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Lack of time is a major upskilling challenge for most organizations and individual professionals, yet this is the number one growth driver The biggest hindrance to building new skills isn’t finances, interestingly enough. It’s actually lack of time. A Gallup survey revealed that 41% of professionals cite lack of available time as their biggest upskilling challenge, while an HR.com survey conducted in early 2025 noted that eight in 10 organizations say the number one barrier to upskilling is time. This is why the smartest way to grow your career is by building momentum through micro-habits. It doesn’t always happen through an MBA, an expensive bootcamp, or even getting employer funding for a course, although those options are often ideal. Micro-habits, the small actions you take every day, can help you achieve more in your career, earn more, and learn essential skills. You can gain in-demand skills that employers would be willing to pay lucrative salaries for in the job market, such as AI skills, by building daily habits like: Listening to professional development books on Audible. Using AI-powered book summary apps like Headwave or Blinkist to grab your nugget of wisdom for the day, and to help you master skills like AI productivity, workplace communication, etc. Setting aside dedicated blocks of time for micro-learning activities like studying certifications and microcredentials (see my recommended list of AI certifications here). Using apps like the ones recommended in my recent article, “3 App Store/Google Play Apps To Learn High-Paying Skills In 20 Mins,” which help you master core topics and in-demand skills while on the go. 6 Amazon Audible Books To Upskill In 2026 Within this article you’ll discover six Audible books that teach you AI skills (the top tech skill of the future according to Coursera and the World Economic Forum) so you can learn and master essential AI literacy for work. 1. Human-Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control – Stuart Russell AI skill: AI ethics and governance Why you should listen: As a leader or manager, you need to understand AI accountability and where you lie with that responsibility. 2. Power and Prediction – Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb MORE FOR YOU AI skill: System-level innovation and decision-making, plus understanding of the economics behind AI and how it’s disruption of industries can be used to a positive advantage Why you should listen: AI is full of uncertainty but it can also help reduce uncertainty. As a leader or professional aspiring to leadership, this Audible is a must-listen if you want to be at the forefront of change. 3. The Coming Wave – Mustafa Suleyman AI skill: Understanding of the future and development of AI and technological innovation. Why you should listen: Written by DeepMind cofounder (from Google) and a fantastic read about the fascinating (albeit scary for some) new world of work and tech integrating into every aspect of our lives. 4. Genius Makers – Cade Metz AI skill: Background context of AI innovation and leadership insights along the way Why you should listen: The book is hailed as a fascinating read with some reviewers on Amazon stating it would be great if produced as a Netflix documentary. Highly engaging and gives you context into why we are where we are today with AI development. 5. Deep Learning – Ian Goodfellow Skill: Natural language processing, speech recognition, computer vision, online recommendation systems, and algorithms. Why you should listen: Great if you’re relatively new to the tech industry and want to take your development expertise to the next level and bump up your salary with machine learning skills. 6. The AI Advantage – Thomas H. Davenport Skill: AI business strategy and real-world use cases beyond the hype. Why you should listen: Learn how to roll out AI transformation in your organization through looking for “low-hanging fruit," instead of immediately reaching for the stars. You get to understand how to apply AI in business for ultimate competitive advantage. These Audible books help you master critical thinking, AI awareness, reflective learning, and AI leadership skills--all of which are essential to successfully adapt to, and lead, the new future of work. Build micro-habits so your professional development doesn't get compromised Download one of these Audible books today and play them while out for a long run, on the commute to/from work, while making that cup of coffee or preparing breakfast, or even on your lunch break while working from home. Turn dormant time into a space that creates a win for your career. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
