AI: A Catalyst for Change in the Workforce

The question isn’t whether AI will change the workforce; it’s whether you will be ready for it. Technology has always transformed work and society, and artificial intelligence is accelerating this transformation. Imagine being a factory worker in the 1850s, witnessing new machines that threatened your job. The fear was palpable, leading to societal backlash and riots against automation. Yet, history shows that humanity advanced despite these challenges.

Learning from History

We’ve seen cycles of adaptation before. AI is just the next wave; instead of destroying jobs, it is reimagining what valuable work means. The winners in this new era will be those who embrace the shift the fastest.

AI Following a Familiar Pattern

As an economic anthropologist, I observe troubling historical patterns reemerging. Just like the shift from communism to capitalism in Russia led to social unrest, today’s resistance to AI could have dire consequences. The lesson? If we don’t adapt swiftly to the AI-driven economy, we risk repeating the mistakes of history.

Adapting to AI

To prevent societal upheaval, individuals must step out of their comfort zones. Here’s how to adapt:

1. Learn AI

If you’re not using AI tools today, you’re lagging behind. Engage with AI platforms like ChatGPT and follow thought leaders to understand how AI reshapes work.

2. Develop Your Intuition

While AI excels at data analysis, it lacks the ability to sense cultural shifts or anticipate human behavior. Human intuition will become critical as businesses seek employees who can blend data with perception.

3. Become a Performer

Jobs that thrive on human energy, emotion, and interaction—such as sales and public speaking—will remain in high demand. AI may perform tasks, but it cannot replicate the irreplaceable human presence in roles that require emotional intelligence.

Collaborating with AI

The workforce is not facing extinction; it’s evolving. Embrace AI as an amplifier rather than a competitor. AI-human collaboration can optimize workflows while keeping humans at the helm of decision-making. Platforms like Wayfound exemplify this model, allowing workers to focus on creativity and high-value tasks.

Future-Proofing Your Career

AI is not a job destroyer but a catalyst for rethinking work. To protect your job, lean into skills that AI cannot easily replicate—intuition, sensory intelligence, and the ability to create energy in live interactions. The future belongs to those who embrace AI, and the quicker we adapt, the better we all fare.