Let’s be honest, most of us are already wondering.
Will AI affect my job?
Will offices even matter anymore?
Will skills count more than degrees?
And what does “good leadership” look like when everything seems to be evolving at once?
These are the questions explored in the latest episode of the SHRM India Advisory Council Podcast, where some of the country’s most respected voices come together to reflect on what’s next for work. The episode features Shiv Shivakumar, Richard Rekhy, Raj Nayak, Pranjal Sharma, Pavitra Singh, and Achal Khanna.
The conversation ranges from the impact of new technologies to shifting expectations for leadership, the evolution of skills, and the reimagining of workplace models. It’s not just about spotting trends. It’s about judgment, readiness, and the choices leaders make in an era of uncertainty.
Setting the Context
Shiv talks about how AI is already reshaping roles, offices, and even leadership itself. Pavitra explains why careers are increasingly about skills, learning, and staying curious rather than job titles. Pranjal discusses how technology, geopolitics, and shifting consumer habits are all colliding to redefine organizations. And Raj brings it back to what matters most: happiness, empathy, and treating people with dignity, especially when businesses face hard decisions.
Work, Skills, and Staying Human
A few themes keep coming up throughout the episode:
Routine tasks will be handled more by technology, but human judgment will matter more than ever.
Skills and adaptability will start to outweigh degrees and job titles.
Offices are becoming shared, social spaces rather than status symbols.
Employees want transparency, safety, and leaders who listen.
And perhaps the most memorable reminder: don’t let technology do your thinking for you.
They also highlight the opportunities: new roles, new ways of learning, and workplaces that feel more inclusive, flexible, and human.
Final Thoughts
Whether you lead a team, work in HR, run a business, or simply want to future‑proof your career, this episode offers something rare: thoughtful perspectives and insights.
2025 was about spotting early signals. 2026 is about scaling what truly matters.
Tune in to SHRM India’s Advisory Council Podcast to hear voices shaping tomorrow’s workplaces today.
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