# Why So Many Workers Will Fall Behind in 2026 (And How Not To)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/per-my-last-email-6868760/why-so-many-workers-will-fall-behind-in-2026-and-how-not-to
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/per-my-last-email-6868760/why-so-many-workers-will-fall-behind-in-2026-and-how-not-to.md
Podcast: [Per My Last Email](https://stenobird.com/podcast/per-my-last-email-6868760)
Published: 2026-01-12T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/bHsDpvy53mYwJpnc1UL5/traffic.megaphone.fm/MOBI4781369725.mp3?updated=1768410588
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/bHsDpvy53mYwJpnc1UL5/traffic.megaphone.fm/MOBI4781369725.mp3?updated=1768410588
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/per-my-last-email-6868760/episodes/why-so-many-workers-will-fall-behind-in-2026-and-how-not-to
Duration seconds: 2186

## Resource

In this episode, Kaila and Kyle discuss why there is a fear of being “left behind” in the workplace in 2026, and what you can do to avoid that outcome. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Where the “left behind” framing is coming from 04:19 The “K-shaped” economy 09:02 Kyle’s hot take prediction on 2026 13:58 How to set yourself up for success in 2026 16:50 How Kaila and Kyle have started incorporating AI into their workflows 23:14 An example of how AI proved to be incredibly helpful in Kaila’s work 25:52 Another key tip for not falling behind in 2026 28:22 Extreme prioritization 31:09 The parable of the farmer This episode was sponsored by Industrious. Try out Industrious for yourself with a day pass OR a meeting room booking, now 50% off for Per My Last Email listeners. Visit industriousoffice.com/pmle to get your discount or free tour. Want to get all of Kaila & Kyle’s career resources? Subscribe to Per My Last Email: https://www.permylastemailshow.com/ Watch Per My Last Email on YouTube: @PerMYLastEmailShow Follow Per My Last Email Instagram: @permylastemailshow TikTok: @permylastemailshow Twitter: @permylast_email Have a question for us? Send us an email or voice note to permylastemail@morningbrew.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Each week on Per My Last Email, Morning Brew’s resident career experts Kaila and Kyle – whose careers have collectively spanned the corporate, government, nonprofit and startup sectors – debate the trickiest challenges in work life, and share tactics on how to overcome them. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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