Future Fit

Description

Foreword by Bernard Salt. In this second, fully revised and updated edition, career and leadership expert Andrea Clarke looks forward to the skills and attributes that will drive success in the post-COVID workforce. COVID-19 has drastically affected the way we work. It has made flexible working arrangements the new normal, it has brought into the spotlight the shortcomings of the casualisation of the workforce and made employers and employees question the skills and attributes best suited for success. But some things haven't changed. According to Andrea Clarke, author and creator of the Future of Work Program: "Talent is just as important as technology, and we all need to master eight specific human skills, which will help us lean towards change and become an asset to ourselves and the company we work for, instead of a liability." The book explores in detail the eight skills - Personal brand, Adaptability, Communication, Networking, Creativity, Leadership, Problem-solving, Lifelong learning - necessary to remain future fit in our post-pandemic world. Awards for the first edition of Future Fit WINNER | Australian Business Book of the Year 2019 FINALIST | UK Business Book Awards 2020 CATEGORY WINNER | Best personal investment book, Australian Business Book Awards 2019 FINALIST | Australian Career Book of the Year 2019 Endorsements of the first edition of Future Fit "A roadmap for the confusion of the eternal 'future of work' question, through thrilling and brilliant storytelling. Funny, overwhelmingly honest and relatable." Alicia Stephenson, Director, Generational Dynamics, Incorp "The present and the future belongs to the skilled, to the agile and to the resilient... this is what Future Fit is all about." Bernard Salt AM "An incredible read for CEOs and leaders who know that closing the human skills gap will spark the innovation needed to stay competitive and pursue new market opportunities." Jacinta Jones, Chief Customer Officer, RollitSuper "Many parents ask me what they can do to help guide their children to future opportunities. From now on I'm going to tell them to read Future Fit." Dr Catherine Ball, Scientist and Entrepreneur."

ANDREA CLARKE's career started as a TV news reporter covering major news events for Al Jazeera English, the Pentagon Channel, the Seven Network and Reuters, including the US Presidential Election, the Virginia Tech campus shooting and Hurricane Katrina. She then became a media officer for an international aid organisation, where her role was to support programs to rebuild Iraq, Afghanistan and Georgia by gathering stories from the frontline. In 2009, Andrea was hired to serve as Senior Communication Director for the Save Darfur Coalition - the largest grassroots advocacy movement in the world. She now heads up her own organisation FutureFitCo, equipping professionals with the critical human skills required to thrive in the future of work. Andrea is a regular media commentator and sought-after speaker with Saxtons.

"Andrea Clarke has given us such a gift with this book. She shows us how to turn vulnerability into a strength, adversity into resilience and the rapidly changing challenges of a modern work world into opportunities to seize. And she does so with an engaging, hilarious and crisp, to-the-point writing style that makes you feel like you are chatting with her over coffee. And as I navigate my career or just need a boost of confidence, I'll rely on her wise words for years to come." Laura Capps, Speechwriter for President Bill Clinton "In Future Fit, Andrea Clarke tells not just her story but also a story of resilience, of skill acquisition and of how to deal with intimidating situations in the workforce. Here is a book of practical advice on how to navigate the future of work when you don't quite know what the future holds." Bernard Salt AM, The Demographics Group "Andrea Clarke has developed a cult-like following among those who have completed her digital workshops. I have witnessed first-hand how she changes lives with her concise insights into leadership, reputation capital and the importance of continuous learning. In Future Fit, Andrea captures decades of real-life experience and research and wraps it in empathy and compassion for those facing job insecurity." Helen McCabe, Founder of Future Women "Future Fit will equip you - and those who role-model your behaviours - with exercises for a thriving career. It's a true force multiplier to embrace uncertainty." Dominic Price, Atlassian "Future Fit is a potent toolkit for anyone wanting to not only keep up with the head-spinning pace of workplace change but to position themselves to excel within it. Andrea's knowledge, wisdom and passion for elevating others through practical tips and concise strategies provide a liferaft for workers navigating this perfect storm." Wendy Tuohy, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald "Andrea Clarke provides a simple, uncomplicated message to tackle a grand challenge. Future Fit implores us to be curious, to be intentional and to develop a learner's mindset in all that we encounter." Anthony Morris, CEO of Cahoot Learning "Future Fit is a survival guide for the future of work. This handbook will equip you with the mindset and capabilities required for work that is more digital, remote, asynchronous and, most importantly, more human. Essential learning for anyone working in the new hybrid organisations accelerated by COVID-19." Kristin Boag, Global Learning & Development Executive "Clarke's inspiring and passionate storytelling combines practical and actionable advice for anyone negotiating and actively pursuing changes across the workforce." Tim Fawcett, Head of Government Affairs at Cisco "A roadmap for the confusion of the eternal 'future of work' question, through brilliant storytelling. Funny, overwhelmingly honest and relatable." Alicia Stephenson, Director, Centre for Generational Dynamics