I constantly ask myself what I don’t know but need to know to stay relevant in our ever-changing global landscape. One way we can continually remain relevant is by developing 21st-century skills. In today’s cost-cutting economy and marketplace, we have to cultivate transferable and sustainable skills from one arena to another.

So what are 21st-century skills and mindsets?

1. Problem Solving
2. Creativity
3. Communication – written/verbal
4. Leadership
5. Technology Literacy
6. Critical Thinking
7. Life-Long Learning
8. Emotional Intelligence

In my personal and professional life, I make every effort to study one of these skills each month, reading as much as possible about the subject matter. These learning opportunities allow me to identify how I can better equip myself to enhance my blindspots on the topic. Day after day, we have a chance to develop while diversifying ourselves in the discovery and progression of these 21st-century skills. Outside of our circle, we need to understand and communicate with millennials and zoomers because these young people are our future.

I often feel sorry for our younger generations because, like myself (gen-x), they are the ones that are going to inherit society’s mess. We are currently watching disorder sitting on our doorstep. These 21st-century skills are forever ubiquitous and must be nurtured during this rare moment in time as we work together to bring forward meaningful change.

Never stop believing in yourself, asking the question ‘Why?’ and being unique.

— Brian Nadon