My opening keynote at MAICON 2026 explored one fundamental question: “If AI does the work people once learned from, how will organizations develop future managers, experts, and executives?”
In The Architect, The Orchestrator, and The Apprentice, I presented some of the challenges leaders face as AI transforms the workplace.
AI is doing far more than automating tasks. AI systems are redefining expertise, reshaping organizational structures, and changing how professionals learn, contribute, and advance.
For decades, organizations have relied on a familiar model of professional development in which junior employees learned by doing the tactical work. Over time, they built the experience and judgment required to manage and lead other producers.
But, as AI systems take on more of that foundational work, the traditional ladder from novice-to-expert begins to break.
So, we have to ask ourselves:
- How will current roles evolve?
- What new roles will emerge?
- What skills and traits will remain uniquely human?
- How will AI agents transform workflows and org charts?
- How will middle management be impacted?
- How will the role of entry-level employees change?
We also have to ask, “What kind of organization—and economy—do we want to build?”
I believe the goal should be to maximize the benefit to people, not just generate greater profits. We should be aggressively pursuing ways to grow companies, and grow careers.
We cannot sit back and wait to see what happens. We have to lead with a human-centered approach to AI transformation.
Watch the full MAICON 2026 keynote on YouTube.
Want This Content Sooner?
You can gain access to these insights before they appear on our website! Subscribe to Paul’s ExecAI Newsletter and get it delivered to your inbox every Sunday to start your week.
