# Career strategies for 2025 

The word “career” no longer carries the same definition it did a decade ago. From lifelong employment to project-based gigs, from linear promotions to lateral skill-hopping—career building in 2025 has turned into a personalized, ever-evolving journey. While AI, automation, and hybrid work redefine industries, experts stress the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and human-centric skills.

So, how should professionals navigate this new world of work? What strategies are experts recommending for building sustainable, future-proof careers in 2025? Let’s break it down.

## 1. The age of skills over job titles

In previous decades, your title defined your career. Today, it’s your skill set that speaks louder.

Employers are increasingly hiring for capabilities, not credentials. Job roles are evolving faster than universities can adapt their curricula. Skills like data literacy, adaptability, communication, and AI fluency are the new must-haves.

According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Global Workforce Report, 85% of hiring managers say skills-based hiring leads to better employee performance. Micro-credentials, bootcamps, and portfolio-based applications are becoming standard paths into competitive roles—especially in tech, marketing, and design.

Strategy: Curate a “living” skills portfolio. Regularly assess your strengths and gaps. Use platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and AI-driven skill assessments to stay relevant.

## 2. Career paths are nonlinear—and that’s okay

The stigma around “career hopping” is quickly fading. In fact, it’s encouraged—especially among younger generations.

Gen Z and Millennials are reframing what growth means. A vertical climb up the ladder isn’t the only goal anymore. Sideways moves, sabbaticals, freelance transitions—all of these are valid ways to grow professionally.

This flexibility is increasingly valuable in a world where job security is unpredictable, and many roles are contract-based. Experts recommend thinking in terms of career capital rather than job stability: the mix of skills, networks, experiences, and reputation that gives you leverage in the market.

Strategy: Embrace horizontal moves. Try cross-functional projects. Think of your career as a jungle gym—not a ladder.

## 3. AI fluency is the new digital literacy

If 2010 was about getting comfortable with the internet, and 2020 was about mastering remote work tools, then 2025 is about being fluent in AI—not just using it, but understanding it.

AI won’t replace jobs. People who know how to use AI will. From writing emails to generating product ideas, AI is becoming an invisible co-pilot in everyday work.

Being AI-fluent doesn’t require coding expertise. It means knowing how to prompt effectively, evaluate AI-generated content, and responsibly apply AI tools. In sectors like marketing, finance, healthcare, and even HR, AI tools are rapidly integrated into daily workflows.

Strategy: Learn prompt engineering, ethical AI use, and tool-specific skills (like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Midjourney). Build AI into your workflow, not just your resume.

## 4. Personal branding is no longer optional

With the rise of LinkedIn creators, Twitter thought leaders, and niche newsletter authors, your online presence is now a vital part of your career strategy.

People Google you before they meet you. Your digital footprint is often your first interview. A well-curated profile, thoughtful content, and a clear value proposition can unlock opportunities passively.

Whether you're looking for a job, clients, or collaborators, having a recognizable voice and digital presence builds credibility. Even introverts are finding ways to establish authority through writing, video, or community engagement.

Strategy: Build your personal brand around your expertise. Share insights, post thought leadership content, and engage in niche online communities.

## 5. Human-centric skills remain irreplaceable

Despite the dominance of AI and automation, there's one consistent piece of advice across all expert circles: soft skills are the future.

Empathy, leadership, cultural intelligence, creativity—these are the capabilities that machines can’t (yet) replicate. As automation takes over repetitive tasks, human-centric roles are rising: experience designers, innovation leads, DEI strategists, and hybrid team facilitators.

Human skills are not soft—they’re power skills. In an AI-driven world, they’re the differentiator.”

Strategy: Invest in emotional intelligence. Practice active listening. Join communities or attend workshops focused on team dynamics, storytelling, and leadership.

## 6. Career longevity requires mental sustainability

Burnout has become one of the defining workforce challenges of the 2020s. In response, professionals are designing careers that prioritize mental sustainability.

This includes building in recovery time, establishing clear work boundaries, and intentionally designing roles that align with personal values and energy levels.

Career success isn’t just about climbing higher. It’s about staying healthy while doing meaningful work. Sustainability isn’t just for the environment—it’s for your mind.

