Another day with this beautiful life.

Reskilling and Upskilling for the Future: How to Stay Ahead in the Age of AI

Reskilling & Upskilling for the Future: How to Stay Ahead in the Age of AI

As AI and automation continue to reshape industries, the most valuable skill anyone can have is the ability to adapt and evolve. In the healthcare industry, that’s certainly no exception! The future of work isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, reskilling and upskilling are no longer optional—they're essential.

Why Reskilling Matters More Than Ever

The rapid pace of technological change means that many traditional roles are being redefined or replaced. Now, before you start complaining about that, let’s consider adapting instead. This isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity! By learning new skills and refining existing ones, you can future proof your career and open doors to exciting new possibilities.

Which skills should you focus on to stay ahead in the future?

Top Future-Proof Skills to Learn in 2026

Here are some of the most in-demand skills that will help you thrive in the evolving job market:

AI Literacy & Prompt Engineering
Understanding how AI works and how to interact with it effectively is becoming a core skill across industries. Find out the impact it has on your current or desired role and work on getting those skills.
Data Analysis & Visualization
The ability to interpret data and tell compelling stories with it is crucial in decision-making roles. This is especially important if you are planning on becoming a leader or you’re currently one. An important aspect of being a leader is being proactive and anticipating changes in the industry! Be ready!
Digital Communication & Remote Collaboration
Mastering tools like Slack, Notion, and Zoom is key in hybrid and remote environments. If you haven’t jumped on the digital era wagon, plan on doing it soon!
Cybersecurity Awareness
As digital threats grow, basic cybersecurity knowledge is valuable in almost every role. With the increase in the use of digital tools comes the threat of losing those. The more we rely on those, the bigger the impact if we are hacked. Stay ahead of the security features and know how to keep your organization safe.
Emotional Intelligence & Adaptability
Soft skills are gaining importance as teams become more diverse and distributed. Now, this is not new, but we still encounter leaders lacking emotional intelligence and adaptability. If COVID showed us anything that things can change and change fast! Learn to adapt or step away is basically what experts are saying.

Final Thoughts

Reskilling isn’t just about survival—it’s about unlocking your potential. The future belongs to those who are curious, adaptable, and proactive. So take that course, join that webinar, and start building the version of you that’s ready for tomorrow. Don’t wait until tomorrow to get ready for then!

At LS Consulting Services LLC we provide coaching and mentoring for leadership development. For a complete list of services offered, visit www.lsconsultingservices.net

Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams: Strategies for Connection, Clarity, and Culture

Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams: Strategies for Connection, Clarity, and Culture

In today’s evolving workplace, hybrid and remote teams are no longer the exception, they’re the norm. Yet leading these teams effectively requires more than just Zoom links and Slack channels. It demands intentional leadership that fosters trust, drives performance, and builds a cohesive culture across physical and digital spaces.

The debate on the effectiveness and benefits of working remotely continues, with one side insisting that it provides a better work-life balance for the employees and therefore a more engaged workforce, and the other side arguing that the quality of work is negatively impacted by the distractions of a home-office. Distractions? Which distractions? Amazon deliveries, the laundry, pets, school drop-offs/pick-ups… oh wait! I’ll be back.

While the work-life balance or work-life harmony is a topic I address in another blog, please know that the purpose of this post is to encourage those leading virtual teams to continue to make every effort to provide a culture that is conducive to a healthier, both mentally and physically, workforce, as well as successful in productivity.

The New Leadership Landscape

Hybrid and remote models offer flexibility, but they also introduce challenges:

Communication gaps due to asynchronous workflows
Reduced visibility into team dynamics and productivity
Risk of isolation and disengagement among remote employees

As a leader, your role shifts from managing presence to cultivating connection.

Key Strategies for Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams

1. Establish Clear Communication Protocols

Define when to use email vs. chat vs. video calls.
Set expectations for response times and availability.
Use multiple communication channels to ensure inclusivity and clarity.

2. Create Habits That Build Culture

Start meetings with personal check-ins or wins of the week.
Celebrate milestones—birthdays, promotions, project completions—virtually and in person.
Rotate facilitation roles to give everyone a voice.

3. Prioritize Outcomes Over Activity

Focus on deliverables and impact, not hours logged.
Use dashboards or shared trackers to visualize progress.
Encourage autonomy while offering support when needed.

4. Foster Psychological Safety (check out my blog on providing a psychologically safe work environment for your team).

Invite feedback and dissenting opinions without judgment.
Model vulnerability—share challenges and lessons learned.
Recognize contributions publicly and often.

5. Invest in Development and Coaching

Offer virtual mentorship and skill-building sessions.
Encourage cross-functional collaboration to expand perspectives.
Use 1:1s to align personal goals with team objectives.

