Beyond Code: Why Your Human Skills Are the Future of Success

Hello everyone, Julia Streets here, founder of SoftSkillingIt!

We are living through an exhilarating time, aren't we? Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are not just buzzwords; they are actively revolutionising industries, reshaping how we work, and redefining what it means to be successful in the modern workforce. 

This rapid evolution brings with it an undeniable truth: the skills that will truly propel individuals and organisations forward are no longer just technical skills; soft or essential professional skills matter, arguably more than ever before. 

Historically, hard skills, such as coding, data analysis, or operating machinery, were the primary focus for employers. While these technical skills remain important, as automation and AI handle more routine and technical tasks, the true value of the workforce increasingly lies in what machines cannot replicate effectively.

The Undeniable Rise of Human Capabilities

As an entrepreneur, advisor and executive coach, I've witnessed firsthand that what were once considered "soft skills" are now foundational for organisational success and employee growth. Some would even say that they are fast becoming the new hard skills for the future workforce. 

The emphasis on these skills is driven by several trends:

The Human Edge in an AI-Driven Economy: While AI can process data at lightning speed, it lacks the ability to think creatively, make decisions with emotional intelligence, or build trust. Skills like empathy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership are our unique advantages. A McKinsey study estimates that by 2030, as many as 375 million workers may need to reskill due to automation, with emotional intelligence and creative thinking enabling individuals to adapt effectively.

Enhancing Collaboration and Navigation in a Dynamic World: The shift to hybrid and remote work models highlights the critical need for effective communication, collaboration, and emotional intelligence to keep teams productive and engaged. Organisations are also facing constant disruptions, from technological advancements to shifting market demands. Professionals with adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving abilities are better equipped to navigate these uncertainties and help their teams thrive. 

Meeting Evolving Customer Expectations: In customer-facing roles, it's no longer just about solving problems; it's about delivering exceptional, human-centred experiences. Emotional intelligence, active listening, and conflict resolution are paramount. The Harvard Business Review found that businesses prioritising empathy and customer experience outperform competitors by up to 85% in revenue growth.

These insights are echoed across the board. LinkedIn's 2019 Global Talent Trends report revealed that 92% of companies surveyed reported that human capabilities matter as much or more than hard skills. More recently, the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs Report 2025" highlighted that 63% of surveyed employers identify skills gaps as the predominant barrier to transformation across most industries and economies. Furthermore, the October 2024 LinkedIn report on ‘Global Talent Trends’ found that 69% of senior executives will prioritise hiring candidates with soft skills. 

The message is clear: businesses failing to address this soft skills gap risk lower productivity, higher turnover rates, and reduced innovation.

Why Now? The Rationale Behind SoftSkillingIt

Given this overwhelming demand, the need for organisations to adapt their recruitment, training, and workforce strategies to bridge this emerging gap is clear. This brings me to the core rationale for launching SoftSkillingIt.

Through my extensive involvement with global organisations, start-ups, scale-ups, and even universities and academic institutions, a consistent theme emerged: a widespread lack of these crucial human skills. 

Universities expressed a desire to teach these skills to make students "employer-ready," but like many businesses, they often face budget constraints. 

While in-person coaching and mentoring are highly effective, they have historically been reserved for top and rising executive talent due to their expense and time-intensive nature.

This is precisely why the time is now for SoftSkillingIt. We aim to democratise access to soft skills training, providing a cost-effective and flexible online offering with a 3-tier ‘pay what you can’ model, so that everyone can develop these all-important skills, wherever they may be in their career journey. SoftSkillingIt is designed to foster deep self-awareness and lasting personal growth through research-backed tools and practical coaching techniques. 

My mission is to make this transformative learning accessible to everyone, and it is important to pay it forward. So, 10% of every course sold will be donated to Street Child, a charity dedicated to providing sustainable education models in the world's toughest places. They believe that every child should be in school, safe, and learning. This means that every SoftSkillingIt student also supports someone else’s learning.

Who is SoftSkillingIt For? And What Will They Gain?

SoftSkillingIt is an easy-to-access online course structured into five core sessions.  Each session has five modules.  Each module, bar one!,  is no more than 15 minutes in length and is supported by workbooks, quizzes, and reflection exercises, making the content practical, engaging, and accessible.

This course is perfect for:

• Ambitious professionals eager to grow and succeed
• Aspiring leaders ready to enhance communication and influence
• Seasoned managers looking to elevate their leadership
• Motivated school leavers and young professionals aiming to boost confidence and accelerate their careers
• Anyone who embraces learning, welcomes feedback, and is committed to practical, lasting development

Through SoftSkillingIt, participants will gain vital skills, including:

•  Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Learn to analyse complex challenges, evaluate solutions, and make data-backed decisions using methodologies like the 'Five Whys', Root Cause Analysis and SWOT Analysis.
•  Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understand and manage your own emotions and impact, and recognise, understand, and influence the emotions of others to improve decision-making, build relationships, and really strengthen your leadership capabilities.
•  Adaptability and Resilience: Confidently navigate change, adjust to new challenges, and recover quickly from setbacks, all crucial for career - and personal - growth and innovative problem-solving.
•  Communication Skills: Master essential tools and techniques for clear, impactful, and effective communication, building trust, and enhancing productivity through active listening and constructive feedback.
•  Collaboration and Teamwork: Acquire vital skills to thrive in any team environment, fostering trust, navigating conflict, and promoting effective team communication.

My goal is to help you unlock your full potential both professionally and personally. By investing in your soft skills, you are investing in your adaptability, ensuring you can think on your feet and respond effectively in our constantly changing world.

Join me on this transformative journey and invest in and build your skills that will set you apart and define success in the AI-driven future!