Wednesday, 01 October 2025 Issue#051

Transition Smarter. Tech-Driven Guidance for What’s Next.

The future of work is shifting fast — nearly 40% of today’s skills will be outdated by 2030, and AI certifications are quickly becoming the new currency of credibility. We’ve also pulled together the top AI courses you can start now, whether you’re a leader, project manager, or just getting into the field. And outside the office? U.S. home-price growth is cooling for the sixth straight month, reshaping the housing market from the Sun Belt to the Northeast.

Weekly Roundup

Think With AI, Not Just About AI

AI Is Moving Faster Than You Think By 2030, nearly 40% of workplace skills will be outdated. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 shows 59% of workers will need reskilling, and 1 in 5 risk being left behind completely. The rise of AI isn’t just about learning new tech; it’s about rethinking how we lead, adapt, and solve problems.

Yes, AI and data skills are in demand everywhere. But the real game changers are soft skills like resilience, adaptability, and creative thinking. The leaders who thrive won’t just use AI tools, they’ll think with AI, applying it ethically and strategically.

The big question: are you building the skills today that will still matter tomorrow?

AI and Data Science Certs That Actually Count

AI and data science aren’t just booming...they’re exploding. According to McKinsey, AI-driven skills are evolving 66% faster than others, and professionals with AI expertise are already seeing a 56% wage premium in 2025. The catch? Companies are struggling to find enough talent with proven, hands-on skills.

That’s where certifications come in. Institutes like the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) and the United States Data Science Institute (USDSI®) are setting the bar with structured, globally recognized programs. Their certifications range from entry-level to executive, offering practical projects, strategy-focused tracks, and international credibility.

For professionals eyeing high-demand roles in AI or data science, these programs provide more than a résumé boost, they deliver skills you can use right now and recognition that hiring managers trust. With millions of new jobs on the horizon, the question isn’t whether to upskill. It’s whether you can afford to wait.

AI Skills Made Simple: The Top 9 Programs You Can Take Now

AI isn’t optional anymore; it’s the new baseline for staying relevant at work. Whether you’re leading teams, managing projects, or just starting your AI journey, upskilling now sets you apart in 2025 and beyond.

Here are 9 courses worth your time:

Executive & Project Management-Focused

1. ​GenAI Executive Education (GenAI.Works) — Strategy, ethics, and AI playbooks for leaders.
2. ​Artificial Intelligence for Project Managers (LinkedIn) — Practical skills for deploying AI in complex projects.
3. ​IBM: Generative AI for Project Managers — Frameworks and toolkits to plan and drive AI initiatives.

Foundational & Technical

4. Google Machine Learning Crash Course — Beginner-friendly with TensorFlow and real-world use cases.

5. Stanford Machine Learning (Andrew Ng) — A global favorite blending math, theory, and practice.

6. MIT Introduction to Deep Learning — Hands-on exploration of neural networks and advanced architectures.

No-Code / Business Impact

7. AI For Everyone (Coursera) — Industry impact explained, no coding required.

8. AI Strategy & Project Management — How to scale and implement AI responsibly.

9. Google AI Essentials — Understand GenAI, LLMs, and safe AI workflows.

Bottom line: you don’t need to become a coder to future-proof your career, but you do need to understand how AI reshapes industries, workflows, and leadership. The future belongs to those who act now.

Weekly Feature

When Gains Stall: What the July Home Price Data Is Telling Us

U.S. home-price growth is cooling, and in July 2025 it marked the sixth straight month of decelerating gains. According to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index, national home prices rose only ~1.7% year-over-year, the slowest annual pace since mid-2023.

On a monthly basis, prices actually dipped, about –0.1%, seasonally adjusted. After accounting for inflation, real home values declined ~2% over the past year.

Regionally, there’s a clear shift underway:

• Northeast & Midwest metros are now showing the strongest gains. For example, New York (6.4%), Chicago (6.2%), and Cleveland (4.5%) stand out.
• Sun Belt & West Coast markets are cooling more sharply. Tampa slid ~2.8% year-over-year, San Francisco ~1.9%, and Phoenix ~0.9% drop.

Several dynamics are contributing to the slowdown:

• Mortgage rates and affordability still act as headwinds. High borrowing costs eat into buyers’ budgets.
• Rising inventory is giving buyers more negotiating leverage. Active listings reached their highest levels in years.
• Wage growth vs price growth: In many places, wages are now rising faster than home prices, which softens some pressure, though not enough to offset the broader cooling.

What’s ahead? Analysts warn that continued softness could turn more widespread, perhaps even across markets that have held up until now. Some see modest price declines (~5%) in parts of the country.

For now, the market seems to be realigning. The double-digit, pandemic-era leaps in home value are largely behind us. What’s replacing them is steadier, more grounded growth, or possibly mild contraction in overheated pockets.

Weekly Prompt

Prompt 1: Rewrite for clarity
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Rewrite the following text so it is easier to understand. The text will be used in a professional setting. Ensure the tone is clear, respectful, and concise. Text: [paste text].
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Prompt 2: Adapt message for audience
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Reframe this message for [audience type: executives, peers, or customers]. The message was originally written for [context]. Adjust tone, word choice, and style to fit the intended audience. Text: [paste text].
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Prompt 3: Write a professional email
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Write a professional email to [recipient]. The email is about [topic] and should be polite, clear, and concise. Provide a subject line and a short closing.

Productivity Spotlight

Tools that help you stay, or get, productive

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✅ Blabby - Write with your voice anywhere with 99% accuracy, in over 90 languages

✅ Huxe- Transform daily information into interactive audio content

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