NextGen Responds
What skills matter most for the next decade that aren’t emphasized enough today?
Learning Agility and Embrace Change
Stephanie Garrett, Parts Sales, Pricing and Systems Manager
Toyota Material Handling
Columbus, IN
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that our industry is evolving faster – and less predictably – than ever before. As a result, learning agility will be one of the most critical skills in the next decade. The ability to quickly absorb new information, recognize emerging opportunities, and adjust processes and goals will separate high-performing individuals and organizations from the rest.
To succeed, we must move beyond the mindset of “this is the way it has always been done” and instead embrace the opportunities created by economic, technological and business change. The most valuable material handling professionals won’t just be experts – they’ll be expert learners.
AI and Emotional Intelligence
David Fishburn, Marketing Manager
WireCrafters
Louisville, KY
As a marketing professional, I think the most important skills to work on over the next decade include AI and how to leverage it to not only streamline your day-to-day efforts but also to innovate and develop new ways to market your products. The marketing world, specifically, is changing daily, and if you aren’t embracing new technologies, you will be left behind quickly.
Emotional intelligence is another skill set I believe we need to develop to succeed in the future. Again, tying this back to the marketing side, I think you need to be able to build that emotional connection to the consumer to build trust and resonate on a human level. You need to be able to listen to customer feedback without taking it as criticism; instead, use it to help prevent issues in the future.
Over the next decade, I anticipate rapid change across all facets of business, so you need to be flexible and nimble while remaining productive. I think this ties back to using AI and other tools to help with day-to-day activities, so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Adaptive Learning, Decision-Making and Emotional Regulation
Will Maybury, President
Maybury Material Handling
E Longmeadow, MA
If I had to choose three skills to answer this question from a professional working perspective, they would be adaptive learning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. By adaptive learning, I mean the ability to unlearn outdated assumptions and relearn using the tools available. There is so much shifting with technology and how we work that I believe knowing how to ask great questions and pivot our focus to what is relevant is extremely important.
Decision-making is another skill that isn’t emphasized enough today but will be critical going forward. We tend to teach people how to make decisions when the data is clear and complete, yet real professional environments rarely offer that luxury. More often, decisions must be made with imperfect information, competing perspectives, high stakes and limited time. The ability to assess risk and move forward without certainty, while remaining accountable for the outcome, is a skill
that needs more focus.
Managing attention, anxiety and energy is what I mean by emotional regulation. This one is massively under-taught, in my opinion. How does someone handle uncertainty without spiraling or make an unpopular decision and stand by it? With so much online content pushing unrealistic standards, emotional regulation is a skill that will reward those who can stay calm and true to themselves and their vision.
Self Advocacy
Rod Szalay, Engineering Manager
Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry
Westlake, OH
The skill that will matter most over the next decade isn’t emphasized enough: self-advocacy. As work becomes faster, more cross-functional and less clearly defined, the people who grow won’t just be the most capable but also those who can clearly communicate their value, needs and goals. We’re often taught that hard work speaks for itself. Progress usually goes to those who pair strong performance with strong visibility.
Self-advocacy is not arrogance. It’s the ability to ask for what you need to succeed, speak up early when expectations aren’t clear and take ownership of your development. That includes requesting feedback, pursuing opportunities, setting boundaries and communicating accomplishments in a way that helps leaders make good decisions. Technical skills will continue to evolve, especially as AI accelerates the pace of work. But self-advocacy is a durable advantage because it directly
drives influence, growth and long-term resilience.
Human Connection and Collaboration
Garrett King, Mechanical Engineering Manager
Silman Industries
San Leandro, CA
The skills that will matter most in the coming decade are not purely technical, but deeply human. Soft skills such as communication, active listening, motivation, collaboration and adaptability.
We are living in an increasingly fast paced and ever-changing world, one in which it is now possible to spend much of life insulated from meaningful personal interaction. The rise of remote work and the dominance of digital communication platforms such as Teams and Zoom risk unintentionally diminishing our capacity for genuine human connection. Over time, these essential interpersonal skills can erode if they are not practiced. Effective communication and active listening are especially critical, as constant distractions make it difficult to slow down, be present and truly engage with others.
Creating a culture of motivation, collaboration and adaptability will be essential as change continues to accelerate around us. As distractions increase and attention is divided across multiple priorities, it is critical to foster and sustain a motivated team that collaborates and adapts to ongoing challenges, encouraging constant engagement. Success in the future will depend on embracing change with openness by working collaboratively, adapting thoughtfully and building resilient, connected teams capable of thriving in an uncertain world.
AI, Continuous Learning and Emotional Intelligence
Nicholas Duffee, Vice President of Sales
Cardinal Carryor, Inc.
Louisville, KY
The embrace of technology and the evolution toward a new era of AI are crucial topics in the Material Handling industry and beyond. While AI is frequently discussed, I firmly believe that its potential to reshape industries and redefine business practices will be monumental. As companies begin to recognize and utilize AI to their advantage, we will witness a significant shift in roles and responsibilities.
AI’s integration into search engines and its evolving capabilities underscore the urgency for our workforce to adapt. To thrive in this environment, we must prioritize skills that currently aren’t emphasized enough. Data literacy will become essential, equipping professionals to effectively collect, analyze and leverage insights generated by AI. Alongside this, the ability to collaborate with AI – understanding its strengths and limitations – will be vital for enhancing operational efficiency.
Furthermore, fostering a mindset of continuous learning is imperative. As technology advances rapidly, workers who embrace adaptability and stay up to date on new AI developments will remain valuable. Moreover, a focus on creativity and problem-solving will allow us to address emerging challenges with innovative solutions that AI alone cannot provide.
Finally, as the human element becomes increasingly critical amid the rise of technology, enhancing our emotional intelligence will facilitate better teamwork and communication. By embracing these skills, professionals in the material handling industry can remain relevant and empowered as we navigate an AI enhanced future. In this transformative landscape, mastering both technical and soft skills will ensure we can leverage AI’s potential while maintaining our unique human touch.
Balance of Technology and Communication Skills
Cole Daniel, Transportation Dispatch Supervisor
Gregory Poole Equipment Company
Raleigh, NC
One skill I don’t think gets talked about enough today is knowing how to use AI and emerging technologies effectively while still recognizing the importance of human interaction. Technology can make things faster, easier and more efficient, but at the end of the day, it can’t replace real conversations, empathy or building strong relationships with customers and coworkers. The ability to balance the use of technology and emerging tools with solid communication and people skills is what I think will really set someone apart.
