5 Clues AI is Replacing Your Role and What You Can Do about it

Hello and welcome to issue no. 2 of Briando’s Newsletter. I’m excited to have you here. Today I’ll be discussing 5 Clues that AI is Replacing Your Role and What you can do about it.

There's a silent revolution happening in the corporate world that should make every office worker sit up and pay attention. You guessed it - AI. We’re currently at the point where the quality of documents, images, voices and videos are so convincing that it’s become difficult to tell what’s been created by a human and what’s been created by a machine.

The artistic and brainy tasks we all thought needed a human touch - painting, music composition, writing reports, analysing data and even helping with high-level decision making, are now being comfortably taken care of by generative Artificial Intelligence. In many areas, AI is gradually stepping into our shoes.

AI hasn’t reached the level of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) quite yet. Exact definitions of AGI vary. However, one popular view is that AGI is reached when AI can accomplish any intellectual task or surpass human capabilities in the majority of economically valuable tasks. It’s quite possible that AGI will be achieved some time in the 2020s.

As we wait for AGI, today’s “Narrow AI” available at our fingertips is often good enough and cheap enough to offer a credible alternative to completing many tasks a human worker performs.

For many mid-career professionals, the tech wave underway can be confusing. On the one hand, stock prices of the largest companies continue to rise. The market caps of “Magnificent 7” big tech companies (Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Nvidia, Tesla) continue to grow. And the S&P 500, the index these companies play a major part of has increased steadily since 2020.

If you layer on top of this the message from senior leaders that AI isn’t destroying jobs but creating new opportunities, an understandable response might be that the new tech is good for business and good for employees.

On the other hand, daily reports of the number of tech companies releasing staff paints a less positive picture for employees. 2023 was a bad year for tech staff. 2024 has seen a slowing in the number of layoffs. But focus is firmly on these two opposing trends: Stock prices going up vs knowledge worker employment going down.

Commentators on the topic of labour displacement resulting from AI include Ray Kurzweil, Nick Bostrom, Erik Brynjolfsson, Tony Seba, Susskind & Susskind. One of the prominent common threads linking their work is that they predict widespread job losses as AI accelerates.

Climbing a Shaky Ladder

So which story is accurate? If you’ve spent a decade or three climbing the corporate ladder, things are concerning. The ladder isn’t just being shaken, rattled and rolled but violently ripped from beneath many people’s feet.

In some cases, the ladder has been replaced by an express elevator that won’t be stopping at your floor. What this means is that in your battle to survive and thrive, you’re not simply competing with new AI systems but you’re also up against human competitors who are more skilled than you in using AI.

As more companies adopt Artificial Intelligence, competitors must follow suit to stay competitive. This will create a flywheel of change in the coming years. It’s a delicate path to tread though. Firing staff to replace them with AI doesn’t make for popular headlines for a big organisation.

In fact, the current approach is not necessarily to fire staff and replace them with AI tech. The backlash for most brands is not desirable. Instead, what’s more likely happening is the following: When there’s a need for more firepower to get things done, hiring new staff isn’t the first option for the leadership team.

Instead, organisations are placing AI tools in the hands of capable existing staff rather than hiring new teams. The objective is to see if these AI systems can be stood up to handle day to day demands in a reliable way. Instead of a team of 20 being hired, 1 or 2 capable existing hires are trained to set up and monitor the new AI tools instead.

The mainstream public has become increasingly aware of AI since the meteoric launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. Many Bosses are keen to build prototypes and run pilots. But there’s still an element of caution around unleashing this technology on customers.

Business leaders have concerns around the reliability of AI and it’s tendency to occasionally hallucinate (invent answers not based on facts). As a result, organisations are trialling internal AI tools first that they have more control over. If internal tools (rather than customer facing tools) glitch, there’s more room to put things right.

The advantage of Internal AI tools is it’s easier to have a “person in the middle” to double check the output of the work generated by the AI. This allows for workflow efficiency gains by reducing human involvement, while still allowing a human set of eyeballs to double check things at strategic points.