Strategy: Treat energy like a currency. Choose work that aligns with your internal motivations. Normalize sabbaticals, therapy, and saying no.

## 7. Fractional and portfolio careers are going mainstream

What used to be a niche—working part-time for several employers at once—is now gaining traction.

The rise of fractional executives (like CMOs or CFOs working across multiple startups), freelance collectives, and hybrid creator-professionals reflect this shift. These careers are diversified, flexible, and often financially competitive.

In 2025, more people are saying ‘yes’ to multiple income streams. It’s not side hustles anymore—it’s a portfolio career built on diverse passions and monetizable skills.

Strategy: Map your monetizable skills. Start small with freelance gigs or collaborations. Diversify income while maintaining balance.

## 8. Community is the new career insurance

In uncertain times, who you know matters as much as what you know. But networking today isn’t about attending conferences or adding LinkedIn contacts—it’s about building meaningful, reciprocal relationships in niche spaces.

Online communities—like industry Slack groups, Discord servers, cohort-based courses, and micro-communities on Substack—offer connection, learning, and unexpected career paths.

Strategy: Find your tribe. Be active in 1–2 relevant communities. Give before you ask. Support others and your network will support you.

## 9. Lifelong learning is not a buzzword—it’s the norm

A degree at 22 won’t carry you to 65 anymore. With half-lives of skills shrinking rapidly (some now less than three years), learning must be continuous.

The most successful professionals aren’t the smartest—they’re the most curious. They're reading newsletters, watching explainer videos, and taking nano-courses on emerging tech and industries.

Strategy: Build a learning routine. Subscribe to relevant content, set learning goals, and treat curiosity as a skill.

## 10. The best career advice in 2025? 

Perhaps the most important strategy is mental: let go of rigid plans.

The most valuable professionals in 2025 are the ones who can pivot. They don’t resist change—they dance with it.

Whether it’s learning a new AI tool, shifting industries, or launching a personal brand, agility is the foundation of modern careers.

Strategy: Check in with yourself quarterly. What’s changing in your industry? What’s exciting you now? Be ready to adapt without fear.

## The career equation has changed

The career of the future isn’t handed to you—it’s crafted. Piece by piece, experiment by experiment, learning by learning. It's about integrating technology without losing your humanity, building stability while staying flexible, and pursuing growth while honoring your wellbeing.

In 2025, you’re not just building a career—you’re curating a lifestyle, an identity, and a personal economy.

Explore the top career strategies for 2025 in a world shaped by AI, skill-based hiring, and hybrid work. Learn how to build a future-proof, fulfilling career—on your own terms.

The future of career: What strategies experts advise in 2025

# Gen Z as founders, how they are acting?

The face of entrepreneurship is getting younger. Gen Z — those born between 1997 and 2012 — are stepping into the startup game with bold ideas, a native fluency in technology, and a defiant attitude toward outdated systems. Unlike previous generations who followed the traditional playbook of college degrees, corporate ladders, and slow career growth, Gen Z is rewriting the rules in real-time. They’re not waiting for permission or funding to build businesses — they’re doing it in their bedrooms, on Discord servers, and through social platforms. But what’s really behind this shift? Why are Gen Zers turning to entrepreneurship in such large numbers — and how are they reshaping what it means to be a founder?

Let’s break it down!

## A generation raised on the internet

To understand Gen Z’s approach to entrepreneurship, you need to understand the environment they grew up in

This generation didn’t witness the birth of the internet — they were born into it. By the time many Gen Zers hit their teens, smartphones and social media were already deeply integrated into everyday life. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok didn’t just entertain them — they educated and inspired them. Gen Z had access to tutorials, startup journeys, side hustle breakdowns, and business failure post-mortems all at their fingertips

They saw creators like Emma Chamberlain go from YouTube vlogger to fashion icon and business owner. They watched Ben Francis build Gymshark into a billion-dollar brand before turning 30. They followed startups like Glossier and Canva — led by young founders disrupting legacy industries. And the message was clear: you don’t have to wait until you're older or have an MBA to start something meaningful.

