Ever watched a child build with blocks? They don’t worry about the name of each piece—they just see possibilities. That’s the spirit LinkedIn’s Kumaresh Pattabiraman says we need now: viewing jobs as evolving skills, not rigid titles. In this fast-changing AI era, clinging to a job description might just hold us back. But embracing adaptability? That’s where the real adventure begins!
Why Adaptability Is Your Family’s Secret Superpower?
Kumaresh Pattabiraman, LinkedIn India’s country manager, puts it perfectly: professionals need to see roles as “collections of highly adaptable and dynamic skills” rather than fixed titles. It’s like how my little one approaches her art projects—she mixes crayons, clay, and imagination without labeling herself “artist” or “builder.” She’s just creating, and that flexibility is her superpower.
Studies confirm this! Technical skills alone aren’t enough—human creativity is what makes solutions sing. The LinkedIn leader points out that India’s workforce—a huge hub for LinkedIn—shows where careers are headed globally. Turns out, adaptability rules.
Gone are the days of linear career paths. He recalls traditional households urging defined roles, but today’s young workforce gets to “draw their own lines.” It’s a thrilling shift—like swapping a rigid map for a compass and curiosity!
This global shift reminds me of how my family adapts traditions—blending old and new keeps things vibrant! Just like our yunnori game nights mix classic fun with modern twists, careers today thrive on that same mix of heritage and innovation.
Why Adaptability Feels Like a Family Journey?
You know those family trips where plans change? Maybe rain cancels the picnic, but you pivot to indoor fun—board games, storytelling, maybe even inventing a new recipe together. That’s the mindset we need now: embracing change with hope and a dash of creativity.
Pattabiraman encourages professionals to keep an open mind, explore new roles, and lean into AI and community support. It’s not about fearing change but seeing it as a chance to grow—much like watching a child learn to ride a bike. They wobble, they fall, but with encouragement, they find their balance and soar.
Get this—studies show that overreliance on AI tools can hinder skill development, so balance is key. Use AI as a helper, not a replacement. Imagine it as a trusty sidekick on your career adventure, freeing you to focus on what humans do best: connecting, innovating, and inspiring.
Practical Steps to Build Your Dynamic Skill Set for Career Growth
Ready to thrive? Here’s how to start, infused with that hopeful, can-do spirit:
- Embrace Lifelong Learning: Platforms like LinkedIn offer AI coaching for interviews and negotiations—tools to practice and grow. Think of it like learning a new family game; it might feel awkward at first, but soon it’s second nature.
- Focus on Transferable Skills: Communication, critical thinking, empathy—these are your anchors. They’re the skills that shine whether you’re leading a team or helping your child navigate friendships.
- Stay Curious and Community-Minded: He highlights the power of community support. Share insights, mentor others, and remember: we’re all in this together, much like neighbors cheering each other on at our neighborhood green space.
- Balance Tech with Human Touch: Use AI to handle repetitive tasks, but pour your energy into creative, strategic work. It’s like letting a smart device manage the grocery list so you can focus on cooking a meal that brings everyone together.
Last week, I practiced LinkedIn’s AI interview tool—it felt like learning guitar with my kid, fumbling at first but laughing through the mistakes. Investing in workforce development ensures AI benefits everyone equitably. So take that online course, join a workshop, or simply chat with someone in a different field. Every small step builds resilience.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Heart: Your Career Future
Pattabiraman says it’s “a great time to be entering the world of work if you are adventurous.” I couldn’t agree more! This isn’t about scrambling to keep up—it’s about leaning into your unique strengths with confidence.
Picture this: a future where jobs fluidly adapt to our skills, where AI handles the heavy lifting, and we focus on what matters—building meaningful work and lives. It’s a vision filled with hope, much like watching a child’s face light up when they master something new.
Watching my daughter embrace messy creativity reminds me—growth isn’t about perfection, but the joy of trying. So let’s swap fear for curiosity, titles for talents, and uncertainty for opportunity. Together, we can navigate this evolving landscape, supporting each other with kindness and that good old-fashioned grit. After all, the best journeys aren’t about the destination—they’re about growing along the way.
Source: AI era demands dynamic skills over job titles: LinkedIn’s Kumaresh Pattabiraman, Economic Times, September 8, 2025