Is 'AI Won’t Take Your Job' an Oversimplified Myth?

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We have all heard the phrase “AI won’t take your job, but someone using AI will.” I have even used it myself in the early days of the great AI revolution. However, as we start to better understand the world of AI, this phrase is now being challenged as being oversimplified. Sangeet Paul Choudary, in his article “The Many Fallacies of ‘AI Won’t Take Your Job, but Someone Using AI Will,” calls it “True, but utterly useless!” He points out that it’s the kind of line you could drop in a LinkedIn post, or worse still, in a conference panel, and get immediate Zombie nods of agreement, but it fails to address the deeper implications of AI in the workforce.

Choudary critiques this statement for being seductive in its simplicity, making it feel as if we’ve figured out the AI dilemma. The problem, however, is that it doesn’t answer the important questions: Which jobs are at risk? How is AI reshaping work beyond just task automation? What does the future of work look like in a world where AI is embedded in organisational structures?

For Executive Assistants (EAs), this is a wake-up call. The key to future-proofing your career is not merely learning how to use AI tools to automate tasks. The real shift is happening at the level of the entire system of work. EAs must become more strategic and understanding of how AI impacts organisational structures and workflows.

1. Embrace Strategic Thinking

Instead of focusing solely on task automation, EAs should focus on how AI will transform the overall organisation. By becoming strategic partners, EAs can align their work with organisational goals, anticipate needs, and offer insights that directly support high-level decision-making.

2. Develop Cross-Functional Knowledge

As AI changes workflows, EAs should broaden their expertise beyond traditional administrative duties. Learning about key performance indicators (KPIs), project management, and understanding the broader goals of the organisation will allow EAs to offer more valuable, comprehensive support.

3. Cultivate Relationships and Influence

While AI can perform tasks, it cannot replace human relationships. EAs should focus on strengthening their interpersonal skills and becoming trusted liaisons within the organisation. This human element will continue to be critical in leadership support, especially in high-stakes decision-making situations.

4. Upskill in AI and Tech Integration

Choudary’s argument reminds us that AI isn’t just about automation; it’s about reconfiguring workflows. EAs can future-proof their careers by understanding how AI tools work, identifying opportunities to integrate AI into processes, and ensuring that these tools align with organisational goals.

5. Focus on Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

One of the key strengths of human employees, as highlighted in Choudary’s article, is emotional intelligence (EQ), which AI cannot replicate. EAs should continue to develop their emotional intelligence, providing leadership and empathy where AI falls short.

6. Become a Change Agent

As AI transforms business systems, EAs can play a pivotal role in driving change. They should be at the forefront of advocating for AI adoption, helping the organisation navigate its AI integration while aligning new technologies with strategic objectives.

7. Stay Adaptable and Open to Learning

The article challenges us to think about the changing landscape of work. EAs who remain adaptable, continuously learn, and embrace both technological and strategic changes will continue to thrive, ensuring their relevance in an AI-driven future.

Choudary’s article serves as a reminder that while AI is indeed changing the landscape of work, the real shift is occurring at the organisational systems level. For EAs, it’s not just about automating tasks but understanding how AI will reshape workflows, strategies, and the very nature of their roles.

By becoming more strategic and embracing the opportunities AI brings, EAs can ensure they remain indispensable in these changing times.

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About the Author: Richard Arnott, BA, FInatAM, FIToL, is a Director of BMTG (UK) Ltd, and the author and lead presenter of the groundbreaking, globally recognised Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA® program. Richard also sits on the editorial board of Lucy Brazier OBE Executive Support Magazine.

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