Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the job market in ways we’re only just beginning to understand. According to McKinsey, up to 15% of the global workforce, or about 400 million workers, could lose their jobs to AI by 2030. On the other hand, Google’s research suggests that while 31% of jobs might be insulated from AI, a staggering 61% will be radically transformed by it. This duality presents both a challenge and an opportunity: your job will either be replaced by AI, or you can choose to enhance it by integrating AI yourself.
Employers are increasingly excited about the potential of AI, not just to enhance their business operations but also to boost revenue without increasing headcount. Historically, a growing headcount has been seen as a badge of honour - a sign of a thriving company. However, today’s entrepreneurial heroes are those who generate more revenue per employee, leveraging AI to do more with less. This shift in mindset is critical: growing a company by adding more people is no longer the ultimate goal. Instead, it’s about using AI to scale impact and efficiency.
So, how can you ensure that your job isn’t just enhanced by AI, but also safeguarded from obsolescence? The answer lies in leading the charge on AI adoption within your organization. Entrepreneurs and business leaders are increasingly looking for employee-led initiatives that demonstrate resourcefulness, innovation, and forward-thinking. If you can become the person in your company who champions AI, you’ll be much less likely to find yourself replaced by it.
Consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 - it disrupted the world in a matter of weeks. The AI revolution is even more transformative, yet many employees are still asleep at the wheel. The key to staying ahead is to become irreplaceable by embracing AI rather than resisting it. Here’s how you can do it.
Real-World Examples of AI-Led Transformation
Employees who have taken the initiative to integrate AI into their roles have already seen significant success. For example, a US-based investment firm that acquires and grows software companies used to rely heavily on its M&A team for back-to-back meetings with potential acquisitions. One resourceful team member decided to use AI to streamline the process. By analysing the company’s most successful investments, they developed a survey to screen potential acquisitions. AI was then used to analyse the results, leading to fewer, but more meaningful, meetings. This not only reduced the need for additional M&A team members but also increased the chances of investment success. The employee who led this AI initiative became a company hero, demonstrating the power of AI to create more impact with fewer resources.
Another example comes from a UK-based software company that generates website traffic through search engine optimization (SEO). The company hired a content writer to produce articles aimed at ranking high on search engines, with a specific goal for weekly output. However, this content writer went beyond her job description by experimenting with AI. By learning effective AI prompting techniques using tools like Claude, she was able to multiply her article production by ten times without compromising quality. This significantly boosted the company’s SEO efforts and reduced the need for additional writers. As a result, she made herself irreplaceable - a dream employee for any founder.
Leading an AI Revolution in Your Workplace
If you’re employed and want to secure your future in a world increasingly dominated by AI, you have three choices: wait for AI to replace your job, hope it enhances your job, or take proactive steps to integrate AI into your role. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about unlocking your full potential. AI is a tool that can help you achieve more within the same working hours, and it’s up to you to use it effectively.
Let’s look at the PLEASE framework created by Jodie Cook, the UK-based founder of Coachvox AI. PLEASE stands for Perspective, Learn, Experiment, Ask, Share, Explore - and it can help you to lead an AI revolution in your workplace.
- Perspective: Start by understanding your company’s core mission. What problem does your company solve, and for whom? Once you grasp this, your task is to figure out how AI can help achieve this mission on a larger scale. The goal is to use AI to make your company’s operations more profitable, efficient, and impactful, with you at the helm.
- Learn: Educate yourself on the AI tools available and how they can be applied to your work. Don’t just focus on automation—understand what AI can and cannot do. Write down every process in your role and think about how AI could optimize each step.
- Experiment: Use your newfound knowledge to experiment with AI tools. Identify tasks that can be automated or improved with AI. Test different approaches and analyze the results. This phase is crucial for identifying quick wins that can make a big difference in your day-to-day work.
- Ask: Depending on your organization, you may need to seek permission to implement AI solutions. If so, come prepared with data and a clear plan. If your workplace allows for more autonomy, take the initiative and lead AI projects yourself. Move quickly and avoid letting bureaucracy slow you down.
- Share: Once you’ve tested AI solutions and seen results, share your findings with your team. Demonstrate the benefits of AI and how it can drive growth. By doing so, you position yourself as a leader in your company’s AI transformation.
- Explore: After successfully implementing AI initiatives, explore new opportunities within your company. Whether it’s negotiating a promotion, taking on more responsibilities, or even considering entrepreneurship, your AI expertise will open new doors.
The AI revolution is already here, and those who take action now will be the ones who thrive. By following the PLEASE framework, you can ensure that you’re not just part of the AI-driven future but leading it.
Don’t wait for AI to replace you - use it to make yourself irreplaceable!