A.I. will soon change job roles and CEOs will have to change as well, or else!

By 2030, we’ll see 92 million jobs lost, and 𝟏𝟕𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 jobs created, according to the latest WEF report. We’re heading toward a global churn of 22% of current jobs by then. Scary times, of course if you want to rest on your laurels. And many of the new ones? They’re being shaped and accelerated by AI. Some of the fastest-growing roles globally, directly driven by AI adoption, include:

• AI and Machine Learning Specialists

• Big Data Analysts

• AI-augmented UX Designers

• Information Security Analysts

• Fintech Engineers

• Process Automation Specialists

Many of these roles barely existed at scale just a few years ago. And they’re not all technical. We’re also seeing roles like prompt engineers, AI ethics leads, and AI product strategists gaining traction across different industries. Why? Because those roles have a human feel to them. A.I. doesn’t have empathy as a character trait.

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.

We’re moving from simple model outputs to systems that can take actions, use tools, and follow goals across multiple steps. Not good for your traditional office assistant.

That shift is bringing new types of roles with it:

• Engineers and researchers building agent frameworks

• Product teams defining how agents fit into user journeys

• Decision engineers designing shared workflows between humans and machines

• Governance and compliance leads ensuring safety and alignment

And this shift isn’t limited to labs or big tech. Even the CEO needs to be concerned. Now I’m not saying CEOs will be replaced. However, A.I. will expose the ones bad at their jobs. What will be the most important element attribute for a CEO in the new world of AI?

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

As AI continues to automate data analysis, financial modeling, and other traditionally analytical functions of the CEO role, a leader's emotional intelligence will become the most critical differentiator. While AI can process information at an unparalleled speed, it cannot replicate the uniquely human ability to inspire and motivate a team, build trust with stakeholders, or navigate complex interpersonal conflicts. A CEO with high emotional intelligence can foster a culture of empathy and collaboration, ensuring that their team feels valued and supported through periods of technological change. Sure, all of this sounds cliche. I know, but it’s pivotal. Especially with people across this country suffering anxiety about what this technological disruption means for them.

Now if you had to guess, what (%) of CEOs do you think have mastered the skill of Emotional Intelligence? If you surveyed most employees, most CEO’s would probably fall below 50%. Just a hunch. So the connection between the executive-level and employees will need to be decentralized and more flat. This human-centric approach to leadership—leveraging AI for efficiency while dedicating human energy to creativity, vision, and connection—is what will ultimately lead to long-term success in an AI-driven world.

There is time for all parties to adjust. We are being fear-mongered to believe A.I. is the boogeyman. However, if we prepare ourselves and get ahead of the curve, there are human element opportunities available that A.I. simply cannot replicate.