Gen Z is staring up from the bottom of the corporate ladder,but with AI job automation and economic headwinds the prospect of landing a job-let alone climbing the greasy pole-is more daunting than ever.
The good news, according to Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach, is that the secret to success may be well within their control. Instead of bowing out, Gen Z shoudl double down on one trait: their mindset.
“The attitude that you bring to the office-and to your employees, your peers, and the people you serve alongside every day-is what ultimately will determine a lot of your success,” Eschenbach recently said on McKinsey’s Inside the Strategy Room podcast.
“I often say your altitude in life is entirely resolute by your attitude in life.”
And he’s speaking from experience: “Once I transitioned from a life of success for myself to a life of significance for others, everything changed. I think that is a key component to leading in this new world that we’re living in today.”
While Eschenbach worked at companies like Dell and Sequoia Capital before joining Workday’s C-suite in late 2022, his early career journey was far from conventional; he began his career as a competitive wrestler, somthing he’s said has shaped his business perspectives.
“By serving others, somehow success will follow you-probably even more success than if you focused on su
Tom Farley’s Advice for Career Success: Networking and Embracing AI
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tom Farley, President of FarPoint Acquisition Corporation and former COO of Fidelity Investments, offers valuable insights for navigating a successful career, particularly emphasizing the importance of strong networking and adapting to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). His advice, shared in a 2015 interview with McKinsey & Company and highlighted recently, remains highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape.
The Power of Networking
Farley stresses that a robust network is a cornerstone of career advancement. He believes the strength of your network isn’t simply about who you know, but how many connections you have. “I]always say the power of your network is only as strong as the number of nodes that are in it,” he explained to McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher.[https://fortunecom/2015/07/07/tom-farley-networking-tips/[https://fortunecom/2015/07/07/tom-farley-networking-tips/
This highlights the importance of actively expanding your network and leveraging existing connections to meet new people. rather than viewing networking as a transactional activity, it should be seen as a continuous process of building mutually beneficial relationships. Each new connection represents a “node” that can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable support throughout your career.
Building a Lasting Network
While the concept of networking is well-known, building a lasting network requires intentional effort. Here are some key strategies:
Be genuinely interested in others: Focus on building rapport and understanding their goals and challenges.
Offer value: Think about how you can help others in your network, whether it’s sharing information, making introductions, or providing support.
Stay in touch: Regularly connect with people in your network, even if it’s just a swift email or message.
Be patient: Building strong relationships takes time and effort.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence
Farley also urges young professionals to embrace, rather than fear, the advancements in AI. He advocates for a proactive approach to technology, encouraging individuals to “lean into technology, don’t be afraid of it.” https://fortune.com/2015/07/07/tom-farley-networking-tips/
He emphasizes the importance of finding ways to “peacefully coexist” with AI, leveraging it’s capabilities to enhance productivity and drive innovation. This doesn’t mean simply accepting AI as a replacement for human skills, but rather understanding how to collaborate with it effectively.
Leveraging AI for Career Growth
here’s how young professionals can proactively integrate AI into their career progress:
Identify AI tools relevant to your field: Research and experiment with AI-powered tools that can automate tasks, analyze data, or improve your workflow.
Develop AI-related skills: Consider taking courses or workshops to learn about AI concepts and applications. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer numerous options. https://www.coursera.org/ https://www.edx.org/
Focus on uniquely human skills: AI excels at automation and data analysis, but it lacks creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Develop these skills to differentiate yourself in the job market.
Understand the ethical implications of AI: As AI becomes more prevalent, it’s vital to be aware of its potential biases and ethical challenges.
Key Takeaways
Networking is crucial: A large and well-maintained network is a powerful asset for career success.
focus on quantity and quality: Expand your network while nurturing existing relationships. Embrace AI: Don’t fear technological advancements; learn to leverage them to your advantage.
Develop uniquely human skills: Focus on creativity,critical thinking,and emotional intelligence.
Looking Ahead
Tom Farley’s advice remains remarkably prescient.As the pace of technological change continues to accelerate, the ability to build strong networks and adapt to new technologies will be essential for navigating a successful career. The future of work will likely involve even greater collaboration between humans and AI, making it more critically important than ever to embrace lifelong learning and proactively develop the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic surroundings.
fortune Global Forum: The Fortune Global Forum will return October 26-27, 2025, in riyadh, bringing together CEOs and global leaders. Applications for invitations are currently being accepted. https://conferences.fortune.com/event/global-forum-2025/summary