How is our working world changing in times of artificial intelligence, new technologies, and social change? Futurologist Max Irmer deals with precisely these questions—and dares to look ahead at the People & Culture Festival 2025 in his keynote session “The Future of Work—A Collective Real-Time Picture.”

His mission: to make visions of the future tangible and show how we can actively shape them. For Irmer, the future is not something abstract, but a space full of possibilities that we shape today with our decisions. This is not only about technologies such as AI, but also about values, responsibility, and the ability to constantly realign ourselves.

We asked him in advance how he views current myths, what new job profiles he sees coming – and what we ourselves can do to stay fit for the future.

1. What do you think is currently the biggest myth surrounding AI in the world of work?
The biggest myth is that AI is either the great savior or certain doom. I believe the future will lie somewhere in between, as is so often the case. What is much more important is how consciously we use AI and what responsibility we take on in doing so.

2. What new job profiles do you see emerging in the next five years?
Digital detox facilitator, empathy trainer… a lot will change, but not everything and not immediately. We should focus much more on which job profiles we don’t want to “lose” and which new ones we really need.

3. How can you specifically build future skills to remain resilient?
For me, that means “living” futures literacy—actively experimenting with different, sometimes crazy futures. Those who learn to imagine desirable visions of the future remain capable of acting and can thus influence what comes tomorrow (and beyond).

Experience Max Irmer’s keynote speech at People & Culture Festival 2025 and secure your free ticket here!

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