A Healthcare Lens: Lessons from Patient Services

In healthcare, remote coordination is often a matter of life and logistics. Leading hybrid teams in patient services taught me that clarity, empathy, and structure are non-negotiable. Whether managing urgent care centers or virtual referral teams, the same principles apply: communicate with purpose, lead with compassion, and never underestimate the power of a well-run meeting.

Final Thought

Hybrid leadership isn’t about replicating the office—it’s about reimagining how we connect, collaborate, and grow. When leaders embrace flexibility with intentionality, they unlock the full potential of their teams—wherever they are.

Visit us at www.lsconsultingservices.net for a complete list of services offered, including leadership coaching and training.

Applying biblical principles to your leadership style in the corporate world

I love reading, but what I love reading the most is the Word of God. Did you know that the word of God is not just a manual for living a godly life, but also teaches how to be a good leader?

Visit www.lsconsultingservices.net for a complete list of services offered.

There are many examples of good leaders in the bible, but I'm interested in the life of Moses, because he is the first example of a leader I find in the bible. Exodus 17 details one of the first accounts of Moses serving as a leader of the Israelites. His people were coming under attack, and his role shifted from a motivator through their pilgrimage out of Egypt to a commander. As a good leader, he exercised his delegating skills by designating Joshua as an army recruiter. "Choose some men and go out to fight." (Exodus 17:9).

Thus, a good leader delegates! Now that's hard to do, especially if you are anything like me. If I want something done right, I get it done myself. The problem with that mentality is that you soon find yourself burned out and no longer able to carry on your duties with excellence. When Jethro, Moses' father-in-law came for a visit and noticed that Moses was doing everything himself, he told him, "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." (18:18). Now before you consider the fact that as a father-in-law of course he'd criticize the work Moses was doing, let's consider this for a minute. Exodus 18:13 reads, The next day, Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. I think we can all agree that people waiting all day to be served is not a good indication of efficiency in the process. Agree? Moses' abilities to perform were being hindered by the fact that, as a human, he's not meant to do it all alone!

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But before you start delegating, there's a template Moses followed. Jethro tells Moses to "select capable men" (Exodus 18:21). Selecting someone capable of doing the job will be crucial. Equally important will be to select someone who can perform the duties with the same excellence as you would. To do this, you must set the expectations for them. Exodus 18:20 states, teach them, show them, and appoint them!

Take the time to teach those you will be supporting about your expectations and why you operate the way you do, while also allowing enough freedom to employ their own creativity and skills. This will allow them to perform at their best, and the end results will benefit you. When teaching someone, please keep in mind, not everyone learns the same way. Some of us are hands-on learners, others learn by listening, and then some learn by observing. Again, get to know your people and provide an environment that is conducive to their learning. And yes, I do realize it does take time and effort that we're not all willing or capable of providing, but think of it this way: taking the time today will free you up tomorrow!

Show them by leading the way! As a leader, much like a parent, you can say one thing and very easily and unknowingly sometimes be doing something different. Allow your team the opportunity to know you at a deeper level by granting them time to observe you and mimic you. This will come with time and trust! Speaking of trust, be sure the person you are delegating to is also trustworthy. You will need to trust them to follow your lead. I once had a boss who taught me that a good leader's leadership abilities are evident in their absence. In other words, how your team behaves in your absence is the true testament to your leadership style! If you've done well in selecting, delegating, and training, it will show when you step away.

Finally, appoint them! Appoint them and step away! Let them work. By this, I don't mean let them run the ship, and if everyone sinks, is on them. What I mean is that you are now taking a back seat and letting them drive. You will remain in the vehicle and alert as to any recommendations you may make, but you will trust their abilities to perform, and more importantly, your abilities to have selected and delegated properly.

One last thing that really catches my attention about Moses' leadership abilities is that even when he knew his people were wrong, he was quick to intercede for them. Moses often found himself interceding for the Israelites with God, such as with the golden calf incident (Exodus 32), the rebellion at Kadesh (Numbers 14), and Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16). Moses would remind God of his covenant, appealing to his mercies, and even at one point offering himself as a sacrifice, suggesting he be removed from the Book of Life instead of his people (Exodus 32:31). This is the ultimate self-sacrifice a leader can make! As a leader, you should be your team's loudest cheerleader and biggest supporter. If they are wrong, you correct them, but do that in private. In public, acknowledge them, praise them, and thank them!

Remember to follow us on all social media platforms for more content on how to be a leader of excellence in a world full of good leaders! Find us as LS Consulting Services LLC. Visit us at www.lsconsultingservices.net for a complete list of available services. You may also call or text 689-224-9789.

Helping someone who has been laid off can be simple!

Do you know someone who has been recently laid off?

According to the US Department of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people age 16 and older was unchanged at 4.1 percent in October 2024, but higher than a year earlier (3.8 percent). The rate has ranged from 4.0 percent to 4.3 percent since May 2024 (www.bls.gov).

