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Speakers for the panel discussion on “The Future of Work: Culture, Generations, and AI” along with the moderator after the engaging interaction, at Zone Niathu by the Park, ChĂĽmoukedima on February 17. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
ChĂĽmoukedima | February 17
The future of work, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs, the importance of upskilling, and the hybrid workplace model were the key topics discussed at the panel session “The Future of Work: Culture, Generations, and AI.” The discussion featured Richard Lobo, Rajiv Ranjan, and Toinali Chophi, moderated by Deepti from Penguin. The session was part of The White Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair, now in its second edition, which began at Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima on February 17.
Richard Lobo, Chief People Officer at Tech Mahindra, brought his expertise in organisational transformation and leadership strategies to the discussion. With over 20 years of experience, he has advised India’s start-up ecosystem on HR and business strategies and was named HR Leader of the Year 2023 by The Economic Times.
Rajiv Ranjan, CEO of Chabou & Co and the Niathu Group, has an IT background and leads ventures in construction and hospitality. His perspective on AI was shaped by his experience in multiple industries, giving him insights into both technological advancements and business growth.
ToinaliChophi, CEO & Founder of Beauty Barn, a pioneering force in bringing K-Beauty to India, shared insights from her seven years in the beauty and personal care market. Her company has partnered with over 20 Korean beauty brands, and she actively works as a content creator, beauty expert, and entrepreneur, making her well-versed in the evolving landscape of digital marketing and AI-driven content creation.
AI and the future of jobs
Ranjan emphasised that AI will not replace human ingenuity but will instead enhance efficiency. “No one can take away human ingenuity. It cannot be replaced. Whatever technological advancement we have had throughout history, it was to support the system,” he said. AI, he argued, will serve as a tool to improve productivity, allowing individuals to complete tasks faster and focus on more meaningful activities.
Comparing the AI revolution to the Industrial Revolution, he dismissed fears of mass job losses, stating that “The work is still being done in the same way.”
However, Lobo had a contrasting view. He acknowledged that AI has already replaced certain jobs, citing call centers as an example. “They do not exist anymore.” He also noted that 95% of translation jobs have been lost to AI, as machines now translate more accurately, even capturing linguistic nuances. In addition, AI-powered automation has taken over some hospital roles, though affordability remains a limiting factor.
Chophi highlighted AI’s impact on content creation and social media, explaining how influencers and digital marketers are increasingly relying on AI. “In the next one to two years, we’re definitely going to see applications where you can train your face so that you don’t have to physically shoot for a video,” she said. She highlighted that those who are creative and technologically adept can find immense opportunities in today’s creator-driven economy.
On the topic of job losses, Ranjan pointed out that AI’s biggest disruption is in service-sector jobs, which primarily involve support functions rather than creation. “Anyone who thinks that I can earn my livelihood by being a support system is going to fail. If you’re on a mission of creating something, then no technology can take away human ingenuity.”
Chophi added that AI accelerates research, making work more strategic and efficient. Ranjan, however, countered that AI does not conduct original research but rather filters existing information, stating that, “That is where some smart people will take advantage of it.”
Lobo, when asked about hiring decisions, stressed that beyond technical skills, he prioritizes the human aspect when making final selections. Ranjan echoed this sentiment, while Chophi said she seeks candidates who bring energy to the team and, in the beauty industry, those who are genuinely passionate about beauty.
Career lessons and advice
Reflecting on their career journeys, Chophi said that early on, she realised marketing was the key driver of business success, leading her to focus on it extensively. She credited technological adaptation as a significant factor in her company’s growth. For Ranjan, every decision he made shaped his career, summing it up as, “I am whatever I am because of whatever I did.”
Lobo offered a vision for Nagaland’s economic growth, encouraging more companies to establish operations locally rather than people seeking jobs elsewhere. He argued that this approach would yield better economic results, pointing to other Indian states that successfully built industries from scratch. “There is good connectivity now, and talented people. We should also utilise the experience of those who have worked outside,” he advised.
Ranjan observed that Nagas often lack the habit of dreaming big, which he sees as a major limitation. “Unless you dream big, the society as such cannot go further. Whatever support system is available, you won’t be able to utilize it unless you dream big. We need to show everyone that it is possible and start dreaming big,” he added.