-human-touch-in-video-interview-prep-with-ai">Keep the human touch in video interview prep with AI</h2>



“[AI] forces you to think bigger, but it needs to be within your parameters and [reflect] your personality,” Laidlaw explains. She encourages taking the time to experiment. “If you’re really desperate for the job and you want to practice and put the time and the effort in, then definitely check out [several tools and prompts].”



Laidlaw believes, with time, we’ll see a return to in-person interviews. “I think we will start craving human face-to-face [connection]. It will do a full circle… we’re not in that full circle [yet], but I know it will come back around. So at the moment, we just need to bring our personalities across as much as possible.”



Photo by fizkes/Shutterstock

Learn how AI tools like Yoodli and ChatGPT can coach your video interviews, boost confidence and help you impress hiring managers.

Learn how AI tools like Yoodli and ChatGPT can coach your video interviews, boost confidence and help you impress hiring managers. | SUCCESS

How to Use AI to Coach Your Next Job Application Video

How to Use AI to Ace Your Next Job Application Video | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ai-job-application-video-coaching.jpg

Tayla Blaire is a South African freelance journalist and copy/content writer for business and lifestyle brands. She enjoys helping new writers find their feet in the world of freelancing, thanks to her background in education. Find her at www.taylablaire.com

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Tayla-Blaire.jpg

Tayla Blaire

Young business women uses communication skills to talk to a table of people

Mastering communication skills can feel daunting, but the professional benefits are worth the effort! Learn about the 4 major types of communication here.

Learn more about communication skills, why they’re important and how to improve them. Accelerate your personal and professional success. | SUCCESS

How to Master Communication Skills in the Workplace to Unlock Your Career Potential

How to Master Communication Skills in the Workplace for 2026 | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/communication-skills-header.jpg

https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7cd315f795a9894c6be160dc94d4c2e8a9d744e07f4a0cedfab54836378fb410?s=96&d=mm&r=g

Sarah Zimmerman

Graduate student smiling with certificate

Millions are graduating into a world of work that’s more unpredictable and unstable than ever. Most are stuck—weighing up another degree, an internship or just any job that pays the bills. But a sharp few are spotting something others aren’t: Becoming <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/ai-talent-development-strategies/">fluent in AI</a> might be the leverage that saves them in this unforgiving new era of technology.&nbsp;



This rising number of young professionals are putting less focus on finding quick work or piling on extra qualifications and more on developing the skills that almost every major CEO now says they can’t get enough of. They’re betting that if they can get ahead in AI, they’ll have something far more valuable than another line on their <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-optimize-your-resume-for-ai/">resume</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-graduates-are-struggling-to-land-high-paying-entry-level-roles">New graduates are struggling to land high-paying entry-level roles</h2>



Even the most prestigious colleges often prepare students for a world that no longer exists. While students chase grades and certificates, employers are now looking for something entirely different—people who can think fast, adapt quickly and master new tools as they emerge. It’s a growing mismatch and one that leaves graduates well-qualified on paper but underprepared for the velocity of the real economy.



Millions of graduates are stepping into a job market that doesn’t want beginners anymore. The <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/career-strategies-gen-z-job-market/">entry-level market</a> that once absorbed eager new talent has been hollowed out by automation and AI technology in recent years. The basic tasks that used to justify a junior hire are now done faster and cheaper by machines. It’s a structural shift few universities have prepared students for, and it’s forcing a generation to rethink how and where they begin their careers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-over-a-third-of-u-s-graduates-working-in-roles-that-don-t-require-a-degree">Over a third of U.S. graduates working in roles that don’t require a degree</h2>



According to the New York Federal Reserve, labor conditions for recent college graduates have deteriorated noticeably over the past year, with unemployment among this group climbing to an unusually high <a href="https://www.newyorkfed.org/research/college-labor-market?utm_source=chatgpt.com#--:explore:unemployment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5.8%</a>. That’s above the national rate and marks one of the largest gaps in decades. Job openings have dropped sharply from a post-pandemic high of <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2023/article/job-openings-reach-record-highs-in-2022-as-the-labor-market-recovery-continues.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 million in 2022</a> to around <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/job-offers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7.1 million</a> recorded this July, leaving fewer opportunities and more qualified candidates vying for the same positions. 



