28 Comments
User's avatar
alexia spalding's avatar

Voted! I'm sure your talk would be a knock out!

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thank you 🙏🏼 here's hoping!

Expand full comment
Zed's avatar

It does feel very doom and gloom right now. As someone who is employed and is still figuring out next steps, it's great to see examples of people working in a different way.

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

It's a pretty wild time but I do think there are opportunities for those of us willing to look for them 😊

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Ball, PhD's avatar

Voted! I really value your work Anna, thanks so much! I hope you get the speaker spot! x

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks so much Elizabeth!! ❤️

Expand full comment
Craig Allen DeLarge's avatar

SXSW vote is in. How can I get one of those caps?

Thanks for your work. I have been sharing your substack with colleagues and clients.

#Keepgoing

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks Craig! The hat is from a brand called Idea 😉

Expand full comment
Iwana Johannsen's avatar

So much truth in this! There's a lot of focus right now on the doom side of AI such as layoffs, job insecurity, entire industries shifting but I think we're missing the other half of the story. These same changes are also opening up incredible opportunities for individuals and small businesses. They’re the ones who can adopt AI fast, pivot quickly, and build with agility.

In the short run, that gives them a real edge. Corporates often move too slow and many might see their talent walk out the door to start something of their own. But I also think this signals a deeper, longer-term shift. Once people realize they can work for themselves, own their time, and build something meaningful (and profitable), it’s hard to imagine them going back to the old model.

This moment feels like a real power shift from institutions to individuals. And maybe those who lean in now have a chance to build something truly future-proof?

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Couldn't agree more. I should write a bit more about this but I think AI is part of the reason that portfolio careers will become more mainstream, largely because it 10x or 100x an individual's capability and capacity ❤️‍🔥

Expand full comment
Pete Evans's avatar

Good post and showing how Charles Handy was right al along just a bit before his time.

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Absolutely he was - about 40 years too early!

Expand full comment
Leticia Bordoni's avatar

It's time yes! Thank you Anna :)

Expand full comment
Edu Sangion's avatar

Great post!

Vote for SXSW... done ☑️.

Good luck!

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks so much 🩷

Expand full comment
holly chapman's avatar

Loved this piece as always + voted

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks Holly!

Expand full comment
Colleen Millerman's avatar

Yes! I've been running all over talking about the need to redefine the future of leadership. In fact I am working on writing '"Is It the Death of the Career Ladder" as we speak. If you're interested in joining a revolution 🔥 and talking more about the future of leadership (portfolio careers and all) you may find my newest publication interesting: https://leadershipand.substack.com/

ps. I voted as many times as possible for you on SXSW! Go get 'em.

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks so much! I appreciate it. And I'll definitely check out your Substack - I feel like I could also write the post "is it the death of the career ladder?" too 😅. My instinct says yes!

Expand full comment
Matilda Lucy's avatar

Voted for SXSW! Wish I could be there

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks lovely!

Expand full comment
Andrea Clarke's avatar

Nailed it Anna.

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thanks Andrea 😊

Expand full comment
Mia Clarke's avatar

So many excellent points here. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

You're so welcome 🫶🏼

Expand full comment
Kelly Bunch's avatar

Good luck with SXSW! I voted!

Expand full comment
Anna Mackenzie's avatar

Thank you so much!! 🤞🏻

Expand full comment