Dt #608 Crystal Ball 2026: Mark Perna on the Future of Workforce, Youth & Leadership

As Develop This! kicks off 2026, host Dennis Fraise continues the Crystal Ball series with a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Mark Perna—generational expert, author of Answering Why, speaker, and Forbes contributor.

Together, Dennis and Mark explore how the workforce and education landscape has (and hasn't) changed since Answering Why was published in 2018. They examine generational shifts, the widening skills and readiness gap, and the urgent need for visionary leadership across economic development, education, and workforce systems.

Mark shares powerful insights on what young people are really asking for today, why inspiration and purpose matter more than ever, and how economic developers can better engage emerging talent. The conversation also dives into the accelerating impact of AI, the pace of change confronting communities, and the traits future-ready leaders and workers must develop to thrive.

This episode challenges listeners to rethink traditional workforce strategies, elevate collaboration, and lead with optimism—because, as Mark reminds us, young people are extraordinary and capable of shaping a stronger economic future.

Key Takeaways

• The workforce education landscape has seen surprisingly little substantive change since 2018
• Workplace readiness, professionalism, and etiquette are growing challenges
• Young people are eager for inspiration, meaning, and honest conversations
• Visionary leadership is essential to drive collaboration and economic growth
• The accelerating pace of change demands adaptability and proactive leadership
• Workforce readiness remains low, highlighting a persistent skills gap
• Students face new challenges balancing hope and opportunity in a shifting job market
• AI will significantly reshape workforce dynamics and skill requirements
• Diversity, adaptability, and resilience will define future workforce success
• Young people are not the problem—they are the solution