Skills for Tomorrow: How to Stay Ahead in a Changing World
Viivi Tuhkala, Talent Acquisition Manager at Urban Partners, studied business at the University of Jyväskylä, majoring in Management and Leadership. She helps build workplaces where curiosity and strong networks lead to exciting career opportunities. By connecting the right individuals with the right job openings, she empowers people to harness their curiosity and pursue new career paths that align with their aspirations and strengths.
At Urban Partners, future-readiness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of working, learning, and leading. Viivi Tuhkala and Lotta Sjöberg, who shared their insights with us, both emphasise that navigating the future successfully is less about mastering every new tool and more about cultivating the right mindset.
Whether it’s working at the intersection of real estate and private equity, like Lotta at Nrep, Urban Partners’ real estate investment strategy, or shaping recruitment and employer branding, like Viivi at Urban Partners, one thing is clear: staying ahead means continuous learning, thoughtful self-leadership, and courage to embrace change. As part of the same investment company, both bring complementary perspectives on what it takes to navigate the future of work.
Learning to Learn
Both Lotta and Viivi highlighted that learning agility is the number one skill across all industries. As the working world becomes more dynamic, the ability to absorb, apply, and rethink knowledge is crucial.
It's not just about gaining new skills, it's about knowing when and how to pivot, whether that’s embracing new AI technologies, leading diverse teams, or adjusting your career path when needed.
"Work is a bit like a sports performance: you won’t be able to reach your personal best every day, but building resilience, setting your own rhythm, and focusing your energy smartly will take you far."
Self-Leadership and Staying Resilient
In an increasingly fast-paced and information-filled world, the ability to manage oneself by setting clear priorities to taking breaks strategically is becoming more important than ever.
Self-leadership also means building a positive, energised mindset. They underline that "work is just work, it can and should give you energy, not just take it". Creating joy in the everyday and taking responsibility for one’s own well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term success.
At Urban Partners, junior employees are encouraged to take ownership early, are given wide responsibilities, and are supported through feedback, annual development plans, and open learning sessions. The goal is not perfection, it’s continuous growth and learning from real-life experiences.
Lotta Sjöberg, Head of Asset Management at Nrep, studied business at Aalto University with a major in Marketing. She now leads an international team responsible for value creation in real estate investments and focuses on growth through continuous learning.
Navigating an AI-Driven World
Technical skills, especially related to AI, data literacy, and system thinking, are becoming increasingly vital. Lotta and Viivi noted that in real estate, for instance, digital tools are now just as important as traditional real estate expertise.
Yet, adaptation of new technology alone, like using ChatGPT to create a strong CV and application, is no guarantee of a good outcome. On the contrary, it can make an application boring and generic, unless you also make an effort and invest time in it. The real value comes from knowing when to utilise technology, validate data, and combine technical insights with human judgment.
Especially for women, adapting to these changes also means actively building and leveraging networks, which have become even more critical as career paths grow less linear.
Urban Partners sees diverse perspectives as an asset and fosters an inclusive culture where learning from mistakes and speaking up is not only accepted but encouraged.
Three Key Tips from Urban Partners to Stay Ahead in a Changing World:
1. Dare to take on scary out-of-comfort-zone opportunities, build your perseverance, and work hard when it matters.
2. Stay curious and seek out new knowledge, but be smart about prioritising what truly matters for your goals.
3. Use and nurture your networks, opportunities often come through people, not platforms.
The future of work will reward those who are not just technically skilled, but also resilient, adaptable, and proactive in building their own journey, just as Lotta and Viivi show through their experiences at Urban Partners.