Losing a job can be one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through and it’s no wonder the concern among psychological experts has increased these past few months. With unemployment rates expected to rise because of the changes taking place in the federal government, mental health is a growing concern for working adults in the United States.

If someone you know has recently been laid off, your support can mean the difference between maintaining a healthy mental state. Here are some ways to offer meaningful help:

1. Acknowledge Their Feelings

It's important to validate their emotions. Remember, this is a significant loss, and not everyone deals with grief the same way, but begin by acknowledging their feelings of loss, frustration, and anxiety. While you may be tempted to think of a time you experienced the same loss stay away from using this as an opportunity to reflect on your experience. Avoid saying "everything happens for a reason" or "you'll find something better soon." Instead, say things like "I'm really sorry to hear that" or "That must be really tough,” or certainly ask if there’s anything you can do to help.

2. Offer a Listening Ear

Keep in mind that most people just want to be listened to! That might be the best support you can offer, is simply to listen. Let them talk about their experience and feelings without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Let them vent if they need to.

3. Practical Help

Offer practical help, such as recommending them for a;

Review of their resume
LinkedIn Networking (help them customize the profile)
Provide with Job Leads if you can
Make introductions if you are able to do so.

4. Encourage Self-Care

Remind them they are important to you and encourage them to take care of themselves physically and emotionally. This might include:

Taking regular breaks from job searching.
Engaging in physical activity or hobbies they enjoy.
Seeking professional help, such as career counseling or therapy, if needed.

5. Be Patient and Understanding

When someone has experienced a loss, it takes time to bounce back! Check-in regularly to see how they're doing. If you are in a position to support them financially don’t ask, just do it! A grocery gift card, delivering dinner one night, picking up the tab the next time you’re out for coffee with them, or asking them to cover a utility bill one time can mean a world of difference for someone who doesn’t know how they will cover their bills the next month.

Oh, and very important, please don’t make the gesture something to brag about with anyone you might know! Be sensitive to those you help and keep it private.

Finally, take care of yourself!

Compassion and generosity can go hand in hand to help you and I make the world a better place.

Preparing for your interview using the STAR method

The STAR method is a powerful tool interviewers use to know the candidate by asking behavioral questions that aim to better understand the candidate’s potential to perform the role's duties. These questions start with, tell me about a time in your career… It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Here's a detailed article on how to use the STAR method effectively:

Mastering the STAR Method for Interview Success

Introduction

The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions by describing a specific situation (scenario), the task you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. This method helps you provide clear, concise, and compelling answers that demonstrate your skills and experiences.

Situation

Start by setting the scene. Describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge at work. Be precise in articulating your role in addressing the situation and how you came up with a solution. Be specific about the details to give the interviewer a clear understanding of the scenario. Give enough information to let them know the importance of the situation at hand, but keep in mind that your focus should be on highlighting the results.

Example: "In my previous role as a project manager, we were facing a tight deadline for a major client project. The team was under a lot of pressure, and there were concerns about meeting the deadline without compromising quality."

Task

Next, explain the task you were responsible for in that situation. This helps the interviewer understand your role and responsibilities.

Example: "As the project manager, my task was to ensure that the project was completed on time while maintaining the highest quality standards. I needed to coordinate with different departments and manage the team's workload effectively."

Action

Describe the specific actions you took to address the task. Focus on what you did, how you did it, and why you chose those actions. This is your opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and initiative.

Example: "I organized daily stand-up meetings to keep everyone on track and address any issues promptly. I also implemented a project management tool to streamline communication and task management. Additionally, I provided support and resources to team members who were struggling with their tasks."

Result

Finally, share the outcomes of your actions. Highlight the positive results and any measurable impact your actions had on the project or organization. This demonstrates the effectiveness of your approach and your ability to deliver results. This is the part where you want to emphasize your ability to duplicate these results with the new employer.

Example: "As a result of these efforts, we completed the project two days ahead of schedule and received positive feedback from the client for the quality of our work. The project management tool we implemented also improved overall team efficiency and communication for future projects."

Conclusion

Using the STAR method can help you provide structured and impactful answers during interviews. By clearly outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result, you can effectively demonstrate your skills and experiences to potential employers. Practice using this method with different scenarios to build confidence and ensure you’re prepared for any behavioral interview question.

Good luck with your interview and remember, we can help you practice for that interview, customize your resume, and provide you with career coaching.
For a complete list of available services visit, www.lsconsultingservices.net

Using your LinkedIn account to its full potential!

Now that you have a LinkedIn profile, how can you use it during these trying times in one of the toughest job markets we’ve ever experienced?

Read on!