And even with customer-facing use cases; If there’s a query a company chatbot can’t handle, it can re-route the question and the customer to a human member of staff to take over.

Spotting the Warning Signs

But how do you spot the warning signs of AI encroaching on your day to day role? How can you get an early warning that you may be affected. Below are 5 clues AI might be eyeing your job. By sharing these ideas, I’m not aiming to make you anxious but I do want to raise your awareness so you can get ready.

The solutions I suggest to address the changing landscape might help spark ideas for your action plan.

1. Your Daily Tasks Are Getting Automated

Have you ever walked into a different department and noticed a task that used to take ages getting handled by AI software in seconds? That could be a warning sign that your department is next in line for streamlining. It's like watching a skilled magician effortlessly performing a trick that once seemed complex to you. Technology is replacing many traditional roles. It's crucial to stay vigilant; if your job involves specialised, repetitive tasks that are becoming automated, it might be time to update and diversify your skills.

2. Data Analysis Goes Auto-Pilot:

You're the number cruncher, the data whisperer, but suddenly there's a new kid on the block. A program that can sift through spreadsheets, spot trends and predict outcomes faster than you can say "Let me double check my numbers and get back to you." When your expertise in data gymnastics seems like a party trick next to AI's Olympic routine, that's your cue. The world of analysing large quantities of data and producing insights has changed forever.

3. Creative Work Isn’t So Creative Anymore

Remember when we thought AI couldn't possibly tap into the creative realm? Joke's on us because now there are tools out there writing poems like NYC’s finest spoken word artist, composing music like Jay-Z and Drake and even painting like the next Van Gough. If your creative mojo is starting to look a bit less magical because a machine’s doing something similar, it's a wake-up call. Creativity's getting a tech makeover, and it's dazzling.

4. Decision Making Gets Data-Driven

Picture this: Big decisions at work, once the domain of seasoned pros, are now being outsourced to algorithms that can read data patterns like a psychic reads tea leaves. If you're the confidant to the senior leadership team and your phone has suddenly stopped ringing then it may be because the senior leaders now confide in their favourite Large Language Model. Well informed options for tricky strategic decisions are now just a prompt away.

5. Customer Interaction Without the Human Touch

There was a time when a friendly chat or a reassuring voice was the hallmark of great customer service. Now, chatbots and AI agents are stepping in, handling queries, soothing frustrations and even making sales with the finesse of a seasoned pro. If your role in customer interaction is starting to look replaceable by a chatty AI, that’s your line in the sand. The front lines of customer service are being redrawn, and they're looking increasingly digital.

But fear not! My plan here is not only to raise awareness but to throw up some suggestions for solutions so you’re not caught off-guard if this happens to you. Keep reading to the end to discover how to navigate this brewing storm.

The technical change underway is a change that affects knowledge workers at all levels. I believe this is the cue to take the wheel so you can steer your ship into this AI-laden future with your head held high and eyes wide open.

Below, are some ideas for embracing the AI wave (instead of getting wiped out by it). I list some of the vital pivoting skills you’ll need to stay on top of your game in the coming years. From upskilling like a boss to making AI a trusty sidekick or maybe even an enabler for a new venture. This is a mini playbook to help you survive and thrive.

The Ripple Effect of Ignoring AI’s Advance

Let’s face it, ignoring AI’s drumbeat in the corporate jungle is like trying to ignore your kid’s "I'm not tired" protests at bedtime. Both are futile and can lead to some serious consequences. Imagine for a moment, that the organisation you work for starts implementing AI solutions. It can be unsettling.

The thing is, when AI waltzes into our professional lives, it doesn’t just affect how we work; it strikes at the very heart of who we are. For mid-career professionals, how we earn our daily bread is part of our identity, our pride and how we provide for ourselves and the ones we love. The thought of being replaced by a line of code? That hits harder than accidentally stepping on a LEGO in the dark.