Even highly educated graduates, whose degrees require years of dedication and financial commitment, face uncertainty about whether their qualifications will translate into the opportunities and income they first expected. High-tech finance paths are no exception. A survey from The CQF Institute found that less than <a href="https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/106886/under-of-quant-experts-believe-graduates-are-well-equipped-for/">1 in 10</a> analysts think new graduates are prepared with the AI and machine-learning expertise required to hit the ground running. Over a third of graduates are now working in roles that do not require a degree in the U.S. Of those, many find themselves in low-skilled routine jobs such as retail, administration or customer service, with little prospect of progression.&nbsp;



Yet this doesn’t have to define graduates’ long-term trajectory. AI is <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/netflix-700k-job-ai-hybrid-skills/">unlocking careers</a> and skill sets we’ve yet to even imagine yet. Now is the moment to learn, explore opportunities and discover how your strengths can flourish alongside smart machines. While today may feel uncertain, a future of stability will reward those who embrace AI ahead of the curve and stay curious.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-build-ai-proficiency-through-daily-practice">How to build AI proficiency through daily practice</h2>



Initial AI skilling doesn’t have to consume your entire workday. Professionals can start by dedicating small, consistent blocks of time—such as 20 to 30 minutes a day—to learning <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-to-train-ai-for-your-workflow/">fundamental AI concepts</a>, exploring user-friendly AI tools or taking short online courses.&nbsp;



This approach allows individuals to gradually build proficiency without disrupting existing responsibilities. Even simple practices, like experimenting with AI-powered productivity tools for scheduling, data analysis or content creation, can help you gain hands-on experience while enhancing your current workflow.



The most effective way to build real proficiency with AI is to immerse yourself in a single platform, exploring its quirks and limitations. By consistently experimenting with prompts, refining your interactions and observing the results, you develop a deep understanding of how the tool uses information and responds.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-projects-and-freelance-work-are-giving-graduates-a-competitive-edge">Personal projects and freelance work are giving graduates a competitive edge</h2>



Employers in the U.S. and around the world are raising the bar for entry-level positions, demanding that even recent graduates come equipped with portfolios that prove real-world impact. Those who land jobs tend to be the ones who got a head start—launching personal projects, freelancing or producing tangible work that signals they can deliver unique value from day one.&nbsp;



According to Deloitte’s 2025 Global Human Capital Trends Report, <a href="https://www.deloitte.com/nl/en/services/consulting/research/human-capital-trends-report-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">61% of employers</a> have ramped up the experience they expect from candidates over the past three years. These days, many “entry-level” roles actually ask for two to five years of experience. According to Deloitte, experience in today’s world isn’t just about how many positions you’ve had—it’s about how long you’ve been developing your skills and putting them into practice to make meaningful progress.



The traditional road map for young professionals has all but disappeared. In its place is a world where technological change and heightened expectations are defining success. Graduates who embrace these shifts strategically, through practical experience, AI proficiency and personal projects, are crafting careers that are resilient and prepared to thrive in ways that older models of career growth could never have predicted.



Photo by PeopleImages/Shutterstock

Graduates entering 2026’s job market need more than degrees. Learn why mastering AI skills is the smartest move for a future-proof career.

Graduates entering 2026’s job market need more than degrees. Learn why mastering AI skills is the smartest move for a future-proof career. | SUCCESS

AI Training Should Be on Every Graduate’s Checklist in 2026

AI Training Should Be on Every Graduate’s Checklist in 2026 | SUCCESS

https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ai-training-for-graduates-2026.jpg