Navigating Economic Uncertainty and AI's Impact on Job Market

Check out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

In this episode of the Future-Proof You podcast, hosts discuss the current state of the economy and its implications for job seekers and companies. They delve into recent news, including the shrinking GDP, decreased consumer spending, and the impact on major corporations like Amazon and UPS. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in hiring and its potential to replace certain jobs, emphasizing the importance of human relationships and networking. They also highlight the AI-first mentality in companies and how it affects recruitment and job search strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice for job seekers, the importance of diversifying skills, and upcoming classes and community events offered by Future-Proof You.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:19 Economic News and GDP Discussion
01:54 Consumer Spending and Corporate Reactions
03:22 Impact on Job Market and Hiring Trends
05:39 AI's Role in the Workforce
12:59 Future of Recruiting and Candidate Experience
20:39 Practical Advice for Job Seekers
21:04 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

Check out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Career Pivots for Teachers: Strategies for a Successful Transition

Check out https://futureproof-you.com/store for upcoming classes like our Career Pivots for Teachers

In this episode of the Future-Proof You podcast, hosts John Lovig and Aaron Makelky discuss career pivots for educators, focusing on practical steps teachers can take to transition out of traditional classroom roles. April is designated as career pivot month for the podcast, and Aaron leverages his own experience and expertise to highlight the growing desire among teachers to explore new career avenues. The discussion covers a range of important topics, including the importance of recognizing transferable skills, the specific challenges teachers face in job searching, and the seasonal nature of teaching job applications. Aaron emphasizes the significance of doing a comprehensive skills inventory, identifying and eliminating time wasters, and actively sharing progress and achievements on platforms like LinkedIn. The hosts also address the psychological aspects of career transitions, offering insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of leaving a stable but unfulfilling job. The episode aims to provide actionable advice and support for teachers considering a career change, and encourages them to explore resources provided by Future-Proof You, such as live classes and downloadable content.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:14 Understanding Career Pivots for Teachers
00:40 Challenges Teachers Face in Career Transitions
02:16 Transferable Skills and Competencies
04:21 Application Process and Job Search Strategies
06:13 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Pivots
11:33 Steps to Building a Bridge Out of Teaching
19:24 Sharing Your Journey and Networking
24:28 Balancing Pain and Uncertainty in Career Changes
29:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out https://futureproof-you.com/store for upcoming classes

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

AI tools like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT are improving at a breakneck pace, sometimes feeling like they get better week by week, or even day by day. What does this rapid rate of change mean for your career, especially if you're job hunting, considering a pivot, or were recently laid off?

Join Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, and John Lovig as they tackle this head-on. They discuss the startling acceleration of AI capabilities, moving from "eager intern" needing supervision to powerful assistants requiring minimal checks [00:01:50]. Learn the real implications for jobs traditionally focused on "handling things" (admins, VAs, paralegals) and why re-skilling with AI tools isn't just advice, it's essential [00:02:30].

The team dives into practical strategies: understand the "data moat" – why sticking with one AI tool can be smarter than chasing the newest model due to your built-in context and history [00:03:15]. Explore the alternative multi-tool approach and the power of integrating AI with your existing workflows, like connecting Google Drive to Perplexity [00:04:00].

Plus, get insights into the future of AI hardware integration [00:06:15] and a crucial breakdown of free vs. paid AI – what you're really paying for often isn't just features, but vital data privacy and control [00:07:40]. Get actionable advice to navigate the AI landscape and take control of your career today!

Key Topics Discussed:

• [00:00:45] The accelerating pace of AI improvements (Claude, Gemini examples).
• [00:01:50] AI evolving from "eager intern" to highly capable assistant needing less oversight.
• [00:02:30] Real-world implications for administrative, VA, paralegal roles.
• [00:02:50] Why it's not AI replacing you, but people using AI. The urgent need to re-skill.
• [00:03:15] Understanding the "Data Moat": The value of your history and context in a single AI tool (like ChatGPT).
• [00:04:00] Integrating AI with existing workflows (e.g., Perplexity + Google Drive).
• [00:04:25] The potential for team collaboration with shared AI context.
• [00:05:00] Balancing the "Data Moat" vs. using multiple AI tools for specific tasks.
• [00:06:15] The future of AI: Hardware integration (Apple example) and embedded context.
• [00:06:50] Trust, data privacy, and the "Big Brother" concerns with ubiquitous AI.
• [00:07:40] Free vs. Paid AI Tiers: What you gain (data control, opting out of model training, deletion policies).
• [00:08:30] Comparing AI data privacy policies (e.g., Google vs. Perplexity Enterprise Pro).
• [00:10:15] The value of understanding these nuances for everyday users.

Take Control of Your Career Today:

The AI landscape is shifting fast, but you can stay ahead. Ready to harness these tools and future-proof your career?

Visit www.futureproof-you.com today! Find essential resources, recordings, and sign up for upcoming live classes designed for:

• Career Pivoters (including late-stage/second careers)
• First-Time Job Seekers (new grads)
• Teachers exploring new industries
• Anyone impacted by layoffs

Don't just react to change – lead it. Check out our free guide to setting up your LinkedIn Profile and follow FutureProof You on LinkedIn to start taking control of your career today!

