E5 S15 Navigating the World of Work in the Age of AI

Navigating the World of Work in the Age of AI: Lessons from David Timis on the Social Change Career Podcast

How do you build a future-proof social impact career when AI is transforming every aspect of work? In Season 15, Episode 5 of the Social Change Career Podcast, Craig Zelizer sat down with David Timis—AI and Future of Work Leader, Global Communications & Public Affairs Manager at Generation, and passionate champion for equitable workforce development—for one of our most timely and energizing episodes yet. Together, they explored what’s changing, what’s possible, and concrete steps listeners can take to chart their own path in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Why Take a Listen:

• Navigate Change Like a Pro: Discover how to chart your career—even if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI, automation, and shifting job markets.

• Level Up Your Skills, Your Way: Uncover the most effective ways to upskill, reskill, and showcase your abilities through micro-credentials, fellowships, and unconventional pathways.

• Make Your Career Future-Proof: Get straight talk on how combining people skills, tech know-how, and real-world experience can set you apart, no matter your field.

• Turn Language and Curiosity into Superpowers: See why speaking multiple languages, embracing intercultural exchange, and following your curiosity are secret weapons for building a global career.

• Rethink the Value of Education: Hear his candid take on when to pursue graduate school, how to access top scholarships, and if a traditional degree still matters.

• Unlock the Power of Community: Find out why volunteering, fellowships, and international programs aren’t just résumé boosters—they’re launchpads to impact.

• Stay Grounded—and Inspired—About the Future: Explore the biggest opportunities and very real risks of AI, and how you can keep your values, purpose, and agency at the core of your work.

• Learn from a True AI and Future of Work Leader: Follow David Timis ’s compelling journey from UN youth delegate to Google to shaping global policy at Generation, and hear how he became a sought-after speaker, coach, and mentor.

About David: He brings hands-on leadership at the intersection of AI, the future of work, and social impact. As a workforce development expert at Generation, AI and Future of Work Leader, and seasoned advocate, he has shaped pivotal conversations on talent, equity, and innovation for vulnerable populations. His career path—from the UN to Google and the World Economic Forum—offers practical wisdom for anyone serious about meaningful work in the digital era.

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Resources Mentioned

• Generation – Skilling and employment nonprofit where David works

• PCDN – Transforming social impact careers and connecting changemakers

• Blue Dot Impact – Upskilling platform in AI strategy and governance

• LinkedIn Learning – Micro-credential and online learning hub

• Fulbright Program – Prestigious international exchange scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships – UK government scholarships

• Central European University – International master’s/PhD programs with scholarships

• Erasmus+ – EU study/staff exchange funding

• Profellow – Fellowship/scholarship database

• DAAD Scholarships – German Academic Exchange Service scholarships

• UN Volunteer Program (UNV)

• VSO International – Global development volunteering

• Exponential View by Azeem Azhar

• Ethan Mollick, Co-Intelligence

• Benedict Evans Newsletter

• The Transformer Newsletter

• AI Economics Brief by Windfall Trust

• Brussels AGI Collective – AI/AGI community in Brussels

• David's LinkedIn profile – Comprehensive list of micro-credential courses and recent work