![Image by cake.com](img/снимок-экрана-2025-04-10-143007.png "Image by cake.com")

Image by [cake.com](https://cake.com/empowered-team/gen-z-workforce-statistics/)

## Why is Gen Z choosing entrepreneurship?

There are several key reasons why Gen Z is increasingly choosing to launch their ventures instead of pursuing traditional 9-to-5 careers

### 1. Economic uncertainty

Gen Z came of age during — and after — the Great Recession. They saw their Millennial siblings struggle with debt and underemployment. Then the pandemic hit during their formative years. These repeated economic shocks made it clear that job security no longer exists. A 2023 report by Deloitte found that 46% of Gen Zers say they live paycheck to paycheck and 75% believe they will need side hustles to make ends meet.

Rather than relying on traditional employment, many are choosing to create their own sources of income. It’s not just about passion — it’s a practical response to a broken economic system

### 2. Access to free tools and platforms

The barrier to entry for starting a business has never been lower. Gen Z doesn’t need a lot of capital or connections to build a company. They can launch a product on Shopify in a weekend, design their brand using Canva, promote it on TikTok for free, and accept payments through Stripe or Venmo. This is a generation of digital builders

A report by Morning Consult found that 50% of Gen Z adults have considered starting a business — and many already have. The rise of "micro-entrepreneurship" — where people run one-person brands from their phones — is driven by these tools

### 3. Values-driven innovation

Gen Z isn’t just building businesses to make money — they want to make a difference. According to a 2022 IBM survey, 75% of Gen Z respondents said it’s important that a brand reflects their values. That translates into how they build their own companies. They prioritize sustainability, mental health, inclusivity, and transparency

Ziad Ahmed, founder of JUV Consulting — a Gen Z-led marketing agency that advises Fortune 500 companies on how to better connect with youth. He launched the company as a teenager because he felt brands were constantly talking down to his generation. Now, JUV has worked with brands like Nike and Unilever, helping them reshape their messaging through authentic youth voices

## Notable Gen Z founders making waves

The headlines are catching up — Gen Z entrepreneurs are already building impressive businesses that defy expectations

* Mikaila Ulmer, founder of Me & the Bees Lemonade, started her company at just four years old and turned it into a national brand stocked in Whole Foods. Now in her early 20s, she’s a sought-after speaker and investor in youth entrepreneurship
* Alana Andrews, founder of So Positive Initiative and author of “Creating Confidence”, used her own struggles with confidence and entrepreneurship to launch a program that empowers other Gen Z kids to lead with impact
* Josh Browder, born in 1997, created DoNotPay, the “world’s first robot lawyer” to help people fight parking tickets and navigate legal bureaucracy without hiring expensive attorneys. He was just 19 when he launched the service
* Ben Pasternak, who dropped out of school at 15, built several apps and eventually founded SIMULATE, the plant-based food tech startup behind NUGGS, a viral chicken nugget alternative
* Avery Akkineni, president of Vayner3, entered the Web3 space early and led global campaigns for brands exploring NFTs and blockchain experiences — all before turning 30

## Stats that show the shift

The trend isn’t just anecdotal — the data backs it up

* According to a 2022 GoDaddy report, one in five Gen Zers say they already run their own business
* A Shopify study found that 62% of Gen Z entrepreneurs started their business as a side hustle, and 44% want to make it their full-time job
* In a survey by SCORE, 38% of Gen Z respondents said they believe entrepreneurship offers the best career path, compared to 25% of Millennials
* Y Combinator, the legendary startup accelerator, saw a 38% increase in founders under 25 in its 2022 cohort

## Rewriting the founder playbook

Gen Z doesn’t follow the Silicon Valley model of founders in hoodies pitching VCs in boardrooms. They are building in public, validating ideas on social media, and growing communities before they even register a company. Platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord have become their idea labs — where product-market fit is tested through memes and comment sections

They’re skeptical of traditional hierarchies and prefer flatter, more collaborative structures. Many don’t even identify as “CEOs” — they’re creators, operators, or community leads. They’re less obsessed with raising millions and more focused on building sustainable businesses that reflect who they are

