How do we prepare for a future in which jobs, technologies, and the skills we need are changing continuously?
In this episode of Matters of Consequence, Michael Hanf speaks with Gary A. Bolles, Chair for the Future of Work at Singularity University and author of The Next Rules of Work. Gary’s work sits at the intersection of work, learning, technology, economic systems, and human potential.
Gary reflects on his path from a series of early jobs to Silicon Valley, technology journalism, entrepreneurship, and advisory work around the future of work. A formative influence was his father, Richard N. Bolles, author of What Color Is Your Parachute?, who taught him to think about work not simply as a job or career, but as an evolving relationship between people, purpose, learning, and the problems they want to solve.
The conversation explores Gary’s framework of mindset, skill set, and tool set. Mindset shapes how we approach problems, skills allow us to create value, and tools extend what we can do. In a world of exponential change, all three must evolve continuously.
Gary argues that many education and work systems still reflect the industrial era. Schools move learners through fixed stages, while organisations rely on rigid hierarchies and narrowly defined roles. These models were designed for repetition and stability, not constant change.
Instead of searching for a “safe job,” Gary highlights the PACE capabilities: problem-solving, adaptability, creativity, and empathy. He also stresses self-knowledge, curiosity, and the ability to identify the problems we want to solve.
For parents and young people, he offers a simple process: what, where, and how. What skills and interests are unique to you? Where might they be useful? How can you find or create opportunities to apply them? Exploring matters, but so does learning to focus, go deep, and complete what you start.
Michael and Gary also examine AI and other exponential technologies. Gary sees their potential as learning coaches and tools for continuous development, while warning against using technology in ways that diminish human agency. People must learn to judge when systems are trustworthy and beneficial.
The episode concludes with a discussion about inclusive capitalism and systems thinking. Economic systems are human choices, Gary argues, and can be redesigned through different incentives, governance, investment models, and organisational priorities.
Why listen?
- Explore how mindset, skill set, and tool set shape adaptability.
- Understand why industrial-era work and education models need to change.
- Learn the PACE capabilities for navigating uncertainty.
- Hear practical advice for helping young people explore work and learning.
- Consider how AI can support development without replacing human agency.
- Discover how systems thinking can support a more sustainable economy.
This episode is about more than predicting which jobs will disappear or emerge. It is about redesigning work and learning so that more people can develop their potential, contribute meaningfully, and adapt throughout their lives.
Originally released as an episode of The Future of Sustainability, Season 1.
Keywords: Gary A. Bolles, The Future of Work, The Next Rules of Work, Singularity University, future of learning, human potential, continuous learning, lifelong learning, mindset skill set tool set, PACE skills, problem solving, adaptability, creativity, empathy, artificial intelligence, AI and work, education reform, systems thinking, inclusive capitalism, purpose-driven work, future skills, sustainable work, Matters of Consequence podcast
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