FutureProof You

FutureProof You

By Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, John LovigBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementCareers
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FutureProof You episodes

  • Layoffs

    In this episode, Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, and John Lovig cover how to navigate layoffs, whether you're watching them happen around you or going through one yourself.

    Dan shares the numbers: over 1.1 million layoffs in 2025, a 54% jump year-over-year, making it the worst since COVID and the 2008 financial crisis. Tech, telecom, retail, airlines, and food service have all been hit. Amazon, Verizon, IBM, Starbucks, Meta, Microsoft, and UPS have made cuts, and seasonal hiring is down by about half compared to previous years.

    The hosts offer practical advice for those seeing colleagues get let go. Dan recommends downloading your contacts, performance reviews, and any kudos emails while you still have access. These documents become critical when job searching. John emphasizes starting to network before you need to: coffee chats, reaching out to recruiters, or posting content on LinkedIn. Aaron's mental test: ask yourself what you'd wish you were doing right now if it had been you on that list.

    John introduces the concept of "layoff fatigue"—the psychological and emotional toll of either enduring a prolonged job search or surviving multiple rounds of cuts at your company. The hosts discuss how this fatigue shows up in interviews (recruiters can spot cynicism immediately) and offer strategies for combating it, including finding joy outside of work, getting accountability partners, and maintaining perspective on what's actually within your control.

    The episode wraps with a discussion on outplacement services—what they actually provide, the right questions to ask, and how to maximize their value, including the tip to pause services during slow hiring periods like the holidays.

    For more resources, visit futureproof-yu.com.

    Timestamps

    0:00 – Intro
    0:49 – The state of the 2025 job market: 1.1 million layoffs, 54% year-over-year increase
    2:08 – Which job market numbers to trust (government data vs. ADP reports)
    3:10 – Industries hit hardest: tech, telecom, retail, airlines, federal government
    4:29 – Seasonal hiring down by half—what it signals about consumer spending
    5:10 – What to do when you see colleagues get laid off
    5:59 – Download your contacts, performance reviews, and KPIs while you can
    7:32 – Start networking before you need to
    9:25 – The difference between a transactional reach-out and a genuine one
    11:10 – Dan's story: calling a laid-off client every few weeks for 18 months
    13:02 – Take your laid-off boss out for a drink
    13:51 – Update your LinkedIn profile during any company change
    14:59 – Keep a file of thank-you notes for tough days
    15:51 – What is "layoff fatigue"?
    17:30 – Finding joy outside of work to reduce stress
    18:33 – Layoff buddies: accountability partners for your job search
    19:35 – Start a corporate alumni networking group on LinkedIn
    20:28 – Can recruiters spot layoff fatigue in interviews? (Yes, immediately)
    22:30 – "Bitter, angry, sad, and despondent is not sexy"
    24:00 – Separating your identity from job search outcomes
    25:40 – Locus of control: what you can and can't hold yourself accountable for
    27:26 – Increasing your surface area for good things to happen
    27:49 – Give LinkedIn recommendations as "lotto tickets with extra juice"
    29:00 – Outplacement services: what they actually do (and don't do)
    31:17 – Questions to ask about outplacement: success rates, coaching, databases
    32:22 – Tip: pause outplacement services during slow hiring periods
    32:35 – Outro and wrap-up

    • (00:00) - Intro
  • (00:49) - Body
  • (32:29) - Outro

  • 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.

    35 min
  • Q4 Hiring Trends

    Join recruiters Dan Yu and John Lovig as they share insights from the trenches on Q4 2025 hiring trends, AI's impact on recruitment, and essential strategies for job seekers navigating today's market.

    Timestamps & Topics

    [0:00] Introduction & Q4 Hiring Trends Overview

    Aaron introduces the episode topic and the team discusses what's happening in Q4 hiring across the market.

