Episode Details

What will the world of work look like in ten years? How will artificial intelligence, changing customer expectations and new technologies reshape our lives? And what can we do today to prepare for a future that nobody can predict with certainty?

In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, Bob Wells speaks with Andy Milligan, co-author of Future Shift, about the forces transforming business, work and society. The conversation  is much more than a conversation about corporate strategy. It explores the human skills we all need to navigate change, whether we're starting our careers, running a business, approaching retirement or looking for ways to contribute to our communities.

Andy explains why curiosity, adaptability, empathy and critical thinking are becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven world. He also shares why businesses must look beyond profit alone, why smaller organisations can have an advantage over larger corporations, and how older and younger generations can learn from one another.

The central message is an optimistic one: we may not be able to predict the future, but we can prepare for it — and we all have a part to play in shaping it.

What We Discuss

• Preparing for an unpredictable future: Why understanding emerging trends matters more than trying to predict exactly what will happen.
• The changing world of business: How AI, technological innovation, climate change, demographic shifts and geopolitics are reshaping organisations.
• The importance of brands and customer experience: Why a brand must deliver on its promises, and how employee experience influences what customers actually receive.
• AI and the human advantage: Why technology should improve the customer experience rather than simply reduce costs, and why human empathy remains essential.
• The skills that matter most: Why curiosity, collaboration, adaptability, resilience and critical thinking may be just as important as formal qualifications.
• Rethinking careers: Why young people should develop transferable skills rather than assume they'll follow one career path for life.
• Purpose beyond profit: Why sustainability, employee wellbeing, good governance and positive community impact matter alongside financial performance.
• The rise of skills-based working: Why organisations may increasingly value what people can do over their job titles or place in a traditional hierarchy.
• The advantage of small businesses: How closer relationships with customers and the ability to adapt quickly can help smaller organisations compete.
• The contribution of older generations: Why experience, mentoring, volunteering and intergenerational conversations can help younger people navigate change.
• The power of conversation: Why informal discussions and even a walk with a colleague can generate ideas, strengthen relationships and solve problems.

Key Takeaways

1. Stay curious and keep learning. Whatever your age or career stage, be willing to question assumptions, explore new ideas and develop new skills.

2. Develop your human skills. Empathy, collaboration, communication and critical thinking will remain valuable as technology takes over more routine tasks.

3. Be prepared to change direction. A qualification or first job doesn't have to define your entire career. The ability to learn, adapt and try something new is a strength.

4. Put people at the heart of technology. AI can make services faster and more convenient, but businesses must understand when customers need human support and understanding.

5. Recognise that business affects everyone. From local shops and tradespeople to global corporatio