What do you think?
Rate this book
The AI-fication of Jobs: Preparing Ourselves for the Future of Work
Undeniably, we are at the precipice of the next big technological transformation in the form of AI. Although critically important, the big questions still remain unanswered and under-researched– "What will the impact of AI be on jobs?”, “Have we seen this before with past technologies like the Internet? Is it different this time?”
And perhaps most importantly - “How do we dispel the uncertainty around the future of jobs with the advent of AI?”
This book is your guide to understanding how artificial intelligence will transform jobs. It is also a book for those who want to be a part of this transformation, and be actors to ensure that AI can benefit all of us - whether at the level of their organisation, governments, or just themselves as individuals.
Although predicting the exact future may yet still be a farfetched aspiration, it doesn’t prevent us from structured thinking, learning from the past, and learning from others. In "The AI-Fication of Jobs," Huy Nguyen Trieu presents a data-driven, practical, and proactive approach and perspective. Utilising the CDE framework (Cheaper-better-faster, Different, Enhancing) - a comprehensive innovation model, the book methodically analyses the impact of AI across various actors and sectors, revealing opportunities for adaptation and growth. With comprehensive analysis, actionable strategies, and clear insights, this book will change how you view the integration of AI into the workforce. It provides a roadmap for understanding and managing the technological changes ahead, ensuring you are prepared for the future of work.
Our decisions today constitute our future tomorrow; as decision makers, industry leaders, individuals we all have a choice to make we do nothing, and we are moving into a world where some people will do incredibly well, but many many others will lose jobs and purpose.Or we do something and we can build a world of abundance from resources that were previously unimaginable.
The challenges may be significant, the knowledge gaps vast, but with the right approach, they are surmountable. We have the chance to create a future where AI enhances and aids our society. The first step to acting is knowing.
And perhaps most importantly - “How do we dispel the uncertainty around the future of jobs with the advent of AI?”
This book is your guide to understanding how artificial intelligence will transform jobs. It is also a book for those who want to be a part of this transformation, and be actors to ensure that AI can benefit all of us - whether at the level of their organisation, governments, or just themselves as individuals.
Although predicting the exact future may yet still be a farfetched aspiration, it doesn’t prevent us from structured thinking, learning from the past, and learning from others. In "The AI-Fication of Jobs," Huy Nguyen Trieu presents a data-driven, practical, and proactive approach and perspective. Utilising the CDE framework (Cheaper-better-faster, Different, Enhancing) - a comprehensive innovation model, the book methodically analyses the impact of AI across various actors and sectors, revealing opportunities for adaptation and growth. With comprehensive analysis, actionable strategies, and clear insights, this book will change how you view the integration of AI into the workforce. It provides a roadmap for understanding and managing the technological changes ahead, ensuring you are prepared for the future of work.
Our decisions today constitute our future tomorrow; as decision makers, industry leaders, individuals we all have a choice to make we do nothing, and we are moving into a world where some people will do incredibly well, but many many others will lose jobs and purpose.Or we do something and we can build a world of abundance from resources that were previously unimaginable.
The challenges may be significant, the knowledge gaps vast, but with the right approach, they are surmountable. We have the chance to create a future where AI enhances and aids our society. The first step to acting is knowing.
- GenresArtificial Intelligence
308 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2024
11 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Huy Nguyen Trieu
3 books1 followerHuy Nguyen Trieu is a trailblazer in finance, technology, and disruptive business models, renowned for his pioneering insights on Fintech and the future of work. His career spans entrepreneurship, senior banking roles, and academia, giving him a broad and unique perspective on how technology reshapes industries. As co-founder of CFTE (Centre for Finance, Technology, and Entrepreneurship), Huy brings together diverse voices from business, academia, policy, and entrepreneurship to prepare global leaders for a rapidly evolving economy.
Huy’s career has bridged many worlds, from senior roles at Citi and Royal Bank of Scotland, to CEO of the tech start-up Ukibi. Recognised as one of the earliest to analyse Fintech’s transformative impact, Huy co-created the Oxford Fintech Programme as the first Fintech Resident Expert at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He also co-created pioneering courses at Hong Kong University and Imperial College London, equipping hundreds of thousands of professionals with the tools to navigate a new digital finance landscape.