## Challenges they face

It’s not all hype and hustle. Gen Z founders face serious challenges

* Age bias: Investors and customers sometimes don’t take young founders seriously
* Mental health strains: The pressure to hustle, perform, and constantly be “on” can lead to burnout
* Funding gaps: Despite their innovation, Gen Z founders often struggle to access traditional venture capital — particularly if they’re from underrepresented communities

But true to form, they’re building around those obstacles too. They’re raising funds through crowdfunding, building lean businesses, and prioritizing balance and authenticity over growth at all costs

## The future is peer-led

What makes Gen Z founders especially powerful is how peer-driven their success is. They support each other — promoting friends’ businesses on social media, sharing resources in group chats, and building networks of digital collaborators around the world. They believe in community over competition

As they grow older and gain influence, Gen Z entrepreneurs will redefine work culture, reshape industries, and create entirely new sectors. We’re already seeing this in climate tech, creator economy startups, femtech, and mental health platforms — all areas where Gen Z is innovating faster than legacy companies can keep up

## Final thoughts

Gen Z isn’t waiting for permission to lead — they’re already doing it. They’re founding businesses not because it’s trendy, but because it’s necessary. They want more autonomy, more meaning, and more impact — and entrepreneurship gives them that path

They are not here to play by the rules — they are here to rewrite them.

And the rest of the world is starting to pay attention.


What does the next era of entrepreneurship look like?

Gen Z as founders: Why young entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules

# So, what you need to do?

In today’s world, more and more people are looking to turn their hobbies into profitable businesses. This idea not only attracts but also opens new horizons for the realization of their creative ambitions. Is it possible to earn what you love and not spend a lot of money on startups? Of course! In this article, we will discuss in detail how you can turn your hobby into a successful career without serious financial investments.

## 1. Determine your hobby and its potential

The first step to turning hobbies into profitable pursuits is a clear understanding of what you want to do. Think about what you enjoy, what you do with pleasure and what others might be interested in. For example, if you are a fan of cooking, you may want to consider creating a cooking blog or conducting workshops.

### Needs analysis

Ask yourself: Do you have a hobby audience? What are the needs of this audience? Do a little research to see if there is interest in your hobby on the market. This will help you to determine whether or not to continue in this direction.

## 2. Explore the market

Once you have determined your hobby, it is important to conduct market research. This will help you understand who your competitors are and what methods they use. Learn how other people monetize their hobbies, and think about how you can offer something unique.

### Evaluate competition

Look at the products or services your competitors are already offering. What are their strengths and weaknesses? This will help you to identify what you can stand out for. Perhaps you have a unique approach or style that will attract customers.

### Understanding the target audience

It is important to understand who you are creating your product or service for. Make a profile of your ideal client: what are his interests, age, budget and needs? This will give you the ability to more effectively tailor your offers and marketing strategies.

![Image from FreePik](img/pexels-cottonbro-4065891.jpg "Image from FreePik")

Image from FreePik

## 3. Develop a business model

Having a clear business model is the key to success. Determine how you will earn money. It may be sales of goods, services or advice. Think about the following aspects:

* Sales channels: will you sell your products online, at fairs or in stores?
* Target audience: who are your potential clients? How will you attract them?
* Working format: will you work independently or with partners?

Developing a business model will help you better understand how you can start earning on your hobby.

## 4. Create a strong personal brand

Personal brand is how others perceive you. It’s important not only to attract customers, but also to build a trusting relationship with them. Start by creating a social media profile and developing a website.

### Branding elements

Think about the following:

* Logo: create a unique logo that will be associated with your hobby.
* Communication style: define the tone and style of communication with your audience. It can be professional, friendly, or even playful.
* Content: share your experience and knowledge through blogs, videos, or posts on social networks.

A strong personal brand will help you stand out from the competition and attract loyal customers.

## 5. Use available resources

Remember, you don’t have to spend money on marketing or advertising. Use free resources to promote your hobby:

* Social media: create interesting content, engage your followers, and engage with your audience.
* Forums and communities: Participate in discussions on forums and groups related to your hobby. This will help you to gain trust and attract attention.
* Blogs and attachments: share your knowledge and experience through articles or videos. This will help you establish expertise in your field.

## 6. Start with minimal investment

If you don’t have the ability to invest money in business, start with what you already have. Use your skills and resources to minimize costs.