According to withe.co, nearly 50% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to find their next candidate. In fact, in 2024 LinkedIn will be the most effective social platform for sourcing qualified candidates. Additionally, 63% of candidates check social media for employee and consumer comments about a company's workforce diversity or lack thereof. Therefore, LinkedIn is the place to be nowadays, whether you are a candidate looking for your next gig or a recruiter looking for the next promising candidate.

But what good is it to have a profile and not know how to use it?
While we will never address all the benefits of a LinkedIn profile on this blog, I want to highlight the one thing most people neglect on their job search when it comes to using LinkedIn.

First, most people neglect updating their profile to reflect their complete work history, and all their skills and experience. Your LinkedIn profile is your electronic resume. Be sure to update it to reflect as such. Please include a half-decent picture of you! It doesn’t have to be a professional shot, well I guess it depends on the role you are looking for. If you are an executive or looking for a C-suite role, by all means, but if you are not, a good picture of you will suffice. Now, here’s a kicker, if your Facebook/Instagram profile picture and your LinkedIn one are the same, chances are you should change it. Remember, LinkedIn is a professional networking site! That being said, although it should not matter, statistically the recruiters are attracted to profiles that have a picture a lot more often than to those who do not. There’s a pre-conceived notion that a profile without a picture is a false one, and thus many of them report not even clicking on it.

That’s all I will say about your profile for now, although I will probably create a blog on more tips to improve your profile later on.

Now that your profile is good to go, assuming it is, it’s time to use your LinkedIn account to benefit you. Find your ideal role! For example, if your ideal role is social media marketer for LS Consulting Service LLC, you want to look up the company using the LinkedIn search engine.

Now notice the different options you must select for this particular company.
You can see the people who work there and send them connection requests. After all, what’s the best way to get into a company than knowing someone who knows someone? 😊

You can also look up the current vacancies you can apply for and take advantage of any courses they might be offering, or events they are hosting.

Make sure your profile matches the job description of the role you are looking for!

I know not too many of us have the time to do so, especially if you are currently unemployed, but if you had the luxury of time you can participate in their events to get to know folks better or create a door for you to access their vacancies.

If you click on people, you will also be able to filter those current employees by location, school, and several other options. This can again help you streamline your search for that specific connection that can help you get your application and/or name known to the right person. Finding commonalities will be an ideal conversation starter!

You also will be able to easily identify the recruiters in that company!
My first piece of advice is to send connection requests to the recruiters first and then find the hiring manager for the role that you want to eventually apply to. Keep in mind, the role you want may not be available now, but assuming it will be shortly, getting connected now is the perfect time. This will help you create multiple possibilities of getting your name to come up at the time of considering their next candidate.

Once you do that, it’s time to get your name to come up on their feed a few more times! Comment on their posts, share their content if appropriate, and be sure to create your own content to post regularly. You don’t need to be too elaborate, but enough that those who see your content are certain that you are good at what you do. Remember, the more they see your name the more chances of them selecting it at the time of going through several applications.

That being said, do not become a stalker! Do not continuously comment, and like their posts to the point of becoming obnoxious or you will lose your chance of getting in there. Find the right balance, because being so obviously desperate, and casually being in the same industry with the skills and experience they so happen to need.

Happy scrolling!

Be sure to follow us on social media for more tips and tricks to get through this tough market!

Lilibeth Santiago
President of LS Consulting Services LLC

Preparing for your job interview

Steps to take to prepare for your interview!

1. Research the Company

Understand the company's mission, values, and culture.
Familiarize yourself with their products or services.
Know the latest news and updates about the company.
Find a way to incorporate what you have researched about them in your answers.

2. Understand the Job Role

Review the job description thoroughly.
Identify the key skills and qualifications required.
Prepare examples of how your experience matches the job requirements.

3. Practice Common Interview Questions

Please don't just read the answers to the questions. Be sure to answer the questions as naturally as conversing
with the interviewer.

Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work here?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why should we select you and not other and candidates?
Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it.

4. Dress Appropriately

Yes, even if you are interviewing virtually, you want to dress appropriately!

Choose professional attire that fits the company culture.
Ensure your clothes are clean and well-pressed.
Pay attention to grooming and personal hygiene.

5. Bring Necessary Documents

Even during a virtual interview, you don't want to be looking for documents. Have a copy of your resume ready. In these
times when we are customizing resumes to roles, it's important you remember what you put on that resume, shall they refer to it during your interview.

Copies of your resume.
A list of references.
Any certificates or portfolios relevant to the job.

6. Plan Your Journey, shall the interview be in person

If the interview is virtual, be sure to arrive at the virtual room at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. If you experience any connectivity issues, you can resolve those with plenty of time. It will show them you are punctual if you don't run into any trouble.

Know the interview location and how to get there.
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.
Have a contact number in case of any issues.

7. Follow Up

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours.
Reiterate your interest in the position.
Highlight key points from the interview.

Good luck!
Now check us out at www.lsconsultingservices.net for a complete list of services available.
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