6 Skills Executive Leaders Need in 2025 to Thrive

LinkedIn recently published their Skills on the Rise 2025: The 15 fastest-growing skills in Australia, and while I wasn’t surprised to see Artificial Intelligence skills and Large Language Models (LLMs) featured prominently (I had to Google exactly what LLMs actually are), what really stood out was the fascinating balance. Strategic Thinking, Communication, and Adaptability ranked just as highly as the technical capabilities.

This got me thinking, how have the most valued professional skills evolved over the past decade? What were recruiters and hiring managers looking for back in 2016, the year Britain voted for Brexit, Donald Trump became President for the first time. What a journey the last ten years have been!

What’s changed in our professional landscape during this transformative period? It wouldn’t make sense to explore this without a little research from AI, so I’ve brought some digital assistance into the mix. I think you’ll agree we’ve done a solid job unpacking the shifts in what makes a candidate, and particularly an executive leader, truly employable.

From Technical Mastery to Strategic Humanity

Back in 2016, Australian executives competed on hard technical capabilities. LinkedIn’s analysis at the time highlighted cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure expertise, particularly in mining and financial services, where automation and platform transformation were hot topics.

Then came 2020. The pandemic didn’t just disrupt work, it redefined it. Suddenly, the most effective leaders weren’t just managing systems; they were guiding people through ambiguity, remote work, and accelerated change. Soft skills like creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence shot to the top of the list.

Now, in 2025, we’ve arrived at the age of the hybrid executive, leaders who balance technological literacy with human leadership. AI fluency is critical, but so is the ability to communicate, manage change, and inspire trust.

The 6 Upcoming Executive Skills 

Drawing on the latest data and our own recruitment insights, here are the six skills executive leaders need to remain relevant and effective in the current landscape.

1. AI Literacy and Strategic Integration

You don’t need to become a developer, but you do need to understand how AI fits into your business model. Whether it’s analysing customer data, automating tasks, or supporting complex decisions, modern leaders must be able to translate AI potential into practical, ethical business impact.

“In the future of work, every job will be augmented by AI – and leaders will be expected to not only adapt, but lead this transformation.” – Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn

2. Strategic Thinking and Scenario Agility

With economic, environmental and political shifts happening at breakneck speed, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and act decisively has never been more important. The best leaders think in scenarios, not spreadsheets, and are prepared for complexity, not paralysed by it.

3. High-Impact Communication

Leaders now need to build alignment, trust, and energy across digital and physical environments. Communication isn’t just a soft skill, it’s a strategic asset. Also, because hybrid work is here to stay, it’s redefining what effective communication looks like. 

“Strong communication is no longer about clarity alone – it’s about creating connection, across cultures, channels, and challenges.” – Australian Institute of Management, 2024

4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Data from Redbridge HR shows that EQ now accounts for 43% of variance in executive success ratings, compared to just 28% for technical expertise. What this means is leaders who foster psychological safety, navigate workplace conflict, and build inclusive cultures are not just nice to have; they are essential.

5. Cybersecurity and Data Awareness

You don’t need to be your organisation’s Chief Information Security Officer, but you should be fluent in digital risk. With growing regulatory expectations and public scrutiny, executives must understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity, data ethics, and how breaches impact reputation and trust.

“Cyber literacy at the executive level is now a non-negotiable. A breach isn’t just a tech issue – it’s a leadership one.” – ANZ Cyber Security Report, 2025

6. Adaptive Leadership and Lifelong Learning

Gone are the days of linear careers. Today, 58% of Australian executives have changed industries at least once, up from just 19% in 2016. That’s a threefold increase in industry change, showcasing the ability of leaders to build a strong transferable skillset and make the best of them in a new sector. The leaders of tomorrow are those who learn constantly, stay curious, and ensure they respond to the changes around them.

What This Means for Your Career

If you’re in the C-suite, or aspiring to be, here’s what to consider:

• Upskill strategically. Look for development opportunities that sharpen your data fluency, leadership versatility, and ethical decision-making
• Think beyond your industry. Transferable skills are more valuable than ever
• Lead like a human. AI may be powerful, but it’s empathy, trust, and communication that keep people aligned and engaged
  

Final Thoughts

As AI handles more technical tasks, human skills will only grow in value. The best leaders in 2025 are those who blend intelligence with empathy, strategy with adaptability, and confidence with curiosity.

If you would like support in your executive career progression, please contact us.