### Examples

* If you want to start sewing clothes, use old fabrics and materials that you have.
* If you are a photography enthusiast, start with what you already have and gradually improve your equipment as your business grows.

## 7. Gradually increase the scale

Don’t rush to expand immediately. Start small and gradually increase the scale of your business. Follow the demand and adapt to changes.

### Process optimization

Once your business starts to turn a profit, think about how you can optimize your processes. This may include:

* Task automation.
* Delegation of work to others.
* Improvement of the quality of products or services.

## 8. Build a community around your hobby

Community is a powerful tool for promoting your business. Create a space where your customers can communicate, share experiences and get advice. It can be a social media group, forum or even an interest club.

### Customer engagement

Constantly interact with your audience. Ask questions, conduct surveys, collect feedback. This will help you understand your customers' needs and adapt your business to them.

## 9. Don’t be afraid to experiment

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Experiments can help you find new ways to monetize your hobby and attract customers. Be open to new ideas and approaches.

### Evaluation of results

After each experiment, evaluate the results. What worked and what didn’t? This will help you improve your strategies and make your business more successful.

## 10. Set the boundaries

When you’re turning your hobby into a business, it’s important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This will help you avoid burnout and keep your interest in your case. Determine working hours, as well as the time you will devote to your hobby without pressure.

### Work-life balance

Take care of yourself and your time. It is important to find time for recreation and entertainment, so as not to lose interest in what you do. Spend time with friends and family, do sports, and have a hobby that is not related to work.

### Continuous learning and development

Remember that the world is constantly changing and you need to be up to date with the latest trends and technologies. Participate in courses, webinars, and workshops to improve your skills and knowledge. This will help you to remain competitive and offer your customers only the best.

### Reading and research

Read books, articles, and blogs about your hobby and business. This will help you to expand your knowledge and get new ideas for developing your business.

![Image from FreePik](img/pexels-olly-3756681-1-.jpg "Image from FreePik")

Image from FreePik

## Final thoughts

Turning a hobby into a profitable career is not only possible but also very exciting. Following these steps and using available resources, you will be able to build a successful business without investing much money. The main thing is your desire and willingness to work on yourself and your project. Start small, grow your brand, and engage with your audience. Success awaits you!


Learn more about what to do with your career on our website!

How to turn your hobby into a profitable career without investing?

# CEO in 2025: Why this role is no longer about power and directives

Twenty years ago, the image of the CEO was almost archetypal in popular perception. At the centre was the charismatic leader who made key decisions, held the company in an iron grip, negotiated at the highest level, and dictated the course. He was rarely in the news without a tie and was more often involved in the company's foreign policy than in internal teamwork.

Nowadays, this approach may seem anachronistic. The role of the CEO has undergone a radical transformation - not only due to technological advancements, but also because of the way modern business operates, the focus of employees, and the demands of the market.

## What has changed? Briefly - everything

While in 2000 the CEO was primarily responsible for strategy and financial results, today he is also a brand ambassador, facilitator of team processes, ethics navigator, ESG, DEI, digital transformation and even an internal coach.

![](img/снимок-экрана-2025-07-08-104941.jpg)

Among the biggest shifts is the abandonment of the authoritarian model. A good CEO in 2025 does not give orders; he or she shapes the field in which decisions are made. In this sense, he becomes something like an "energy centre": he sets the direction, but does not build every detail. He is not just responsible for KPIs, but has his finger on the pulse of the team, the brand, and the market.

What does this mean in practice?

* The CEO communicates with the team directly, not through the filters of 5 levels of management.
* He can lead AMA sessions, work in an open space, and write letters to clients.
* His communication is not about "we did", but "here's what we're struggling with".

## Why the soft skills workload has increased

A research study at [Harvard Business Review](https://hbr.org/2019/05/making-empathy-central-to-your-company-culture) of 2,000 Fortune 500 CEOs revealed a shocking statistic: 80% of modern CEOs' effectiveness is determined not by strategic thinking or financial literacy, but by their communication and empathy skills. Just a decade ago, this figure did not exceed 40%.

