LinkedIn News recently released their 25 Big Ideas report, sharing ideas they believe will change our world in 2025.
As Force Multipliers, I think it’s important to read through the article and consider how these predictions may apply to your company, industry, and career opportunities.
To get you started, take a look at how I think several of the 25 Big Ideas will impact Force Multipliers. Bottom line: With change there is always opportunity!
(1) AI will pave the way to a shorter workweek & (20) CEOs and boards will shift from AI hype to practical use cases
This conversation is not new. But it is becoming increasingly urgent to pay attention to (if you’re not already). We can’t ignore that the use of AI is going to significantly change the way we all work in the years to come.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: Make sure that learning how to use AI in your role is at the top of your list for 2025. Why not become the resident expert in your office or department? If/when companies restructure, it’s unlikely that someone highly adept at using (and teaching others how to use) AI will be on the short-list for layoffs. Couple your AI courses with the human-side of business – communication and leadership – and you’ll be positioned well for future opportunities. Furthermore, work with your Executive to make sure there are clear company goals around what you’re trying to achieve and how AI may or may not help in delivering those outcomes. If your company isn’t talking about AI, it’s up to you to take the lead.
(2) Millennial CEOs will usher in a new era of leadership
Will companies change for the better with more millennial CEOs at the helm? Time will tell… But they are predicted to bring better listening and communicating skills to the table. Not to mention these leaders are typically non-founders which means a different type of leadership in general.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: New leaders means new opportunity and challenges. Are you ready for the shift? How are your leadership and communication skills looking these days? If more non-founders are entering the arena to lead large and small companies how will your strategic support need to change? These millennial CEOs are used to leveraging technology and will likely come from companies where they are familiar with ops and administrative cadences, so how can you step up to complement these leaders? In addition, they tend to be more collaborative and transparent, welcoming input from all team members. Are you prepared to contribute? Navigating multi-generational workforces (take a peak at #4 – A new type of intern will be joining the team) and different workplace preferences will continue to be a challenge for leaders in 2025. Can you be a champion of collaboration and change alongside your leader?
(3) Corporate employees will emerge as the next wave of influencers.
In 2025, Office Influencers will emerge as full-time employees at established organizations. Office Influencers will be responsible for creating brand authenticity and a personal connection to employees and customers alike, creating content such as day-in-the-life vlogs and Q&A sessions with colleagues, as well as coaching leaders on how to use video to effectively communicate company news.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: Force Multipliers are often operating as the de facto Office Influencer already. At smaller companies, they will likely continue with that responsibility. Take notes from established Office Influencers about how they create content and tell the company story. And for Force Multipliers looking for a career shift, maybe Office Influencer is it!
(14) Augmented and virtual reality will change the way we travel
VR and AR will help you preview travel destinations and get personalized recommendations to enhance the travelers’ experiences.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: If researching, booking, and managing any kind of business or personal travel for your Principal is part of your job description, this will be something you want to stay on top of. How might you use VR and AR to plan a company off-site for your organization or a 50th birthday trip for the Principal of your family office? Could you save time by doing a virtual site “walk-through”?
(16) America will turn inward and the global order will shift
Predictions for 2025 include less foreign intervention, potential tariffs, and a bumpy geopolitical ride.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: It’s always a good idea to stay up to date on global economic and political changes, especially if you think they will directly impact your company or industry. Stay informed and be prepared to adapt.
(18) Team lunches will become the office hero
More companies are focused on returning to the office and how to bring people together to foster pre-pandemic feelings of community.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: Depending on the size of the organization, company culture, team events, and office-wide lunches, not to mention creating the cadence of these “community building” activities, is often part of a Force Multiplier’s job description. Familiarize yourself with local catering companies and work with your Executive[s] to get these communal lunches or coffees on the calendar in January. If your company isn’t planning on engaging employees in this way, it may be worth considering if it’s the right fit for your company and proposing it to your Execs. That’s one way to lead up!
(25) Brands will lean into “nowstalgia”
Legacy brands will be looking to reinvent themselves, leaning on past successes, while adapting their products and content for modern audiences.
Why It Matters for Force Multipliers: It’s a good reminder to take a look at your organization’s brand (no matter how young or old it is) and past successes. Are there products or services that may be worth bringing back and reimagining for today’s customers? Is your company operating under antiquating branding that could use a refresh? Are there things you just need to let go of and leave behind? Do some recon and ask the questions, you never know where the conversation may lead.
Sectors to Watch in 2025:
Several industries are evolving, which spells opportunity for new roles to be created or for existing executive support and business operations staff to offer additional value. If you’re looking for a new company or role in 2025, it may be worth considering (or in some cases avoiding) these sectors.
Where are the changes happening?
- Banking (#6) – Face-to-face banking is back. Think “banking lounges”, educational seminars, and coffee (a la Capital One Cafes).
- Hospitals & Healthcare (#7, #8, #23) – Creating new revenue streams, like Northwell Health did with a studio division or Tampa General Hospital’s standalone staffing agency. Remote surgery is on the rise, as is research and drug development to treat obesity.
- Construction (#9) – Labor shortages in the construction industry continue. AI-powered robots may help fix the housing crisis, building homes faster and more efficiently.
- Climate (#10) – Bill Gates says, “In 2025, climate innovations will enter our homes, workplaces and supermarkets to become a part of everyday life…” Innovations include sustainable dairy proteins, windows, and advances in EV-battery technology.
- Supermarkets (#11) – Edible packaging is on the rise. Logistical challenges from food safety regulations and environmental sensitivities will need to be solved.
- Steaming (#12) – Steaming may be at a tipping point, but access to content isn’t going away. Bundling and consolidating access to streaming apps may be the next step.
- Social Networking (#13) – Social media ecosystem will continue to splinter and may lead to greater polarization. Will there be another “central watering hole” like Twitter ever again?
- Aerospace (#15) – Efforts to explore (and colonize) the cosmos – from Mars to the moon – continue.
- People – Workforce Development & Workplace Inclusivity (#17 & #19) – From policymakers to internal company initiatives, global economies will be focused on workforce development to drive global growth. In addition, AI is set to revolutionize workplace inclusivity with innovations like hands-free computer operations and screen reading, as well as making recruitment more inclusive.
- Offline Dating (#21) – More singles are ditching online dating apps and looking to matchmakers, social clubs, dating coaches, or speed dating events to meet a partner.
- Menopause (#22) – Companies are joining the conversation and recasting menopause as a vital stage in a woman’s career. Watch for the rise of executive coaches specializing in supporting senior leader’s and more employers offering support and accommodations.
- Sports Betting (#24) – More anti-gambling public health campaigns, tighter regulations on advertising, and higher taxes on sportsbooks are on the horizon.
What do you think about these predictions for 2025?
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