    [0:36] AI's Impact on Hiring

    • Tech companies hiring for AI-enabled roles
    • AI-first recruiting: companies seeking candidates who use AI in their workflows
    • Executive-level searches indicating company growth
    • Surge in tech recruiter postings

    [2:13] Seasonal Hiring Patterns & Budget Spending

    • Q4 as a strategic hiring period
    • Budget constraints driving year-end hiring decisions
    • "No fire, no hire" trend discussion
    • Companies becoming more mindful about talent acquisition

    [4:25] Job Hugging Trend Explained

    • Definition: Doing anything to stay in your current job
    • Behaviors: Taking on extra work, managing up, demonstrating value
    • Connection to AI adoption and productivity increases
    • Importance of being prepared for unexpected layoffs

    [6:00] LinkedIn Profile Optimization for AI Search

    • Building a robust LinkedIn presence
    • Documenting accomplishments publicly
    • Downloading contacts and memorializing achievements
    • Preparing for potential career transitions

    [8:00] Agentic AI in LinkedIn Recruiting

    • LinkedIn's new AI agents for candidate search and messaging
    • How AI search differs from traditional recruiting methods
    • Importance of profile visibility for AI algorithms
    • Risk of being overlooked without proper optimization

    [9:39] Keyword Strategy for Visibility

    • Using ubiquitous, industry-standard keywords
    • Balancing specific and common terminology
    • Keyword frequency and recency matter
    • Strategic placement in current role and about section

    [10:01] Using Pinned Posts Effectively

    • Three pinned posts appear prominently on profiles
    • Confirming expertise through content
    • Recruiter attention span: 6-8 seconds to engage
    • Examples of strategic post pinning

    [11:11] LinkedIn Profile Knockout Mistakes

    • Creative roles without portfolio examples in posts
    • Missing professional profile pictures for client-facing roles
    • Lack of background/banner images
    • Not showcasing work you're proud of

    [13:10] Closing & Course Information

    • LinkedIn optimization live course: November 6th
    • Downloadable/asynchronous course options available
    • Visit futureproofyou.com for more information

    Key Takeaways

    1. AI skills are becoming essential across roles, not just technical positions
    2. Q4 is an active hiring period driven by budget cycles
    3. Your LinkedIn profile must be AI-search optimized with strategic keywords
    4. Recruiters spend 6-8 seconds scanning profiles—make every element count
    5. Document your accomplishments and maintain an up-to-date professional presence

    Resources Mentioned

    • FutureProofYou.com - Course information and resources
    • LinkedIn Optimization Course - Live (Nov 6) and downloadable formats

    Connect with the Hosts

    Find Dan Yu, John Lovig, and Aaron Makelky on LinkedIn to learn more about hiring trends and career optimization strategies.


    • (00:00) - FU Podcast EP21 Q4 Hiring Trends
  • (00:35) - AI's Impact on Hiring (AI roles, AI-enabled positions, executive searches)
  • (02:11) - Seasonal Hiring Patterns & Budget Spending
  • (04:30) - Job Hugging Trend Explained
  • (05:41) - LinkedIn Profile Optimization for AI Search
  • (07:51) - Agentic AI in LinkedIn Recruiting
  • (09:28) - Keyword Strategy for Visibility
  • (09:55) - Using Pinned Posts Effectively
  • (10:59) - LinkedIn Profile Knockout Mistakes
  • (13:08) - Watermelon

  • 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.

    14 min
  • EP 19 Career Pivots with Terri Dien

    Terri Dien went from White House Press Office to campaign wins to culinary school at 30-something, then stacked skills across restaurants, teaching, corporate dining, four cookbooks, and now voiceover. We cover: how to test and iterate, translate strengths into new lanes, use networks instead of blind applying, design better learning with simple takeaways, and why failing in public is often the fastest teacher. Speed round at the end (Zuni roast chicken fans, unite).

    • 00:00 Intro

    • 02:00 White House → campaigns

    • 07:00 Burnout + food as signal

    • 13:00 Culinary school pivot

    • 20:30 Imposter syndrome → street cred

    • 23:00 How she designs classes that stick

    • 26:30 Risk and safety nets

    • 28:00 Networking > applying

    • 31:00 Mentors + “permission to fail”

    • 33:30 Advice if you feel stuck

    • 36:00 Voiceover 3- and 5-year plan

    • 41:00 Cookbooks

    • 44:00 Bon Appétit opportunity

    • 48:00 400 kids/day, food safety

    • 51:30 Speed round

    Check out futureproof-you.com for free resources to help you take 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.

