Self-leadership has never been more critical. You know that.

AI is coming through, marking seismic shifts in the job market. Standing atop the clifftops at Ben Buckler, overlooking the stunning Bondi Beach, I welcome you back to the Chris Walker podcast.

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Today, we’re delving into a topic that couldn’t be more relevant or more essential: self-leadership. ### The AI Revolution and Job Market Shift In this age of AI and automation, major changes are happening in the job market. Due to automation and AI, McKinsey predicts that up to 20 million middle-management roles could become redundant.

However, there’s also a massive shortage of leadership talent—3 million vacancies in C-suite roles, and that number is only growing.

Middle Managers vs. Leadership Vacancies: What’s causing this gap? Why are we seeing so many unemployed middle managers and unfilled leadership positions?

The answer lies in self-leadership, which is more crucial than ever. AI is revolutionising how businesses operate, automating tasks that were once within the realm of middle management. We see AI managing analytics, administrative tasks, and even decision-making in ways unimaginable just a decade ago. Middle managers, who once thrived in organizational hierarchies, now face the threat of redundancy. McKinsey’s forecasts highlight a looming job crisis for these roles.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence

Amid this shift, there’s a glaring hunger for C-suite leadership that AI cannot fulfil. Why? Because AI may be able to process data, but it lacks the emotional intelligence, creativity, and human-centred leadership essential in today’s evolving business landscape. The increasing importance of soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership has grown exponentially.

Navigating Uncertainty with Self-Leadership Self-leadership is the future. It isn’t merely about hard skills anymore; it’s about how well you can navigate uncertainty, manage change, and lead yourself through ambiguity. Soft skills have become the new currency in the workplace, and AI can’t replicate these. It’s no longer enough to turn up to work and do the job. It would be best if you turned up entirely, with presence, enthusiasm, and resilience.

The Lifelong Journey of Self-Leadership

This isn’t a skill set you can develop overnight; it’s a lifelong journey. Mastering self-leadership is an individual trip, and the lack thereof creates a significant gap. Encouraging personal growth at an individual level is crucial. With millions at risk of being displaced by AI and as many leadership vacancies to fill, traditional management training isn’t cutting it anymore. Businesses need leaders, not just managers.