Our country is facing a massive talent shortage.

Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies are creating a digital economy that is disrupting industries where people have traditionally found good jobs, from office administration and agriculture to customer support and food service.

More than 60% of the world’s labor force is employed in occupations that could be partially displaced by automation and digital technologies by 2030[1]. The economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further decreased demand for many customer-facing jobs. Research predicts that more than 10% of the total labor force in major economies will have to switch occupations in the next 10 years.

At the same time, we have seen increased demand for roles in healthcare and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As of January 2022, there were 10.9 million open jobs in the U.S. Between the increased demand for emerging tech jobs and open positions from the Great Resignation, companies are scrambling to fill jobs – and finding it difficult to attract qualified candidates.

The University of Chicago may have prepared Emmanuel “Manny” Roman for a career in finance, but his love of learning began at the dinner table with his father in their Paris apartment.

“My father was a deep intellectual,” says Manny. “He read voraciously – history, modern literature, philosophy. This was a strong influence on me, and reading became an important part of my life.”

Manny is still a voracious reader, and as CEO of PIMCO (the Newport Beach-based asset management firm with more than $2 trillion in assets under management), his intellectual curiosity and appreciation for diverse perspectives help shape how he leads.

“The world is becoming fast, fused and deep.”

This was Tom Friedman’s declaration on a recent virtual event with more than 140 executives – from both our CEO Leadership Alliance - Orange County and the Center for Higher Ambition Leadership community.

I’ve followed Tom for many years, read his books and have always admired his perspectives. As a columnist for the New York Times and a prolific author, Tom is an ever-curious learner. He writes about companies and leaders that are doing well and creating good in the world. Like our CLA-OC network, he is focused now on collective, collaborative work that drives local and regional progress.

Here are a few highlights from our hour-long conversation.