Podcast: Mastering Future Skills

Written By Lucy Lin

Mastering Future Skills in an Age of Uncertainty - Emerging Tech Unpacked LIVE at SXSW Sydney

The future of work can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At SXSW Sydney, Emerging Tech Unpacked took to the live podcast stage to explore a big question: how do we master future skills in an age of uncertainty, especially when AI and emerging technologies are reshaping every industry around us?

Inside the live SXSW Sydney conversation

In this special live episode, host Lucy Lin is joined by leaders from LinkedIn, Google Cloud and Microsoft to unpack what it really takes to thrive in a world of accelerated change. Together, they move beyond hype and buzzwords to focus on the deeply human capabilities that will matter most alongside AI. The conversation is grounded in real stories, practical examples and the lived experience of navigating careers through disruption.

Why the future feels so uncertain

Audrey Lobo-Pulo, Head of Public Policy & Economic Graph at LinkedIn, shares that around 60% of work tasks are expected to change, even though roughly half of job roles will remain the same. Within the 50% of roles that do change, about half will be augmented by technology, while the other half will be automated, which is why upskilling is now non‑negotiable. The message is clear: jobs are not simply disappearing; the tasks inside them are being reshaped, demanding new capabilities and a far more flexible mindset.

Mindsets for thriving in ambiguity

A recurring theme is the importance of resilience, adaptability and what Natalie Piucco, Chief Technologist at Google Cloud, calls a “figure‑outable mindset”. Rather than waiting to feel fully prepared, the advice is that “being ready is not a feeling, it’s a decision”, and that 60% ready is often enough to start. Timebox your learning, aim for that 60% threshold, then teach others and gather feedback through informal sessions like “Monday morning jams” to accelerate mastery.

Leadership, authenticity and storytelling

Tim Allen, AI National Skills Director at Microsoft, talks about “positive curiosity and optimism” as core traits, alongside the ability to connect and relate to many different people. Authenticity is positioned as essential for modern leadership, captured in the phrase “be a learner, not a knower” to build trust and psychological safety. Storytelling also features strongly: the ability to communicate complex technology in human terms so others can understand it, feel included and take action - exactly what Emerging Tech Unpacked aims to do.

Closing the AI skills gap

The panel also acknowledges the emotional side of this transition. In Australia, LinkedIn data shows that men are about 1.4 times more willing to upskill in AI than women, and around 39% of workers feel anxious about learning AI skills. This gap makes inclusive learning pathways and supportive communities even more important, especially given that approximately 97% of Australian businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises contributing around 60% of national GDP, many of which are still figuring out how to adopt AI sustainably.

Human skills that tech can’t replace

Even as AI advances, human strengths remain irreplaceable. The discussion highlights that hundreds of key in-demand skills are deeply human and cannot be fully done by machines, reinforcing that there will always be a place for people who can connect, collaborate and bring others on the journey. Creativity, empathy and the ability to think outside the box are framed as superpowers, not nice‑to‑haves.

Lifelong learning and career reinvention

Another core idea is that careers are no longer one‑time choices, but ongoing evolutions. Lifelong learning is reframed not just as “doing more courses”, but as cultivating curiosity, experimenting with new tools, seeking feedback and being willing to iterate on your path. The panel explores practical ways to do this, from micro‑learning and side projects to using data and insights to spot in‑demand skills and intentionally close those gaps over time.

Turning uncertainty into opportunity

Ultimately, the tone is hopeful. While technology is transforming the world of work, individuals are not powerless. By focusing on future‑facing skills, embracing experimentation and leaning into human strengths, it is possible to turn uncertainty into opportunity. The conversation encourages listeners (whether students, entrepreneurs or established professionals) to see themselves as active agents in shaping their careers, rather than passive recipients of change.

If you are looking to navigate the evolving tech landscape with more confidence and clarity, this SXSW Sydney live podcast edition of Emerging Tech Unpacked offers an energising and actionable roadmap for mastering future skills in an age of uncertainty.

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