Joe Depa, global chief innovation officer at EY, says the key to staying relevant in a rapidly evolving job market shaped by AI is not to resist change, but to move with it. In a world where automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries, Depa believes adaptability has become the new form of job security—especially by 2026. “The ability to adapt and change is going to be the most important component,” said Depa, who leads EY’s strategies in AI, data, and innovation. He emphasized that ongoing training and upskilling will be the primary differentiators between individuals and organizations that thrive—and those that fall behind. Depa shared three core practices he uses to stay current and effective in his role. First, he advocates for continuous personal education. Whether through formal programs or self-directed study, he stresses that learning must be a daily habit. A few years ago, he returned to school to earn a Master’s in Analytics from Georgia Tech, driven by his need to better understand the work of data scientists and software engineers he manages. But even after completing his degree in 2020, he noted that the field has evolved dramatically. “Software development has completely changed,” he said. To keep pace, he now listens to podcasts and reads industry articles regularly. He’s not alone in prioritizing learning. Visa’s Oliver Jenkyn, for example, dedicates four hours each week to studying emerging topics such as stablecoins or semiconductor history—proving that structured learning time is a growing trend among top executives. Second, Depa highlights the importance of learning from others. He believes everyone should have personal mentors—trusted advisors who offer diverse perspectives. At EY, he leads a global AI advisory council made up of 20 top AI experts who meet regularly to review strategies and provide feedback. “It’s a really nice forum for me to test what’s coming next,” he said. But he also notes that mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. Building relationships with colleagues who challenge your thinking can be just as valuable. Third, Depa insists on applying knowledge in real-world ways. He encourages hands-on experimentation—whether through “vibe coding,” building simple apps, or testing new AI tools. “That whole learning experience is going to really help create new brain dynamics for you to learn the next thing and the next thing,” he said. He embraces failure as part of the process, noting that discomfort with experimentation builds resilience and a growth mindset. Blackstone’s CTO John Stecher echoes this sentiment. He sets aside one to two hours each weekend to tinker with technology—using tools like Claude to automate household tasks or developing scripts to analyze documents. “It’s tactile and tangible,” he said. For Stecher, the act of building, even on a small scale, keeps him connected to the tools shaping the future. In a world where AI is no longer a distant possibility but a daily reality, Depa’s message is clear: stay curious, stay connected, and keep doing. The future belongs not to those who avoid change, but to those who learn, adapt, and act.