The Humanist’s Path in the Age of AI for professionals and businesses
Our world of work is evolving faster than ever and, as we look toward the next decade, it’s clear that staying ahead will require us to change, adapt, learn, and focus on what truly makes us human.
Have you read The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report? Let me sum it up for you: it highlights a striking reality: by 2025, 85 million jobs will be displaced by automation, yet 97 million new roles will emerge. This is a challenge—but also a tremendous opportunity for those ready to grow and embrace change. But, are we ready?
For me, as an empathetic leader, and a humanist, the question isn’t just about how we work alongside technology as I run an IT company for over two decades. It’s about how we thrive as humans in the Age of AI. It’s about our maturity to embrace adaptability, creativity, and, most importantly, continuous learning.
Whether you’re a professional navigating your career, an employer shaping your organisation’s future, or an educator responsible for preparing the younger workforce of tomorrow, here are some insights I’d like to share with you.
First, one thing is certain: Long gone are the days of having one job for life.
The World Economic Forum’s report highlights a promising trend: employers are investing more in reskilling and upskilling their teams or planning to do so. This means there are increasing opportunities to learn new things while staying in your current role. But there’s a flip side—it also means that individuals need to take responsibility for their own growth. Ultimately, employers and business owners might focus on maximising company profit and that might mean deploying an AI solution to replace people.
Ask yourself:
- Am I willing to learn something new to keep up with the changing demands of my industry?
- How can I approach every day with curiosity and a mindset of growth?
- Am I emotionally balanced to create a new professional life?
- Am I resilient enough?
- What strengths, skills, and interests do you have that align with the growing areas?
In the next 5–10 years, growth will be concentrated in certain industries and roles. If you’re considering where to focus your efforts, here are some of the key areas to watch:
- Green Economy Roles: Sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s becoming a driver of growth. Roles in renewable energy, climate science, and sustainable consultancy are expanding. Think recycling and repurposing of materials.
- Technology and AI: From AI development to cybersecurity and even roles focused on AI ethics, technology will remain a cornerstone of future careers.
- Care Economy: As populations age, there’s a growing demand for professionals in healthcare, mental health support, sport and social care.
- Education and Reskilling: With so many workers needing to transition into new roles, the demand for educators, trainers, and facilitators will grow significantly. There are going to be lots of online courses and materials, some AI-led. But as humans, we are better at sharing experiences -together- and understanding each other.
Roles involving routine, repetitive tasks are particularly susceptible to be automated, like Cashiers and Retail Sales or Data Entry Clerks, Assembly Line Workers, Telesales, Customer Services or perhaps even Bookkeeping and Accounting.
What Makes Us Human in the Age of AI?
While technology will continue to transform industries, the most valuable skills will remain deeply human. Emotional intelligence, creativity, communication, and the ability to connect with others are things machines cannot replicate.
For employers, the key challenge is: How do you create a workplace culture that fosters creativity, adaptability, and innovation?
For individuals, the challenge is more personal: How can you stay true to your values, while adapting to a changing world?
You are capable of doing it. Practical Steps for the Next 5–10 Years
To navigate the future with confidence, here are some steps you can take today:
- Commit to Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, take online courses, or seek mentors who can help you grow. Focus on transferable skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork.
- Embrace Technology: You don’t need to become an AI engineer, but understanding the basics of how technology works can make you more valuable in any role.
- Build Your own Human Skills: Develop your emotional intelligence, creativity, and communication skills—these will always set you apart. Get complete with your past.
- Collaborate and Network: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and help you grow. Building strong networks will be key to staying relevant and connected. Get rid of those that bring you down or feel threatened by you. Your personal growth depends on it.
- Get yourself a coach: Work with someone that takes a stand for your growth and development even when you cannot see the path or you think you don’t have the courage it takes to dream big.
Choose Who You Want to Be
Ultimately, we get to decide how we show up in life. Who do you want to be in 5 years? What steps will you take today to align with that vision?
In this Age of AI, we’re not just shaping our careers—we’re shaping ourselves, our lifestyle, our future. Let’s take a stand for what makes us human: our love, integrity, passion, courage, creativity, humour, and compassion.
If you’re an employer or a leader navigating change, I can help. Let’s work together to build resilient, adaptable teams ready to face the future with confidence. Contact me today to explore how we can make it happen.
Thank you.
Gisela Bajer-Pink