The emotional rollercoaster of feeling obsolete, the stress of hunting for the next opportunity in an AI-driven marketplace is high. There are hundreds of applicants for each role, many now have a perfectly crafted AI generated CV. Adding to the high bar is the fact that many CVs are now filtered by AI powered Applicant Management Systems. How do you navigate this? These are tough challenges but just sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring things is not an option.

Ignoring the advance of AI isn’t just risky; it’s like walking a tightrope without a net. The fallout goes beyond us. It ripples through our families, shaking the stability we’ve worked hard to build. But here’s the silver lining: this isn’t a dead end. It’s a crossroads.

With the right mindset, a dash of humour and a willingness to ride the wave of change, it’s possible to navigate this shift. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. In the end, the goal isn’t just to survive the AI era but to thrive in it, setting an example for our kids and working side by side with those closest so that when the going gets tough, the tough get innovative.

Some quick backstory to put things into context

If there's one thing I've learned on my personal journey, it’s that the only constant is change. My pathway from a fresh-faced grad to papapreneur was anything but a straight line.

Just after finishing a masters in computer science, I landed my first job at one of the world’s largest consulting firms. I met some great individuals; many are still close friends today. The corporate world was intriguing, but deep down, there was something about the constraints of working for a huge corporation that just didn’t sit comfortably with me.

Fast forward a few years, and I made the leap to working as an independent IT consultant. It was liberating! I had the freedom to pick my projects, work with different teams and really hone my skills. Life was good. Here’s a photo of me back in the day helping to shoot a recruiting video.

Then, the urge to break free from conventional work arrangements grew stronger. I ventured into remote consulting, a move that was a bit avant-garde pre-pandemic. This shift allowed my young family and me to relocate from London to Porto, Portugal. As a person who’d always been fascinated by learning foreign languages, the opportunity to experience a different culture in a warmer climate with a more affordable cost of living was compelling.

But here’s where the plot thickens: by Q4 2022, the world I knew started to shift. The pandemic’s end, a deepening recession, skyrocketing interest rates, and a funding drought for startups combined with the shockwaves from the FTX debacle created a perfect storm.

The tech industry, once booming, began to scale back, leading to a surplus of talent chasing dwindling opportunities. And as if on cue, ChatGPT arrived on the scene in late Q4, making things even more competitive for what it meant to have “product management knowledge” - the area I specialised in. Many of the process tools gathered over years as a Senior Product Manager now became easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a basic idea of how to write a decent prompt.

It was a wakeup call. But instead of viewing these changes as the end, I saw them as a signpost towards a new beginning. I started a journey diving headfirst into AI and automation. I embraced the learning curve, dusting off my programming skills and merging my product management experience with newfound automation platform skills and AI tools.

Today, I run an automation business where I help SMEs to automate workflows, attract new customers and serve existing ones. I’m finding that with each project, I’m building deeper knowledge of how to make automation work for businesses and individuals who want to build chatbots, agents and automated workflows.

This pivot wasn’t just about survival; it was about redefining success on my terms, proving that it’s possible to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

OK, enough about me. I know. You want answers, a plan, a blueprint. Let's roll up our sleeves and strap on a rock solid Kevlar vest to deflect the slings and arrows of this AI future of work.

1. Upskill

It’s like going to the gym for your brain. You want those mental muscles rippling when AI looks your way. A great place to start is free online courses - especially those for beginners. Check out online platforms like Coursera or Udemy. They're like the all-you-can-eat buffets of knowledge, serving up courses on everything AI and automation. And the best part? You can dig in wearing pyjamas at a time convenient to you. A good place to start for a basic introduction to AI is Andrew Ng’s FREE course AI for Everyone.

2. Use the tools

Next, let’s talk about how you can use AI to accelerate what you do. Start simple. Experiment with tools like Make.com and Zapier.com for workflow automation. These now plug in really smoothly to the OpenAI API allowing these automation platforms to supercharge functionality.

You can use these tools to automate many of your repetitive daily administrative tasks. You can automate everything from sending emails to automatically downloading and filing invoices as you receive them.

