Jan. 12, 2026

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

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

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. 

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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!

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