Skills and Intentions for Success in 2025
As we approach 2025, professionals are navigating a world where rapid technological advancements and changing global dynamics continue to reshape the business landscape.
At Sandown Business School, our commitment to enabling students and leaders alike to lead with vision and impact is unwavering.
To thrive in this evolving environment, we have found that success comes when individuals cultivate essential skills and intentional goal-setting. This article explores the essential skills projected to dominate in 2025, providing a guide for skill-building and purposeful goal-setting.
Grounded in research, these insights are coupled with Sandown’s unique AGENCY Goal Setting Tool, which enables goal alignment with personal values, energy and motivation.
Whether you are a student embarking on a new career journey or a Leader refining your focus and getting ready for 2025, the principles here will support you to review and determine your path to meaningful progress.
One of the key questions here is – are you willing to take the time to prepare for 2025? Those of us who find it difficult to set goals – for whatever reason – use different language. I prefer – when is my intention? Where do I want to be? At the end of 2025?!
Table of Contents
Top Business Skills for 2025
Recent research highlights key skills that will be essential for success in 2025, spanning from technical competencies to interpersonal strengths.
Here are the top skills that will enable business professionals to make impactful contributions where they set their intention:
Digital Literacy and AI Competency
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, understanding digital systems and AI has become essential. By 2025, 90% of jobs will require digital skills to some degree, with a focus on those able to analyse, interpret and leverage AI in decision-making processes (World Economic Forum, 2024). Leaders will need a solid foundation in AI ethics and application, not only for operational efficiency but to stay competitive in a tech-driven marketplace. How are you embracing AI?
Data-Driven Decision Making
In 2025, data literacy will be indispensable. Companies increasingly rely on data for real-time insights and professionals who can transform data into actionable strategies will be in high demand. A 2024 McKinsey report found that 75% of organisations are expected to increase data literacy training by 2025 to empower teams to use data at every decision-making level (McKinsey, 2024).
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Knowledge
Today’s consumers and stakeholders expect organisations to operate responsibly, which has led to a growing emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. Research by Deloitte (2024) projects that 80% of business leaders will prioritise ESG knowledge as a critical skill for leadership roles by 2025 (Deloitte, 2024). Professionals who can integrate sustainable practices and understand their impact on both business and society will be instrumental in shaping the future.
Emotional Intelligence and Adaptive Leadership
As the workplace continues to diversify and adapt to remote/hybrid models, emotional intelligence (EQi) has become an essential skill. An IDC study (2024) indicates that high-EQi teams are 60% more likely to achieve their objectives, making it a non-negotiable for effective collaboration and leadership (IDC, 2024). Adaptive leaders, i.e. those who can empathise, communicate effectively and manage change with resilience will inspire teams and foster inclusive work environments.
Just stepping in for a moment into the data part of this article, I am surprised by the number of coaches I meet who tell me they are expert EQi professionals. Even that statement can raise one of my eyebrows! What drives a person to tell you they are an emotional intelligence expert? Something to ponder….!
Strategic Innovation and Problem Solving
In a landscape where change is constant, businesses rely on innovative thinkers who can address complex challenges. Strategic problem-solving, fuelled by creativity, will be vital for leaders. According to LinkedIn’s Future of Skills Report (2024), over 70% of employers rate strategic thinking as a top skill for leaders by 2025 (LinkedIn, 2024).
By integrating innovation-focused coursework, Sandown Business School enables all learners to hone strategic thinking skills that empower them to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
Goal-Setting for 2025: An Intentional-Driven Approach
Skill acquisition is only one part of the equation for professional success. Setting clear, purposeful goals that align with personal values and motivations are equally crucial. Sandown Business School’s AGENCY Goal Setting Tool provides a holistic approach to goal-setting, ensuring goals are not only actionable but also aligned with a deeper sense of purpose.
Sandown Business School ‘AGENCY’ Model
The SBS AGENCY model emphasises five key areas of self-awareness and commitment, designed to support students and professionals to identify their unique strengths, motivations and challenges.
Great model – but what do I do with it?
To support you as you put the AGENCY model into practice, here are questions designed for thoughtful reflection and goal setting for the New Year.
My hope is that you will use these questions as a guide to clarify your goals, deepen your commitment and build resilience as you move forward.
Awareness
- What are my core values? How do they align with my career aspirations?
- In what areas of my work or studies do I feel the most engaged and fulfilled?
Goal-Setting
- What specific, measurable goals can I set for myself in 2025 that align with my career aspirations?
- How will I know I have achieved these goals? What milestones can I establish along the way?
Energy
- How can I prioritise my physical and mental well-being to support sustained productivity?
- What adjustments can I make to my daily routine to ensure I am energised and motivated to pursue my goals?
Notice
- What thoughts or fears do I need to address to feel fully committed to my goals?
- How can I reframe negative thoughts into constructive self-talk that encourages progress?
Challenge
- What challenges am I willing to embrace in 2025 to grow professionally and personally?
- How can I step outside my comfort zone to build resilience and broaden my perspective?
Yes
- How can I fully commit to my goals by saying “yes” to actions that support my aspirations?
- What does “saying yes to myself” look like in terms of my career, education and personal growth?
Bringing It All Together: Skills, Goals and Intentions for 2025
In a world that’s constantly evolving, building essential skills and setting purposeful goals is the key to professional and personal success.
At Sandown Business School, we are committed to enabling our students and leaders to navigate these complexities with resilience, adaptability and purpose. By embracing critical skills in digital literacy, ESG, emotional intelligence and strategic innovation, you can position yourself as a future-ready professional.
I hope this SBS AGENCY model will be as useful and resourceful guide as you set goals for 2025. I would encourage you to reflect on what truly matters to you? Stop and really ask yourself that question. What truly matters to you? And as data emerges for you, notice what this means? Where is your life aligned? And where do you need to make some changes? As you embrace these challenges, do so with confidence, align your ambitions with purposeful action and keep your intentions front of mind. With the right skills and a clear sense of direction, you can lead with impact and make meaningful strides toward a fulfilling career and life.
As you finish this article, take a moment for yourself. Grab a notebook, jot down one skill you want to develop, one challenge you’re ready to embrace and one way you’ll say ‘yes’ to your goals in 2025.
Make this year yours – 2025 will not come round again!
References
World Economic Forum. (2024). Future Skills for 2025 Report
McKinsey & Company. (2024). Data Literacy and the Future of Work
Deloitte. (2024). ESG and Leadership in 2025
IDC. (2024). The Impact of Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
LinkedIn. (2024). Future of Skills: Leadership and Strategic Thinking
Pheona Croom-Johnson
Co-Founder & Academic Director at Sandown Business School
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