#AI skills

#AI skills

Before your inbox fills up again, there are steps you can take now to set the stage for a strong 2026 at work. The end of the year presents a natural time to reflect on what you've done and what you hope to do in the months ahead. Whether it's building AI skills, getting a raise, or leveling up your networking, you likely have plenty of goals to consider as you plan for the year ahead.

ODSC's Ai X Podcast had a busy year with 50 published episodes! Over the year, we discussed everything from the latest AI agent to enterprise AI strategies for implementing said agents. We spoke with researchers, academics, practitioners, and AI leaders for hundreds of hours over the year, and we're thrilled that you took the time to listen and comment on them. Looking back on the year, here are the top ten most listened to AI podcast episodes, and the common themes that we found.

Fifteen years ago, being 'computer literate' meant you could navigate Windows or macOS with ease, troubleshoot a printer jam, and perhaps install new software without calling tech support. In 2025, that definition feels outdated. Today's digital workplace runs on applications, mobile devices, and increasingly, AI-powered platforms that handle much of the complexity behind the scenes. How to effectively and efficiently use the array of technologies businesses now employ, has become critical.

Nearly a third of skilled knowledge workers are already making money without being tied to an employer or waiting for the next paycheck. About 28% of knowledge workers are currently freelancing, per Upwork's 2025 Future Workforce Index.

As a new kind of dealmaking is sweeping Silicon Valley, forcing employees to be vigilant about how much trust they are willing to put in startup founders.

The study indicates that two-thirds of organizations believe that open source AI is cheaper to deploy than proprietary models, highlighting its cost-effectiveness.