What has changed? First of all, stakeholders have become more complex. Whereas a CEO used to work mainly with the board of directors and top managers, his audience now includes millennial investors who invest on a 3-5 year horizon and demand ESG reporting, Generation Z customers who boycott companies for unethical behaviour, and employees who expect management to make sense, not just pay.

## The CEO as an operational mediator

With the growth of product teams, remote working, matrix structures, and distributed responsibility, the classic vertical "I gave an order and everyone obeyed it" no longer works. Today, the CEO is more like a mediator between departments, levelling processes, eliminating conflicts, and helping to reconcile interests.

Whereas the CEO used to go public for investors, now he or she also works for internal audiences. CEOs have to participate in information management, including informal information: explaining changes, maintaining trust, and answering questions in Slack or Zoom.

## New challenges: what CEOs face in 2025

### Managing hybrid teams

The pandemic has changed the way work is organised forever. CEOs must now manage teams where some employees work remotely, some in the office, and some in a hybrid mode. This requires new skills:

* Creating a unified culture across distributed teams
* Ensuring a level playing field across all work formats
* Maintaining informal connections between employees

### Navigating the AI era

Every CEO today needs to understand how artificial intelligence can change their business. This includes not only technical aspects, but also ethical dilemmas:

* How automation will impact the workplace
* Which decisions can be entrusted to AI and which can be left to humans
* How to ensure algorithms are fair

ESG as a competitive advantage

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are no longer a "nice to have". Investors, customers, and employees expect companies to take real action. The CEO must:

* Integrate ESG principles into the business model
* Report progress to stakeholders
* Balance short-term profitability with long-term sustainability

## Regional differences: CEOs in different cultures

### America: focus on individuality

American CEOs are still perceived as the "faces" of companies. They actively use personal brands to promote their businesses. Examples: Ilon Musk (Tesla), Tim Cook (Apple), Jeff Bezos (Amazon).

### Europe: focus on sustainability

European CEOs are more focused on ESG agenda and social responsibility. The regulatory environment requires them to be transparent about environmental impact and social justice.

### Asia: collective leadership

In Asian companies, CEOs are more likely to operate within a collective decision-making framework. This is particularly evident in Japanese and Korean corporations, where consensus is more important than speed.

## Tools for the new CEO

### Digital platforms for management

Modern CEOs use advanced analytical tools to understand team sentiment, process efficiency and trend forecasting. Popular solutions:

* Slack or Microsoft Teams for direct communication
* Tableau or Power BI for data visualization
* Culture Amp for measuring employee engagement

### Personal social networks

LinkedIn has become the main platform for CEOs to share insights, announce strategic decisions and engage in dialogue with audiences. Some also use Twitter, Instagram and even TikTok for more informal communication.

### Mentoring and Coaching

Most modern CEOs work with personal coaches and participate in peer mentoring groups. This helps them develop emotional intelligence and get feedback from peer professionals.

## Financial realities: How CEO compensation has changed

According to Willis Towers Watson's research, the structure of CEO compensation has changed dramatically over the past 10 years:

1. The fixed portion of pay has declined from 40% to 25%
2. The variable portion is increasingly tied to ESG metrics
3. Long-term incentives now include employee satisfaction metrics

This reflects a shift in priorities from short-term financial performance to long-term sustainability and social impact.

## So, who is the CEO in 2025?

The CEO in 2025 is no longer the "face of the company" or the "person at the top". It is a facilitator of processes, a face inside and outside, a team leader for team leaders, a coordinator in a world that changes every day.

This role is more complex than it was twenty years ago. But there are more opportunities. Because no one is better at influencing culture, the speed of change, and the human factor than a person who knows where they are going - and knows how to listen to those who are walking beside them.

Ultimately, the transformation of the CEO role reflects broader changes in society: from hierarchical structures to network structures, from individual heroism to collective leadership, from profit maximisation to creating value for all stakeholders.

Those who can adapt to these changes will determine the future of business. Those who remain in the past risk losing not only their positions but also the very companies they run.

The role of the CEO in 2025: how the position of the company's head has changed, why strategy is no longer the main thing, and what the team expects.

A CEO in 2000s and CEO in 2025: What the difference in running a company in the last 25 years?

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