“What or who do you fear the most in today’s world?”

A young professional asked me this during a talk. My answer was simple:
“As a mid-career professional, I don’t fear, but I deeply respect the younger lot.”

That answer surprised many, and we ended up discussing it for 10 minutes with my fellow panelists.

In today’s fast-changing world, we keep hearing how leaders must reskill, unlearn, relearn, and keep up. But let’s be honest—this is easier said than done.

By the time you hit your 40s, you’re balancing work, family, finances, and personal goals. Add to that the breakneck speed of technology, and keeping up can feel overwhelming.

And AI has leveled the played field – With AI moving so fast, everyone is at the starting line—fresh graduates and experienced professionals alike. I often find myself surrounded by young, smart, energetic professionals who are hungry to prove themselves. They set new benchmarks, and we are expected to match or even exceed them by adding our experience to the mix.

And that’s exactly why I respect this younger generation. They keep me on my toes. I know several young professionals here on #LinkedIn who inspire me every day with their passion and dedication. Let’s be honest—we all need that extra dose of positive energy in our lives! 😀

👉 So, should we compete?

Not really. Instead of turning it into a race, mid-career professionals should play to their strengths. We have something valuable—perspective.
💠 We’ve seen how industries evolve.
💠 We can predict how AI and other tech will reshape businesses.
💠 We can mentor, guide, and help the younger generation connect the dots between past, present, and future.

If you’re in your 40s, stay in the race. Reskill, stay relevant, and embrace new technology. But at the same time, use your experience to provide a broader perspective. The next generation brings speed and fresh ideas—our role is to add depth and direction.