From knowledge to wisdom economy

AI has undeniably captured the world’s imagination. The enthusiasm surrounding this technology is unprecedented. Watching a business news channel without hearing about the latest AI breakthrough is nearly impossible. While Peter Drucker’s concept of the “knowledge worker” remains relevant, it is now evolving into what is being called the “wisdom economy.”

Companies and businesses begin to talk about upgrading their people’s skills. You get to hear terms like:

1. Upskilling: Training employees to improve or enhance their current skills to meet new demands or changes in their roles.

2. Reskilling: Teaching employees new skills to take on different organizational roles, often in response to shifts in business needs or technology advancements.

3. Workforce transformation: A holistic approach that involves retraining, reskilling, and reorganizing talent to adapt to significant industry changes.

4. Lifelong learning: Encouraging continuous education and development to keep pace with technological advancements and industry evolution.

5. Future-proofing skills: Equipping employees with abilities that are essential to navigating future challenges in their industries.

6. Talent redeployment: Shifting existing employees into new roles or departments, often requiring retraining or reskilling to fit the new responsibilities.

7. Capability building: Developing employees’ core competencies to adapt to evolving market conditions or business strategies.

And all because of the need to adapt to automation, AI and other technological disruptions affecting the workforce.

Writer and business consultant David C. Edelman discusses the top three skills you and I need to succeed in an AI-driven world. Leaders must cultivate new skills that blend technological expertise with human-centered capabilities. The traits that once defined top performers are evolving, and future leaders must adapt to remain competitive.

Curiosity – The foundation of continuous learning: Curiosity is the driving force behind innovation. Successful leaders constantly ask insightful questions, probe deeper into information, and seek knowledge. AI can deliver answers, but only by continuously asking the right questions and exploring alternative perspectives can individuals extract valuable insights.

Data savviness – The lifeblood of decision-making: Leaders must identify data sources, understand data quality, and integrate data across various platforms. Successful companies view data as a strategic asset, using it to improve operations and personalize customer experiences. In B2B and B2C settings, data-driven decision-making has become the key to unlocking competitive advantages and fostering innovation.

Accountability – The human element in AI management: Leaders take responsibility for AI-generated outputs, scrutinizing the data, evaluating biases, and ensuring the systems deliver the intended results. Effective managers continuously refine AI processes, ensuring they evolve according to customer needs.

Now, let’s look at another view.

Air B&B’s Chip Conley says human wisdom is more valuable than ever, but true wisdom requires these six skills. Peter Drucker’s concept of the “knowledge worker” remains relevant but is now evolving into what is being called the “wisdom economy.”

Human insight, emotional intelligence, and judgment are increasingly valuable in this emerging landscape as AI takes over routine tasks. Wise leaders focus not just on knowledge accumulation but also on synthesizing life experiences and applying deep insights to complex situations.

The key traits of wise leadership include:

Pattern recognition: As individuals mature, their ability to synthesize information across different domains grows. Wise leaders leverage this cognitive flexibility to see the bigger picture, connecting seemingly unrelated dots and making informed decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term objectives.

Unvarnished insight: With experience comes the ability to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Wise leaders often have moved beyond the need to impress and can offer precise, authentic observations based on deep understanding.

Self-reflection and presence: Wisdom begins with self-awareness. Leaders who listen not only to others but also to themselves can more effectively navigate challenging environments. This inner clarity enables them to lead authentically, making decisions that resonate with the business and the people they lead. Curiousness is the foundation of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world. Lifelong curiosity ensures leaders remain adaptable, creative, and open to new experiences – a crucial trait for thriving in a future where AI and human wisdom must coexist.

Openness to dissent: Psychological safety is a hallmark of successful teams. Wise leaders create environments where team members feel safe, challenge ideas and present innovative solutions without fear of retribution.

Comfort in paradox: The ability to hold conflicting ideas in tension is a hallmark of wisdom. Wise leaders can balance competing priorities – such as gravitas with humor or introversion with extroversion – allowing them to navigate complexity gracefully.

Ultimately, while AI and technology are powerful tools, they cannot replace the human qualities that define wise leadership. The successful leaders of tomorrow will be those who can merge curiosity, data expertise and accountability with the timeless principles of wisdom.

As AI continues to reshape industries, the future belongs to those who can combine technical proficiency with a deep understanding of what it means to be human.

Francis Kong’s “Inspiring Excellence” podcast is now available on Spotify, Apple, Google, or other podcast streaming platforms.