Sonya Barlow x Taboola Workshop About Diversity & Inclusion In the Workplace.

25 Trend Predictions for 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the world is changing industries and lifestyles. From technology reshaping our lives to new approaches in travel, education, and careers, these trends offer insights into the future we’re collectively building.

Here are 25 predictions across seven categories to prepare you for what’s next.

Technology

Technology will no longer be confined to specific industries—it will shape how we live, work, and connect. In 2025, it will become a seamless part of everyday life, making processes more efficient and empowering individuals. Key trends include:

AI-powered tools for greater efficiency.
Online communities for empowerment and collaboration.
Softer, more lifestyle-oriented applications of technology beyond traditional uses.

At the same time, we will see people catch on to what’s authentic and what’s AI, changing the values and weight of many activities—from the way we write essays to the way we show up for our friends and family.

Sonya Barlow x LMF Network at a VODAFONE Event.

Careers

The way we work and define success is changing. Careers in 2025 will focus on personal branding, value alignment, and balancing professional growth with personal fulfilment. Expect changes like:

Value-driven job choices, where alignment with personal and professional ideals matters as much as pay.
A strong focus on EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) to attract and retain top talent.
Lean organisational and business models creating opportunities for side hustles and skill-building.
While AI simplifies CV screening, the human touch will remain essential in final decisions.

With the rise of soft skills requirements, we will see an increase in organisations investing in upskilling and mentoring programmes to attract and retain talent. This is one reason why we are launching our e-learning platform and mentorship app, dedicated to leveling up people while supporting internal development processes through soft skill development and training.

Here is an example of a video I uploaded about Career Advice:

Travel

Travel is becoming more about quality than quantity as post-pandemic travel habits evolve. With rising costs and a shifted focus on meaningful experiences, 2025 will see trends like:

The rise of local and “slow” travel, prioritising deeper connections with destinations.
Digital detox getaways, encourage people to live in the moment.
Exploring your city as a tourist and embracing local adventures.
Emphasis on expanding your networks through group travel and networking abroad.
Rise in eco-travel and sustainable living, which will filter into investments, experiences, and travel destinations.

As a person who loves to experience Bleisure, my inbox has been flooded with questions from curious folks about how to navigate the travel landscape, make the most of a business trip, and network with locals. Many of these topics I will cover through content in 2025, so subscribe to the newsletter and YouTube.

Here is an example of one of my travels:

Diversity and Inclusion

EDI is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s essential. In 2025, businesses that prioritise diversity and inclusion will see stronger teams, profits and productivity.

Diversity must be integrated into every aspect of business strategy.
Inclusive leadership and policies will shift from a competitive advantage to a necessity for success.
Adapting to neurodiversity and different personalities will be front of mind.

In 2024, we saw budgets for EDI decrease and side-of-the-desk EDI roles rise. However, as we move into the new financial year, many companies will set aside EDI budgets, encourage ERGs, and look to make their people a core part of their voice—based on good experiences, inclusive policies, and mutual respect for working practices. If you are stuck or starting your EDI journey, let us help you with an EDI audit, action plan, and educational resources.

Skills

Staying competitive will require continuous learning and flexibility. As industries evolve, the demand for lifelong learning will grow. Key developments include:

Future-proofing careers through constant upskilling and reskilling.
The growing importance of soft skills, such as adaptability and emotional intelligence, alongside technical abilities.
Investing in communication, negotiation, and managing upwards.
Back to basics: budgeting, financial literacy, storytelling, writing, etc.

Five years ago, we were told that technical skills were the most important, but in truth, if you can’t communicate what you know, then what changes? In 2025, we predict that the most in-demand skills will focus on going back to basics—writing, storytelling, communication, and managing difficult conversations. EQ will be as important as IQ, and yes, AI may be able to take over your admin tasks, but it will never replace the human experience that builds trust, enlists loyalty, and solves problems to drive true change. I have a newsletter that briefly discusses how travelling improves your skills, which can be very insightful!

Networking

Networking is evolving into something more authentic and intentional. In 2025, meaningful connections—both online and offline—will drive personal and professional growth.

Blended networking that combines online and offline strategies.
A focus on relationships aligned with personal and professional goals, over surface-level exchanges.
Rise of in-person events and conferences establishing business relationships.

Now, don’t let in-person networking take away from the fact that we are a globally connected world with remote and flexible working models and the ability to learn from others across the globe. The point is that the rise in business networking may bring back exclusive and performative measures, which we have worked hard to filter out. Therefore, organisations must be ready to introduce hybrid networking models, reduce commute costs wherever possible, and remind people of the power in sending and receiving a direct message online.

Sonya Barlow's LMF Networking Brunch Event.

Education

Education will continue its shift toward practical, accessible learning formats. Traditional degrees will lose prominence as the workforce prioritises skills. Trends include:

An evolution toward practical, skills-based education over traditional models.
Online learning and micro-credentials replacing lengthy degree programs, offering flexibility and relevance.

With the shift in tuition fees and technology, the education sector is becoming increasingly complex. Do we need a degree or not? We’ll let you answer that question—but what we do know is that the power lies in knowing a variety of things, learning in diverse ways, and sharing knowledge. Micro-credentials and courses will be encouraged by employers to develop skills and combat boredom—a genuine issue driven by short-form content. We are moving toward practical and pragmatic skills, emphasising experiential learning and failure as a core module in education. Teachers, professionals, and students eager to learn, let us know how we can support you through our e-learning, mentorship, and lecture programs.

Takeaway

2025 is shaping up to be a year of exciting changes. By staying informed about these trends, you can better prepare for the future and seize opportunities in your personal and professional life. We already knew that changes were coming, but we can predict a back-to-basics approach - AI may take over our admin, but many of us want conversations, connections, and community in IRL with a smaller number of people who will encourage us to try, fail, explore, and succeed.

Key Piece of Advice

Embrace changes as an opportunity for growth. The trends for 2025 highlight a shift towards integration–technology blending with lifestyle, personal values driving career choices, and lifelong learning becoming essential. To thrive in this future, adopt a mindset of adaptability and focus on aligning your goals with the evolving world around you. Say yes to new experiences, try different things and step outside of your comfort zone, as that’s where you will grow.

So What

Staying ahead means more than just knowingwhat’s coming; it’s about proactively positioning yourself and your business to thrive. Whether that’s using AI tools to increase productivity, exploring meaningful travel experiences to recharge, or investing in skills that complement emerging trends, the choices you make today will define your success in 2025. By understanding and preparing for these shifts, you can turn challenges into opportunities and position yourself as a leader in this changing landscape. No longer are we waiting for permission, 2025 is about being proactive.