The world, as we know it, is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The future is not only arriving faster but is also more unpredictable than ever. To navigate through this rapidly changing landscape, we need to equip ourselves with certain skills and characteristics. 

In this episode, we delve into this topic with David Wood, co-host of the globally renowned London Futurist podcast.

Here's a rundown of the seven most important characteristics that David believes people will need to be successful over the next 2-3 years.

1. Fast Learning: The ability to learn quickly is crucial. As David puts it, "No matter what you may have learned in previous jobs or in school, almost certainly that's not going to be the entirety of what we're going to need to know for any new skill area."

2. Insightfully Collaborative: With the pace of change accelerating, we need to build bridges with other people. Building the right set of collaboration partners and finding the right communities is key. 

3. Political: In addition to small "p" politics (cooperating and getting on with people you don't always like), we also need to consider big "P" Politics. This means getting involved in guiding our political leaders to understand the seriousness of the changes facing society.

4. Trustable: In an era of misinformation, companies need to focus on gaining trust. Being able to convince partners, customers, and clients that we are on their side will be crucial.

5. Emotionally Resilient: With the job market becoming increasingly disruptive, the ability to adapt is essential. This can mean changing one's skills, identity, or even location to stay competitive. 

6. Agile: Breaking down large, complex tasks into something more manageable and tangible is key. The concept of agile working, which involves a fail-fast, fail-smart approach, can be beneficial.

7. Astute: As AI continues to evolve and impact various aspects of our lives, understanding its potential and implications is essential. This includes the benefits of AI, the importance of a safety mentality, and the need to be aware of what we don't know.

These seven characteristics are not just essential for personal growth, but they also have broader societal implications. As we move into a future characterized by rapid change and unpredictability, these skills will become increasingly crucial. It's time to fast-forward and thrive in the fast-forward future.

In the words of David Wood, "Everybody should become a part-time Futurist because the future is coming faster than it ever did before."