Indian entrepreneur and bestselling author Ankur Warikoo believes that the secret to career success lies not in being the best at one thing, but in being hard to replace. In a recent LinkedIn post, he shared a practical framework for building a strong, AI-proof career by combining skills in a way that makes professionals stand out—even if they’re not the top performer in a single domain.
Rethinking Career Growth
Warikoo challenged the conventional idea that success comes from mastering one specific skill. “Growth is usually associated with mastering one skill — be the best at coding, sales, or design,” his slides noted. But he explained that this mindset can be limiting. Instead, he urged professionals to focus on strategic combinations of skills that create unique intersections — places where fewer people operate, and therefore, competition is lower.
“There are two ways to stand out,” Warikoo wrote in the post quoted by LinkedIn. “One, by being world-class at one skill. Two, by blending two or more skills that rarely intersect. When skills intersect, your uniqueness becomes your edge.”
The Three-Layer Strategy
Warikoo’s model is based on three skill layers — each adding depth, value, and creativity to one’s career.
The Power of Blended Skills
Using his own example, Warikoo explained that he’s not the best teacher, speaker, or leader — but being “good enough” in all of them has helped him build a distinctive edge. This fusion of multiple moderate strengths, he noted, creates a powerful combination that’s difficult to replicate.
He summarized this approach with a single question that every professional should ask:
“Which new skill makes me harder to replace?”
Building an AI-Proof Career
Warikoo also touched upon how this method protects professionals in an AI-driven world. As automation replaces repetitive tasks, roles that require creativity, empathy, and cross-functional thinking become more valuable. Blending human-centric skills with technical know-how, he said, can help workers stay ahead in an increasingly uncertain job landscape.
Ankur Warikoo is known for being an angel investor, author, and one of most popular content creators. Known for his candid insights on money, success, and personal growth, he continues to mentor millions through his digital platforms and books. His latest advice, once again, redefines what it means to grow professionally — not by being the best, but by being impossible to replace.
Rethinking Career Growth
Warikoo challenged the conventional idea that success comes from mastering one specific skill. “Growth is usually associated with mastering one skill — be the best at coding, sales, or design,” his slides noted. But he explained that this mindset can be limiting. Instead, he urged professionals to focus on strategic combinations of skills that create unique intersections — places where fewer people operate, and therefore, competition is lower.
“There are two ways to stand out,” Warikoo wrote in the post quoted by LinkedIn. “One, by being world-class at one skill. Two, by blending two or more skills that rarely intersect. When skills intersect, your uniqueness becomes your edge.”
The Three-Layer Strategy
Warikoo’s model is based on three skill layers — each adding depth, value, and creativity to one’s career.
- Anchor skill: The core ability you’re already known for.
- Adjacent skill: A complementary strength that expands your value in a team or market.
- Creative amplifier: A perspective or creative habit that changes how you think and approach problems.
The Power of Blended Skills
Using his own example, Warikoo explained that he’s not the best teacher, speaker, or leader — but being “good enough” in all of them has helped him build a distinctive edge. This fusion of multiple moderate strengths, he noted, creates a powerful combination that’s difficult to replicate.
He summarized this approach with a single question that every professional should ask:
“Which new skill makes me harder to replace?”
Building an AI-Proof Career
Warikoo also touched upon how this method protects professionals in an AI-driven world. As automation replaces repetitive tasks, roles that require creativity, empathy, and cross-functional thinking become more valuable. Blending human-centric skills with technical know-how, he said, can help workers stay ahead in an increasingly uncertain job landscape.
Ankur Warikoo is known for being an angel investor, author, and one of most popular content creators. Known for his candid insights on money, success, and personal growth, he continues to mentor millions through his digital platforms and books. His latest advice, once again, redefines what it means to grow professionally — not by being the best, but by being impossible to replace.
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