Scott Galloway reveals essential skills for AI-proofing your child's future

If you're a parent aiming to AI-proof your kids' futures, former entrepreneur and professor Scott Galloway advises concentrating on cultivating skills such as storytelling and building relationships.

During a recent episode of "The Diary of a CEO" podcast, host Steven Bartlett questioned Galloway on the key skills for the future. Galloway recalled how private schools previously emphasised Mandarin and computer science for a competitive edge. "And how's that turning out?" Galloway remarked. "'Thank goodness my child is fluent in Mandarin,' said no one nowadays."

Instead, Galloway suggests the next generation should prioritize mastering what he considers the most timeless craft: storytelling. 

"It's about analyzing data, crafting a compelling narrative, and effectively delivering that story using various platforms," he explained.

The most accomplished CEOs are often masterful storytellers, Galloway noted, referencing Jeff Bezos's 1997 shareholder letter, Jensen Huang's dynamic presentations, and Alex Karp's live earning calls at Palantir.

In the AI-centric world, nurturing human connections will also be essential, Galloway remarked.

"Ultimately, if I have three law firms, three investment banks, and three CRM companies vying for my business, it boils down to the relationships I value and whom I am eager to collaborate with," he stated.

A "basic grasp of sciences" is also beneficial, according to Galloway.

While some industry experts, like Google’s research head, advocate for proficiency in coding and other technical skills, others prioritise soft skills.

LinkedIn’s Chief Executive, Ryan Roslansky, emphasised the rising relevance of curiosity, courage, communication, and compassion as human-centered skills in the AI era.

Galloway cautions that a crucial skill young people, particularly young men, are losing is overcoming rejection. When mentoring young men, he aims to redevelop their resilience to withstand "no."

Overall, Galloway desires his children to "be adept at writing, capable of maintaining eye contact, and fierce competitors."

Rather than steering children into specific promising fields, he suggests parents should help them discover where they naturally excel.