    55 min
  • The Seasons of Hiring

    FutureProof You Podcast — EP 18: “Seasons of Hiring”

    One‑liner

    When should a job seeker push hard versus play the long game? Aaron Makelky, John Lovig, and Dan Yu map the hiring year—late summer slowdown, Q4 surge, bonus-season churn, and spring steadiness—and give a practical playbook for each.

    TL;DR Takeaways

    • Late summer is slower (vacations, back‑to‑school), so expect longer response times—use the window to upgrade the profile, post consistently, and pre-seed networking for September.

    • Signals that the market’s waking up: more job postings, noticeable LinkedIn activity, and companies hiring recruiters (hiring follows recruiters).

    • Q4 moves fast: “use‑it‑or‑lose‑it” budgets, pockets of holiday slowdowns—win with “politeful pestering,” clear availability, and transparent timing across parallel processes.

    • Year‑end to Q1: bonus visibility and payouts trigger candidate movement; January is quiet, then momentum builds—by March through May, hiring is steady and planned.

    • Always be networking and creating social proof (content, recommendations); the work done today often pays off quarters later.

    Chapter Guide

    • 00:00 — Welcome + why “seasons of hiring” matter

    • 01:07 — Late summer slowdown: vacations, back‑to‑school, two‑week decision drag

    • 02:30 — What to do now: still apply to active roles, and always apply on the company site (ATS searchable)

    • 04:05 — Signs of the turn: more postings, more LinkedIn activity, recruiter job counts as a health gauge

    • 05:24 — Q4 dynamic: budgets, “use it or lose it,” and holiday slowdowns to plan around

    • 07:08 — Content still works in “dead zones” (algorithms serve later); prep for the fall push

    • 08:30 — Natural holiday networking + plotting the rest of the year

    • 09:16 — Client win: from placeholder profile to offer in ~60 days through optimization + posting

    • 12:00 — Social proof: help your network (and yourself) with better profiles and recommendations

    • 17:20 — October tactics: “time kills all deals,” sequence outreach to newly hired recruiters

    • 19:19 — “Politeful pestering,” follow‑ups, and being mindful of varied holiday calendars

    • 20:32 — Share real timing across processes to create urgency (without games)

    • 22:00 — “Sell to the no”: fast no beats a slow maybe

    • 23:03 — Bonus season timing: when movement spikes and how to plan

    • 24:33 — Q1/Q2 cadence: January quiet → March–May steady, with quarterly headcount plans

    • 27:03 — The long game: groundwork in Q3 pays off in Q4/Q1/Q2

    • 28:00 — Parting mindset: network when you have a job as if you don’t

    The Seasonal Playbook


    Late Summer (now → early September)

    • Expect slower scheduling; keep applying where signals are active (recent views, engaged recruiters).

    • Always apply on the corporate site in addition to Easy Apply to get searchable in the ATS.

    • Post consistently—algorithms will surface good content when the audience returns.

    • Pre‑seed September: identify target teams, warm up intros, and reconnect with recruiters.

    Fall/Q4 (late September → mid‑December)

    • Budgets drive urgency; hiring velocity increases.

    • Sequence outreach to newly hired recruiters: congrats note → light check‑in week 2/3 → request informational.

    • “Politeful pestering”: short, specific follow‑ups with ready‑to‑book availability to reduce friction.

    • Be transparent about timelines if in mid‑rounds elsewhere; it gives partners permission to accelerate.

    • Plan around holiday gaps (e.g., Thanksgiving week and other cultural/faith calendars).

    Year‑End/Bonus Season (late Dec → Q1)

    • Understand bonus timing in the target industry; movement often starts at visibility, spikes post‑payout.

    • If moving, get pipelines warmed ahead of payout so interviews land just‑in‑time.

    Q1/Q2 (Jan → May)

    • January is quiet but directional; executive and strategic hires form early.

    • By March–May, hiring is steady and planned across quarterly headcount—network before roles post.

    Social Proof & Profile Moves

    • Upgrade from “placeholder” to discoverable: banner, headline, outcomes in experience, relevant skills, and consistent posting.

    • Give and request recommendations to create undeniable social proof.

    • “Conference commando” strategy: follow speakers, send thoughtful pre‑event DMs, and be top‑of‑mind offline.

    Power Lines to Steal

    • “Time kills all deals.”

    • “Politeful pestering.”

    • “Sell to the no.”

    • “Use‑it‑or‑lose‑it budgets.”

