The Soft Skills Crisis: How AI and COVID Changed Gen Z's Career Game with Injil Muhammad

Harvard graduate and Goldman Sachs alum Injil Muhammad Jr. is revolutionizing how Gen Z professionals navigate early career challenges through his company Budtle. After experiencing firsthand the disconnect between academic preparation and workplace reality, Muhammad recognized that "there's so many aspects that just have nothing to do with your academic preparation or expertise because it's just a different environment." His solution addresses three critical soft skills often overlooked in traditional education: self-advocacy ("You have to actually advocate for yourself and make sure that you have the visibility"), strategic networking, and time management. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z entered the workforce during unprecedented times—experiencing remote work as the norm rather than a perk, and facing AI automation of traditional entry-level tasks. Muhammad's framework distinguishes between coaches (peers 2-4 years ahead), mentors (advisory relationships), and sponsors (advocates who "speak for you when you're not in the room"), providing a systematic approach to professional relationship building. For Gen Z professionals struggling with workplace transition or companies looking to better engage their junior talent, Muhammad's active LinkedIn presence offers valuable insights five times per week, and comprehensive resources are available at buddleplatform.com.dearbusinesscoachpodcast.com/subscribe