Global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry is out with its annual prediction of executive leadership trends that will shape 2025. Here is your cheat sheet on the top five:

  1. Technology Adaptation and AI Proficiency  –  Korn Ferry’s recent global workforce study found that most CEOs (73%) and senior executives (80%) believe “AI will significantly enhance their value within the next three years.”  Webinars and training courses on AI tools that will help individuals be more productive in their jobs or as teams are recommended. Korn Ferry notes “practical exposure like this will help demystify AI and encourage leaders to experiment with its capabilities.”
  2. Gender Diversity & Equity in Leadership – Korn Ferry argues FOR the inclusion of continued diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) programs even as major US companies like Meta, Wal-Mart and McDonalds make headlines by scaling back corporate DE&I efforts. The report notes that 34% of US workers think their companies are overly committed to such efforts. Thus, they key is for leaders to be “agile and empathetic” to balance different expectations within their organizations while also creating environments “where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated.”
  3. Equipping Managers to Lead in the Evolving Workplace – “Embracing flexibility is a crucial aspect of modern work culture,” says Korn Ferry, requiring leaders to implement team-focused activities to foster trust and cohesion amongst in-plant, hybrid, and remote teams. In addition to improving company culture, building trust throughout the workforce will improve overall productivity.
  4. Embedding a Culture of Continuous Learning – Korn Ferry’s Global Workforce 2024 Survey found that “continuous learning is a top priority for job seekers and a key factor in retention” (with responses equal across all age groups). Key elements leaders should promote are curiosity and innovation in order to drive a well-informed, confident organization forward. “Embed” is an important concept here; companies should provide continuous learning opportunities in a sustained manner rather than a one-off effort.
  5. Prioritize & Champion Employee Wellness – The report highlights mental health support as a key aspect of employee wellness, going beyond simply physical fitness. Specifically, the report states that in order to “enhance retention and recruitment, organizations should train managers to support employees’ wellness needs and create a work culture that encourages open discussion about health and well-being.”

Korn Ferry notes, “The key to developing a future-forward mentality is the ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead with authenticity.”

Read the full report here.