Don’t go re-inventing the wheel by over-engineering your front-end User Interface design. Existing messaging platforms can be connected to these automations so you can give staff and customers access using messaging app tools they’re already familiar with. Think WhatsApp, telegram, Instagram Messenger. These are messaging platforms users are already super comfortable using and offer an excellent UI to get you set up fast for your prototype. More robust custom UI is also a possibility but will take more time. In a few clicks, you can create deployable chatbots to help with customer service enquiries.

With over 300 API integrations on Make and a whopping 3000+ integrations on Zapier, the possibilities are truly endless. Using these tools is like teaching your computer to do chores so you can focus on the more important stuff.

3. Start Real Projects

Now, for the secret sauce: Build! Look around your current gig or identify an annoying problem you currently have. Solve it by building a solution using some of the tools mentioned above. Where can AI make things better, faster or maybe even a bit more fun? Maybe it’s automating customer service for your current employer so it feels more personal. Or perhaps it’s using AI to analyse data and uncover trends no human eye could catch. It's about finding that sweet spot where AI can boost something that’s time intensive but can potentially be broken down into steps that an AI could easily execute.

4. Other Resources

In addition to free online courses, dive into communities like Reddit’s r/Automate or LinkedIn groups focused on AI and automation. They’re treasure troves of insights, tips and folks sharing the highs and lows of their automation journeys.

And of course YouTube is an essential tool for building new skills around AI. Creators like Matthew Bearman, Matt Wolfe, David Ondrej, Wes Roth and Ronan McGovern are creating valuable back catalogues of AI focused video tutorials to learn from.

5. Mentors a few Steps Ahead

Reach out to the experts in your network who've already got a handle on AI. It's like grabbing a VIP ticket to the future where they dish out insider tips. A simple conversation could launch you miles ahead, making navigating the AI landscape feel like a breeze.

But remember, this isn’t about turning into a robot; it’s about becoming the architect of your own future, where AI tools are the bricks and your creativity is the blueprint. So, get building!

A New Era of Professional Independence

You've now had a glimpse of the not-so-silent revolution sweeping through the corporate world, where in the coming years AI could transform the work landscape into a scene straight out of a sci-fi flick. But hey, instead of just watching this unfold, why not jump into the director's chair and start calling the shots?

We’ve discussed here about how to level up our skills, making AI more sidekick than foe and experimenting with innovation like you’re a mad scientist. This journey isn't about wrestling with the tech tide; it's about riding that wave like a pro.

Starting out, it might feel like you've snagged the ultimate set of cheat codes, boosting your productivity and letting you ace tasks at superhero speed. When you attain this level, you're not just keeping pace; you're setting the pace, using AI to crank your efficiency up to level 12.

But the real magic? There’s a higher level, where it's not about battling it out in a winner-takes-all showdown. This level is all about discovering how your unique mix of skills and passions can find a spotlight on the world stage, thanks to the internet and social media.

Just think, that quirky hobby of yours might just be the next big thing for a community that's been waiting for someone like you to get it started. I believe each one of us can extend making a good living for years into the future - as long as you're the one using AI to amplify what makes you special.

As we forge ahead in this AI-powered era, remember, we're not just aiming to win; we're looking to rewrite the rulebook. Let's share our unique gifts with the world, tapping into a network that spans the globe.

So, what's next? Spread the word about this adventure we're on. Every share, every conversation is a step towards a future where we're not just getting by; we're flourishing, championing a life where independence and making our own mark are what it's all about.

This is our moment to shine, to prove that mid-career professionals have a role to play in the future of work. If you’ve found this newsletter useful, please subscribe (if you haven’t done so already). Share with friends in your circle who may find the information useful.

I’ve recently launched Savvy Papas - it’s a Future of Work community and learning hub for busy dads on the rise. You’ll be able to learn in more depth about building the network and skills to thrive in the new digital economy.

Whether you’re a mid-career dad or not, thanks for making it this far. I’ll continue to use this newsletter to help you steer your ship across the headwinds of digital change. Let's band together, turning the AI challenge into the most epic journey we've ever embarked on. Onwards and upwards!

Stay savvy, stay tuned.

Cheers,