Will AI Replace Your Job? The Critical Skill You Need To Stay Employed – Forbes

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We live in uncertain and sometimes stressful times. Imagine scrolling through headlines about AI taking over jobs, wondering: Will my job be next? After personally interviewing some of the world’s most forward-thinking leaders in AI and technology, I’ve learned that the key to staying ahead isn’t trying to outcompete machines—it’s embracing curiosity.

Curiosity is the one uniquely human skill that AI can’t replace. I’ve been fortunate to interview everyone from artificial intelligence pioneers to virtual reality innovators, and these experts agree: while AI excels at processing data, it’s curiosity that drives us to ask questions, explore new possibilities, and solve problems creatively. Those are the traits that will safeguard our jobs, even as AI reshapes them.

Can AI Replace Us? Insights From the Father of Modern AI

When I interviewed Jürgen Schmidhuber, often called the father of modern AI, I was intrigued—and a bit concerned—when he mentioned that AI could potentially replace many aspects of human labor. Schmidhuber shared his belief that AI could one day surpass human capabilities in many areas. “AI can be more efficient in performing repetitive tasks,” he said, “but it’s human curiosity that drives true innovation and the exploration of the unknown.” His point underscored the importance of developing curiosity, as AI can only optimize what we already know.

How Can Virtual Reality Impact My Job?

During my conversation with Anurupa Ganguly, founder and CEO of Prisms VR, I was excited to see how she’s using virtual reality (VR) to transform education. Ganguly’s VR technology is reshaping how students engage with subjects like math by immersing them in a hands-on, experiential learning environment. “We memorize and learn incorrectly in traditional education,” she told me, “but with VR, students can learn by doing, moving, and visualizing complex problems in ways they couldn’t before.”

This conversation left me inspired, as it showed that curiosity isn’t just an individual trait—it can be embedded into the technologies we create, helping us engage with learning in entirely new ways. While Anurupa is driving this in education, similar approaches can revolutionize how we approach learning and problem-solving in the workplace.

Why Curiosity Will Keep You Ahead in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As AI continues to automate tasks and streamline operations, curiosity is what will make humans indispensable. Dr. Heni Ben Amor, a robotics expert at Arizona State University, shared that AI can automate tasks, but it’s curiosity that drives humans to continually learn and adapt. “In a world where technology evolves rapidly, staying curious ensures we keep up and even outpace automation,” he said.

This optimism was shared by Jay Samit, former executive at Sony and author of Disrupt You!, who emphasized that curiosity is at the heart of disruptive innovation. “Curiosity is the engine behind every innovation I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. Whether at Sony, EMI, or as a senior advisor to LinkedIn, Samit’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity in staying ahead of technological disruption.

What Leaders Can Do To Ensure Curiosity-Based Cultures

Curiosity isn’t just an individual trait—it’s crucial for leaders. When I spoke with Rebecca Costa, sociobiologist, futurist, and author of The Watchman’s Rattle, she explained that leaders must cultivate a culture of curiosity within their teams to stay ahead of AI-driven disruptions. “Curious leaders create environments where innovation thrives,” Costa shared.

Similarly, Susan Sly, former co-CEO of Radius AI, emphasized that leaders need to be curious about how AI can improve their businesses, but also how it can better serve their employees. “AI can enhance efficiency, but it’s curiosity that drives meaningful improvements in how we work,” she told me.

Leading Experts Weight In On Practical Ways to Cultivate Curiosity At Work

If curiosity is the key to staying ahead, how can you actively cultivate it in your daily work? Here’s some actionable advice from my interviews:

• Ask “What If?”: Kevin Surace, CEO of Appvance, told me, “AI gives us data, but it’s the curious people who ask, ‘What if we used this technology to solve an entirely different problem?’” To apply this mindset, challenge yourself to ask “What if?” when faced with routine tasks or challenges. For instance, if you’re reviewing data, instead of simply accepting the results, ask, “What if this data were applied to a completely different context?” or “What if we approached this problem from a new angle?” Encourage your team to explore unconventional ideas and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. This simple shift can unlock unexpected innovations.
• Embrace Learning: John Couch, former VP of Apple and education pioneer, emphasized that curious people are always learning. “AI might help us learn faster, but curiosity keeps us motivated to continue seeking out knowledge and applying it creatively.” To foster this, commit to continuous education—whether that’s through online courses, attending workshops, or diving into topics outside your immediate field. Make learning part of your daily routine by dedicating a few minutes each day to reading, listening to podcasts, or watching educational videos. Apply what you learn in small ways, testing new approaches or technologies in your current role. By being curious about learning itself, you stay ahead of industry shifts and discover new ways to enhance your skills.
• Encourage Exploration: Mike Steep, founder of Stanford’s Disruptive Technology Program, explained that curiosity helps us think beyond the immediate problem to discover entirely new solutions. One way to do this is to intentionally explore areas outside your field of expertise. Attend conferences or webinars on topics unrelated to your current role, engage with professionals in different industries, and ask questions that you normally wouldn’t. Encourage your team to brainstorm without constraints, inviting wild ideas that seem disconnected from the current challenge. The key is not just to solve the problem at hand, but to explore how different approaches and perspectives could lead to transformative outcomes.

Conclusion: Curiosity Is Your Superpower in an AI World

AI is reshaping the workplace, but it’s curiosity that will ensure we thrive. Whether you’re leading a team, learning new skills, or navigating career changes, curiosity will keep you ahead of AI’s capabilities. As Anurupa Ganguly said, “AI is just the beginning. It’s how we apply curiosity to these tools that will shape the future of work.”