Lately, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in my conversations with friends, colleagues, and even organizations: the impact of AI on our jobs. It’s a question that keeps coming up: Should we be worried about AI taking over our jobs and careers?

Recently, during my experience at the XP 2024 Conference in Bolzano, where I presented one of my research papers (which, interestingly, wasn’t related to AI), I found myself in a very cool library-coworking space at Bolzano University. There, I came across two striking images that sparked thoughtful reflection.

The first image humorously depicts a robot teaching a younger robot about the original processor—a human brain. It made me think about how, just like the brain, AI is an incredible tool that can enhance our abilities rather than replace them.

The second image from the MIT Technology Review showcases a future where robots are integrated into our daily lives, helping us with everything from childcare to play. While AI may assist in many aspects of our lives, it’s essential to recognize that human interaction is critical for children’s growth in childcare. AI will take many years to approach the nuanced understanding and emotional support a human caregiver provides. Regarding play, I still remember my first archaic Tetris machine, a reminder that even before AI, machines have always played a role in our lives, often enhancing our play experiences rather than replacing the human touch.

One important point to note is that “AI” is a term that is often too vague. Perhaps we should start narrowing it down to facilitate discussions on how it can genuinely help us. Generative AI and Large Language models (LLMs) essentially identify patterns in language statistically without truly understanding the words they process, which, in some cases, is quite useful.

Additionally, the issue of accountability regarding these tools remains a significant concern. However, I won’t delve into that here, as it is a complex topic deserving of its own focused discussions in the future.

Here’s my take on it, I don’t believe AI is here to “steal” our jobs and careers. Like the Industrial Revolution before it, AI will undoubtedly bring changes. Some jobs may become obsolete, while new opportunities will emerge. Predicting exactly which jobs will be affected is tricky—I don’t have a crystal ball; if I did, I’d be playing the lottery!

I foresee AI enhancing our capabilities, allowing us and organizations to focus on tasks that require critical thinking, creativity, human interaction, craftsmanship, and more—areas where human touch and ingenuity are indispensable. AI isn’t just a replacement; it’s a knowledge multiplier, providing us with faster analyses, more information, and data to support innovative ideas and decisions.

However, it’s crucial not to blindly trust AI—at least not yet. We must review its outcomes to ensure accuracy and relevance. The future isn’t about humans versus machines; it’s about how we can collaborate effectively with AI to unlock new potential.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, embracing and maintaining Agile thinking is essential. We must keep cultivating a mindset of continuous inspection and adaptation to remain relevant in our fields. This approach will allow us to evolve alongside technological advancements, ensuring we leverage AI’s potential while staying true to our unique human skills and creativity.

Let’s embrace this journey with curiosity and readiness to adapt. Together, we can utilize AI’s potential to create a future where human creativity and technological advancement coexist.