Building Adaptability, the #1 Career Skill for the Age of AI with Ross Thornley | The Shift Show

The future of work isn’t coming—it’s already here. And in this new world, adaptability isn’t optional—it’s the foundation for success.

In this episode of The Shift Show, host Rachel Bourne sits down with Ross Thornley, CEO & Co-Founder of AQai, to unpack why adaptability is the single most important skill professionals need to thrive in an AI-driven, rapidly changing workplace.

Together, we explore:
✅ Why adaptability is more critical than technical expertise or traditional leadership skills in the 2025 workplace.
✅ The AQai Adaptability Quotient framework (Ability, Character, Environment) and how to measure your own change-readiness.
✅ The science of unlearning—and why letting go of outdated habits is just as important as learning new ones.
✅ How AI is rewriting the rules of success and the surprising traits of high-AQ teams.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by change, or unsure how to stay relevant in a fast-moving career landscape, this episode gives you the tools and mindset shifts you need.

🔗 Take the AQai assessment at AQai.io to discover your adaptability profile and start building your future-ready skill set.

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📌 Subscribe for more episodes on career resilience, AI fluency, and thriving in the future of work.

✨ Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction & Hope as a Key Trait

00:01:00 - Meet Ross Thornley: The Human Behind AQai

00:03:47 - The Entrepreneurial Journey and Early Lessons

00:06:39 - The Origin of AQai and Adaptability

00:13:37 - The AQai Framework: Ability, Character, Environment

00:24:23 - The Art of Unlearning: Letting Go for Growth

00:33:36 - AI, Systems, and the Next Shift in Work

00:36:17 - Audience Questions: Building Adaptability in Leaders and Teams

00:48:03 - Action Steps: Building Your Adaptability Quotient

👉 Like, comment, and share if this episode sparks ideas for your future career.
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