    • “The algorithm will serve good content when the audience returns.”

    Hosts

    Aaron Makelky - John Lovig - Dan Yu

    Call to Action

    • Want help tuning up a LinkedIn profile, building a simple content engine, or navigating interviews the way recruiters actually work? Find FutureProof You on LinkedIn and grab our 5‑step profile spring‑clean checklist.

    • For coaching, workshops, and courses on career pivots and AI‑powered job search, connect with the FutureProof You team on our website: https://futureproof-you.com



    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.

    31 min
  • Developing an AI First Mindset

    Adapting to the AI-First Era: Trends, Tools, and Strategies

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

    In this episode of Future Proof You podcast, hosted by Dan Yu, John Lovig, and Aaron Makelky, the focus is on the growing impact of AI in the business world. The hosts discuss the transition from AI experimentation to an 'AI-first' strategy, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI deeply into business processes. They share insights on the evolving job market, particularly the demand for AI fluency and emotional intelligence. Specific examples from marketing and job roles highlight the rapid adoption of AI. The hosts also talk about their favorite AI tools and upcoming workshops designed to help individuals and companies embrace an AI-first mindset.

    00:00 Introduction to the Future Proof Use Podcast
    00:43 Understanding the AI Transition
    02:14 Real-World Examples of AI Integration
    05:13 The Importance of AI Fluency in Hiring
    10:31 Tools and Trends in AI
    16:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Don't forget to check out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free download: 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.

    20 min
  • 6 Job Search Myths

    Debunking Job Search Myths: Insights from Recruiters

    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 Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, and John Lovig demystify common myths in the job search process. They address six myths: AI in applicant tracking systems causing quick rejections, the effectiveness of the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn, the importance of quantity over quality in applications, identifying ghost jobs, ageism affecting job opportunities, and the value of proactive networking. The hosts share insights from their recruiting experience and offer practical advice on how to navigate the job market effectively.

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
    01:13 Myth 1: AI in Applicant Tracking Systems
    04:27 Myth 2: The Easy Apply Button on LinkedIn
    07:07 Myth 3: Quantity Over Quality in Applications
    10:47 Myth 4: Identifying Ghost Jobs
    14:45 Myth 5: Ageism in the Job Market
    19:16 Myth 6: The Importance of Networking
    25:21 Conclusion and Resources

    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.

    28 min
  • Jobs of the Future

    Exploring Emerging Jobs and AI's Role in the Future Workforce

    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 Dan Yu, Aaron Makelky, and John Lovig discuss the emergence of new job titles, such as Chief Automation Officer, and their implications in today's job market. They explore how AI advancements are creating roles like Generative AI Associates, the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content, and its potential to replace entry-level jobs. The conversation highlights the importance of personal branding, creating content on LinkedIn, and leveraging AI to enhance job security. The episode concludes with practical advice on navigating career changes and utilizing AI tools effectively. Upcoming events and resources offered by Future-Proof You are also featured.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:20 Emerging Job Titles in AI
    01:13 Automation and Business Operations
    02:31 Generative AI Roles
    04:28 Ethics and Implications of AI
    06:26 AI in the Medical Field
    07:17 Vibe Coding and Marketing
    09:00 AI Content Creation and IP Issues
    19:37 Personal Branding and Networking
    27:19 Conclusion and Community Invitation

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

    • (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
  • (00:20) - Emerging Job Titles in AI
  • (01:13) - Automation and Business Operations
  • (02:31) - Generative AI Roles
  • (04:28) - Ethics and Implications of AI
  • (06:26) - AI in the Medical Field
  • (07:17) - Vibe Coding and Marketing
  • (09:00) - AI Content Creation and IP Issues
  • (19:37) - Personal Branding and Networking
  • (27:19) - Conclusion and Community Invitation

  • 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.

    29 min
  • Job Market Trends May of 2025

    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

    • (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

  • 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.

    25 min
  • Teacher Career Pivots

    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.

    34 min
  • Artificial Intelligence Rate of Change

    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.

    12 min

About FutureProof You

From the publisher's feed

FutureProof You is a team comprised of: Career Pivot Expert Dan Yu, Recruiting Master John Lovig, and AI Consultant Aaron Makelky. Listeners will hear discussions of job trends, career advice, and…