Innovation expert Nils Vesk and futurist Chris Riddell shared their insights on their predictions on the jobs that will emerge in Australia in their recent interview with the Daily Telegraph.
Futurist Chris Riddell said: “Being a specialist in one area now will narrow you into a much more siloed field than being a generalist.”
“(Choose something) part technology, part interpersonal skills, and focus on emotional intelligence and soft skills as well as functional skills.
“Ten years ago being a generalist was a bad career move but now it will serve you well. “Things are changing so quickly – a better plan is to have a broad set of skills you can use to pivot and adapt.”
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Mr Vesk said the need for a stronger domestic supply chain was likely to create roles in logistics and systems analysis.
He predicted people would also not return to face-to-face retail at the same levels as before the pandemic, creating jobs in delivery and warehousing.
“People will think ‘Unless you can wow me with a physical experience, I am going back to (online shopping),” Mr Vesk said.
“Shipping costs are going to come down because there is that much more demand for it, so there will probably be an increase in warehousing and consignment.”
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More predictions on different industries available in the interview here.
Nils Vesk has been applying, teaching, and researching innovation around the world for over 15 years. The key innovation problem he solves is that organisations have too few innovations and they are too far apart.
Nils’ research has identified that the major cause of this problem is that our biases get in the way of innovating. Simply put ‘what we see changes what we see’. This is human nature, except it often results in us filtering and making decisions we’re not even aware that we’ve made.
This is why Nils believes that every innovation expert you’ve ever heard speak, has been totally right yet totally wrong at the same time. Each expert (and everyone else) comes with a bias based on the professional roles they have had in their career.
Having spearheaded the science of diagnosing and prescribing critical innovation skills. Nils has reinvented the innovation process, through the use of innovation archetypes. By matching the right perception to a specific situation we can hatch the innovation.
Professionally trained as a designer Nils used ‘Design thinking’ as a key skill in becoming Australia’s pioneering ‘Innovation Architect’. Nils is simplifying innovation so that everyone, not just a select few, can create rapid commercial innovation that helps to create millions of dollars of additional revenue.
Nils is the author of the innovation book Innovation Archetypes: democratising innovation (2015), Ideas with Legs: how to generate and realise ideas (2011), Life’s little toolbox: tips for a happier healthier you (2003) and co-author of Ideas: original perspectives on life and business from leading thinkers (2006)
Nils‘ keynotes are:
- Hatch
- Ideas with Legs
- Instant Fix
- Prickly Business
Chris Riddell is one of Australia’s most sought after futurists, and award-winning industry recognized keynote speaker on digital. He is also a renowned strategist and global emerging trend spotter for businesses and leaders in today’s disrupted world.
Chris Riddell has worked with some of the largest and most successful companies and brands in our modern world in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Kuwait, China, New Zealand, and lately Australia. He was the first ever Chief Digital Officer (CDO) for MARS Incorporated in Australia and New Zealand, and was responsible for the corporate digital strategy behind brands such as Whiskas, Pedigree, Wrigley, Starburst, Masterfoods, Snickers, and Maltesers.
Aside from working with massive businesses, Chris is also frequently called on by the media to speak on consumer technology trends. He has appeared on Australian television, including Channel 7’s The Daily Edition and Morning Show, Nine’s A Current Affair, and recently The Project on Ten.
Chris believes that ‘being a futurist isn’t simply about putting your finger in the air, and saying what the future might be’ rather ‘authentically embedding yourself into the very space from where true innovation, and disruption is taking place, analyzing future and emerging trends, then distilling them into a clear and meaningful keynote message, for business to be able to take affirmative and decisive action on’.
As an engaging speaker, Chris Riddell‘s keynote clients include Telstra, Schneider Electric, Castrol, CeBIT, AMP Financial Services, Foodworks, Southern Cross Austero, Isuzu, Marketo, Gartner, Ashurst Law Firm, Travellers Choice, The Institute of Internal Auditors, Reed Exhibitions, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Chris’ keynotes are:
- Customers and Experience: What does the future customer look like, and how do organisations create incredible experiences for them?
- Data and Analytics: Business Intelligence (BI), and Big Data have transformed the world. What’s next in this, and how can organisations embrace BI to drive growth.
- Digital and Technology: How do you succeed in the world of digital, and what are some of the areas businesses need to focus on for the future?
- Disruption and Change: With so much change how can you future proof your business? What do jobs of the future look like and how can you embrace change?
- Leadership and Culture: What are the new skills that leaders need to have in today’s busy world and how do you create a culture that brings people together?
- Trends and Innovation: What are some of the big trends around the corner, and what are the big innovation stories of today.
Contact us should you wish us to engage Nils Vesk and Chris Riddell to speak at your next event.