What happens when the most important skill for the future of work isn’t technical—but navigational? In this episode of The Future of Less Work, host Nirit Cohen sits down with Hans Meeder, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education and author of Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce, to explore why career navigation may be the defining capability of our time.
From middle school classrooms to mid-career reinvention, they dive into the tools we need to thrive in a world where linear career paths no longer apply. Hans shares why the “college-first” mindset is breaking down, how career-connected learning is helping students find purpose earlier, and what it takes to align education with a rapidly shifting labor market.
If you're rethinking your own path—or helping others build theirs—this conversation is essential listening. Discover how to navigate work when the map is constantly changing.
Guest Information:
Hans Meeder is an author, speaker, and consultant dedicated to empowering youth with the Career Navigation Skillset—tools essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world of work. A former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Education, Hans has spent decades advancing career and technical education, high school redesign, and workforce development. He is the author of Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce and several other influential resources on career-connected learning. Today, he continues his advocacy as Senior Fellow for Education and Workforce Innovation at YouScience and leads Blue Crab Talent Strategy, helping schools and communities integrate meaningful career exploration into every student’s journey.
Chapters:
00:00 – Why We Must Teach Career Navigation Early
01:22 – When Your Degree Doesn’t Match Your Career
02:48 – From Career Ladders to Rock Climbing Walls
04:16 – The 3 Skills Every Career Navigator Needs
06:12 – Middle School Is the Right Time to Start Career Training
07:47 – A School That’s Doing Career Navigation Right
09:17 – What Parents Can Do to Support Career Exploration
11:20 – The Collapse of the “College-First” Mindset
13:20 – Why Learning to Learn Is the Real Advantage
15:13 – How Skilled Trades Stay Relevant in a Tech World
16:30 – Lifelong Learning vs. Lifelong Schooling
18:41 – Why Entrepreneurial Skills Matter for Everyone
20:36 – Reinventing Yourself in Mid-Career
22:25 – Would Free College Change the Debate?
23:44 – What Policy Changes Could Prepare Us for the AI Future?
25:12 – Should Schools Be Measured by Career Outcomes?
