Are You Ready to Lead in the Future? (08/19/2025)

Happy Tuesday!

I’m in Atlanta leading the second day of a Bud to Boss workshop for leaders who want to improve their skills, confidence and ultimately their results. I’m talking with them in part about what it means to lead in the future – hitting on some of the ideas in this newsletter.

Since you can’t be here today, you can read some of those thoughts here!

(If you are looking for support as a new leader, or want to talk about bringing this learning experience into your organization, start here.)

Another way we can support you is in our upcoming Virtual LeaderCon. If you know what it is, you can just mark your calendar for the afternoons (ET) of Sept 22-25 and register. If you don’t know, click the link to learn more. I promise you will find at least one session that can change your perspective and results.

Make it a great Tuesday and remember …

You are Remarkable!

Kevin 😊

Finding Value in Job-Skill Certificates

The number of options for certificates, badges and other types of non-degreed options have skyrocketed in the last few years. According to a report by Credential Engine, there are over 1 million unique credentials available in the U.S., and over 650,000 of them come from non-academic providers.

Having options is a good thing (though too many options cause problems too), but a credential isn’t a guarantee of anything. Because there is a difference between getting a credential and knowing it will change your income or workplace outlook.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal - highlights this fact that not all credentials will pay off in the expected ways.

This isn’t the fault of the credential (though I am sure with so many, that some are of dubious value), it is an expectation problem in those seeking the certifications.

Seeking advanced training and skill development is a wonderful sign of ambition and willingness to work. But to assume the “piece of paper” guarantees anything is to forget how and why people are hired and promoted. A certification proves willingness to learn. But job performance in the technical areas studied (and the even more important areas of human skills) are what set people apart for new roles and promotions.

If you are looking to move forward in your career, congratulations. Please consider how certifications might help you. But pick them wisely and keep them in proper perspective. The certificate is a sign of interest and ambition, but it is a ticket to the action, not the guarantee of winning the game.

Are You Ready to Lead in the Future?

An article with this title could have been written anytime in my lifetime, and ideas for the future could have been shared. But I believe that as difficult as leadership has always been, when you look at the changes and demands that will be placed on leaders in the future, the role is harder than ever. Asking the question “are you ready to lead in the future?” is one every leader must ask – and every organization must consider as they develop their leaders too.

Here are the five biggest shifts leaders must acknowledge – because each comes with new demands placed on us.

KEEP READING

Thanks for reading. Please reply at any time with questions or feedback for our team.

When you’re ready, here are a few ways we can help:

1. Work with me 1:1: Book a coaching or strategy session to help you achieve your goals for 2025 and beyond!

2. Book me for your next keynote or event: Not just “another keynote”, this is a message that inspires, engages and accelerates you, your team and organization to success!

3. Courses & workshops: check out our wide-array of learning opportunities - live & interactive workshops, micro and on-demand solutions and so much more.