Advice for succeeding in the AI era
Over more than three decades, I have worked across industries, countries, and cultures. I’ve led large global organizations, managed through periods of growth and disruption, and hired, promoted, and mentored people at every stage of their careers. Today, as president and CEO of Project Management Institute, I am often asked questions every mentor knows well: Which field should I pursue? What…
For decades, the author has held leadership roles across various industries and cultures. They have managed organizations through growth and disruption, and mentored people at different career stages. Now as president of the Project Management Institute, people often ask about career choices and opportunities. The rise of AI is reshaping work and skill demands, challenging traditional paths. Here are five essential tips for success in the AI era.
Firstly, becoming a master at getting things done is crucial. Regardless of how much technology evolves, someone must drive momentum and ensure projects lead to real outcomes. AI can create analysis, documentation, schedules, and content, but it is not enough to deliver results. People are still needed to hold teams accountable and ensure projects progress. Strong project management skills will be in high demand, with the World Economic Forum predicting significant job growth in this area by 2035.
Secondly, investing in your "human edge" is vital. AI excels in many areas, but some capabilities remain uniquely human. Building trust, reconciling different interests, clear communication, and persuasion are essential leadership skills that become even more important as AI advances. The most successful leaders combine these human abilities with AI proficiency, known as "power skills" by the author's organization.
Thirdly, seniority no longer guarantees an advantage, especially with AI's impact on the relationship between experience and capability. Young professionals who quickly adopt AI tools can research faster, explore more possibilities, and produce work that might have taken years for more experienced colleagues. However, experience still matters, bringing context, judgment, relationships, and pattern recognition. The key is to remain open to changing methods and continually learn.
Fourthly, curiosity is essential. Regardless of your chosen field, learning should be a lifelong pursuit. Stay informed about industry changes, read widely, and seek mentors who challenge your assumptions. Most importantly, experiment with AI tools. Don't just read about them; apply them to solve problems, improve processes, and test new approaches. For new graduates, early learning and responsibility often matter more than job titles.
Lastly, discipline is crucial in the AI age. With abundant information, tools, and opportunities, focus is more important than ever. Consistently improving work quality and following through on commitments set you apart. While AI can produce more, it will not decide what deserves your attention. The most successful people and organizations maintain clarity of purpose, focus, and the discipline to take responsibility for results.
Written by urgent.news from Fast Company's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