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:
Simplify and streamline technology
Save teachers’ time
Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
Improve student performance on state assessments
🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Check out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

TNavigating the Uncertain Job Market and the Dano Method

In this episode of The Future Proof You podcast, hosts Aaron Makelky, John Lovig, and Dan Yu discuss the challenges and uncertainties in the current labor market. They introduce the VUCA acronym—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—to describe the job landscape. Dan Yu shares insights as a career pivot coach on how job seekers should navigate these challenges using the Dano Method: Discover, Apply skills, Network, and Overcome fear. John Lovig provides perspectives from the hiring side, noting changes and challenges companies face. They stress the importance of being self-aware, networking, and continuously diversifying skills. Also, they highlight the significance of having a mentor and conducting a 360-degree assessment to truly understand one's capabilities. Listeners are encouraged to visit futureproofu.com for more resources and upcoming classes.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:27 Understanding VUCA in the Labor Market
01:22 Coaching Through Uncertainty
03:01 Recruitment Challenges and Trends
06:12 The DANO Method Explained
07:52 Adapting to Career Changes
11:13 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking
13:16 Skills Assessment and Career Pivoting
21:15 Embracing Failure and Continuous Learning
22:58 Conclusion and Resources

Go to the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and grab our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

In March 2025, Futureproof-You.com is teaching the AI Master Class series. If you missed the live classes, you can check out the website to access recordings and see which live classes are coming up next.

In this episode of the Future Proof Yourself podcast, hosts Dan, John Lo, and Aaron Makelky discuss the essentials of content creation. They share their personal experiences, discuss common challenges, and debunk myths around posting frequency and algorithm engagement. They also promote their upcoming course 'Content Creation 101', which aims to help listeners build their personal brands effectively by implementing structured systems and strategies. Tune in to learn valuable tips on posting schedules, leveraging analytics, and repurposing content across various platforms.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Restart

00:51 Content Creation Basics

01:51 Posting Frequency and Algorithm Insights

03:21 Building Your Personal Brand

04:01 Engagement and Feedback

05:12 Content Creation Strategies

08:02 Scheduling and Analytics

11:18 Repurposing Content

18:38 Types of Content Creators

22:03 Course Information and Conclusion

Check out our website https://futureproof-you.com for more resources to help with your career pivot, job search, or AI skills.

In March 2025, Futureproof-You.com is teaching the AI Master Class series. If you missed the live classes, you can check out the website to access recordings and see which live classes are coming up next.

Welcome back to the Future Proof You podcast! In this episode, Dan Yu, John Lovig, and Aaron Makelky dive into the world of AI and how it can be a tool for content creators and even job seekers looking to build their personal brand. They tackle common myths and misconceptions around using AI and offer practical tips to leverage these tools authentically.

Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Upcoming Class: AI Skills for Content Creators

01:09 Leveraging AI for Content Creation

02:17 Common Misconceptions About AI

03:34 Creating Authentic Content with AI

04:11 Content Creation on LinkedIn

06:44 Using AI Tools Effectively

13:35 Expanding Content Across Multiple Platforms

16:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check out our website https://futureproof-you.com for more resources to help with your career pivot, job search, or AI skills.

Leveraging AI Tools for New Entrepreneurs

In March 2025, Futureproof-You.com is teaching the AI Master Class series. If you missed the live classes, you can check out the website to access recordings and see which live classes are coming up next.

In this episode of the Future Proof Views podcast, hosts John Lovig and Aaron Makelky discuss the challenges and strategies of being new entrepreneurs. They share personal anecdotes and experiences, highlighting the importance of multitasking and the need for effective content creation. The discussion touches on various AI tools, such as Fathom for transcribing meetings, Google Workspace for comprehensive business management, and other useful software solutions that streamline tasks and boost productivity. Tune in to gain insights on leveraging AI for enhancing your entrepreneurial journey.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:19 Challenges of New Entrepreneurs
03:03 Building and Managing a Website
06:08 Content Creation and AI Tools
09:47 Leveraging AI for Efficiency
17:43 Google Workspace for Entrepreneurs
21:35 Upcoming Session and Conclusion

Check out our website https://futureproof-you.com for more resources to help with your career pivot, job search, or AI skills.

AI in the Workplace and School

In March 2025, Futureproof-You.com is teaching the AI Master Class series. If you missed the live classes, you can check out the website to access recordings and see which live classes are coming up next.

In this episode of The Future Proof You podcast, hosts Aaron Makelky, John Wig, and Dan Yu discuss the transformative impact of AI on various industries. John, an expert in recruiting, highlights how AI is changing hiring practices and emphasizes the importance of learning AI to stay relevant in the job market. Dan, a career pivot expert, stresses the necessity of building new skills and using AI to enhance one's personal brand. Aaron shares insights on using AI in content creation and education, advocating for its role in making learning more accessible. The hosts also introduce upcoming AI-focused classes for teachers, entrepreneurs, students, and content creators, as well as future career pivot classes through FutureProof You. The episode concludes with personal aha moments from John and Dan on their experiences using AI.

00:00 Introduction to Future Proof You Podcast
00:45 AI's Impact on Recruiting
02:55 Adapting to AI in Your Career
04:28 Leveraging AI for Content Creation
10:28 AI in Education
12:51 AI for Career Pivots
18:57 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Classes

Check out our website https://futureproof-you.com for more resources to help with your career pivot, job search, or AI skills.