For many people in the workplace, the prospect of getting older comes with the expectation of becoming more senior—more power, more money, better positions, more status. When they look on the other side of the equation, they see the contribution they make — lots of experience, well-honed skills, and plenty of white hair to indicate wisdom. What they are not thinking about is whether they are still relevant to the market in which they serve.
I never know whether to be amused or outraged when I meet people in their fifties and sixties who only want to do the things they have always done. They have the same circle of friends, eat the same foods they have loved for 30 years, enjoy the same music and vigorously defend the opinions they have held dear for all their adult life. What must it feel like not to be curious or even interested in trying new things, exploring new ways of thinking and feeling, or even dabbling with being a new person? I am not sure if you are one of these people, but the cold fact is that your ability to matter in the workplace is looking less and less spectacular unless you’re ready to make some big shifts. Here are three ideas you might want to explore.
Surround yourself with younger people
I learnt this piece of wisdom from the legendary Kiki Divaris who, well into her seventies, always made sure she included people in their twenties and thirties in her social circle. I was lucky enough to be one of those people. I don’t believe there is a school or mentorship programme that can top the things I learnt from her. But what did she get out of it? Based on her own admission, having young people around kept her young. And from what I could see – it also kept her relevant. She had a “Mix with them and learn from them” policy which encouraged inclusion and diversity in a time when those words were not yet sprinkled all over company policy documents. She understood the importance of generating new ideas by exposing yourself to things that are different from what you are used to.
Face Your Fears of Technology
You might consider yourself pretty tech-savvy; after all, you’ve seen it all, from faxes and telexes to becoming a whizz at email and video conferencing. But let’s be honest—mastering a few tools is just the tip of the iceberg. The real challenge is developing an attitude that embraces the constant evolution of technology. It’s not about getting comfortable with what you know now; it’s about staying open to what’s coming next and the wave of changes that will follow. The pace of innovation isn’t slowing down, and being adaptable is what will keep you ahead. Rather than fearing new technologies, approach them with curiosity. Ask yourself how these tools can empower you to lead better, work smarter, and push your organization forward.
Be prepared to be wrong
Wrong? Yes, you—the boss, the walking library, the fountain of knowledge and wisdom—can be wrong. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s necessary. Nothing stifles innovation and experimentation like an untamed ego. The moment you believe your experience alone shields you from mistakes is the moment you stop growing. Be willing to accept that your tried-and-true methods might not apply to new challenges. Admitting when you’re wrong opens the door to learning, collaboration, and fresh ideas that can propel your career and your organisation forward. It’s in those moments of humility that much progress is made.
Everyone will tell you to invest in continuous learning, particularly in areas like digital transformation, AI, and other technologies shaping the future. And sure, attending seminars and participating in executive education programs will help — but only up to a point. To truly remain relevant, you’ll need to be courageous enough to start working on a mindset that is open to discomfort, willing to be challenged, and ready to let go of old ways of thinking. It’s not just about gaining new skills; it’s about embracing a constant state of evolution. In the end, the ability to stay relevant comes down to how adaptable, curious, and humble you are in a world that never stops changing.