As a founding partner of Supercharger, Asia’s largest Fintech accelerator, Huy has helped start-ups innovate in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. His extensive global network spans regulators, policymakers, corporations, and start-ups across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, giving him unmatched insight into the interplay between technology, finance, and regulation.
In his book, The AI-fication of Jobs, Huy explores the impact of AI on the workforce from a uniquely cross-disciplinary perspective, emphasising that a world driven by technology brings vast new opportunities for individuals and society alike. He believes that to harness these possibilities fully, it is essential for everyone to be involved in the discussion—from policymakers and business leaders to educators and citizens. Through his work, Huy advocates for an inclusive approach to the future of work, where technology serves as a catalyst for collective abundance.
Keywords: AIfication, business models
Huy’s career has bridged many worlds, from senior roles at Citi and Royal Bank of Scotland, to CEO of the tech start-up Ukibi. Recognised as one of the earliest to analyse Fintech’s transformative impact, Huy co-created the Oxford Fintech Programme as the first Fintech Resident Expert at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He also co-created pioneering courses at Hong Kong University and Imperial College London, equipping hundreds of thousands of professionals with the tools to navigate a new digital finance landscape.
As a founding partner of Supercharger, Asia’s largest Fintech accelerator, Huy has helped start-ups innovate in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. His extensive global network spans regulators, policymakers, corporations, and start-ups across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, giving him unmatched insight into the interplay between technology, finance, and regulation.
In his book, The AI-fication of Jobs, Huy explores the impact of AI on the workforce from a uniquely cross-disciplinary perspective, emphasising that a world driven by technology brings vast new opportunities for individuals and society alike. He believes that to harness these possibilities fully, it is essential for everyone to be involved in the discussion—from policymakers and business leaders to educators and citizens. Through his work, Huy advocates for an inclusive approach to the future of work, where technology serves as a catalyst for collective abundance.
Keywords: AIfication, business models
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 12, 2025
This book explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the workforce in ways both predictable and entirely new. While historical technological revolutions first changed industries before impacting workers, AI disrupts human roles directly by replicating skills rather than just improving efficiency. This shift raises concerns about mass displacement but also opens doors for new opportunities. The key challenge is ensuring AI benefits are distributed fairly, rather than concentrated among a select few.
The author examines past industrial revolutions to contextualize AI’s impact. In the 19th century, mechanization threatened skilled artisans, leading to economic shifts that increased productivity but also caused widespread displacement. The second revolution, fueled by electricity and mass production, created opportunities for engineers and industrial workers but marginalized those in traditional trades. The digital revolution in the late 20th century brought another shift, replacing middle-skilled roles with automation while creating lucrative opportunities in technology. Across all these changes, jobs didn’t vanish—they transformed. However, inequality grew as societies struggled to keep up with rapid technological advancements.
AI presents a challenge unlike any previous revolution. Some argue that it follows historical patterns, where new industries will emerge to replace lost jobs. Others insist that AI is fundamentally different, as it doesn’t just improve processes but directly substitutes human expertise. Unlike past technologies that reshaped industries first, AI eliminates specific roles while keeping industries intact, leading to fewer jobs overall. The potential for widespread disruption has led experts to debate its consequences, with some viewing it as an evolution of past patterns and others warning of an unprecedented societal shift.
To navigate this transformation, the book introduces the CDE Innovation Prism, a model that categorizes AI’s impact. The first category, Cheaper/Better/Faster AI, focuses on efficiency and cost reduction, often at the expense of jobs. Companies are already using AI for tasks traditionally handled by humans, such as customer service and content creation, leading to significant job displacement. The second category, Different AI, involves groundbreaking innovations that redefine industries. These shifts create entirely new fields, much like how digital technology gave rise to social media and e-commerce. The final category, Enhancing AI, focuses on collaboration between humans and AI, where technology amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI tools that assist programmers, analysts, and consultants exemplify this approach, increasing productivity while retaining human expertise.
The future of work depends on how AI is integrated into society. If left unchecked, AI could exacerbate inequality, with wealth and control remaining in the hands of a few tech giants. However, proactive measures can ensure AI serves humanity as a whole. Policymakers must create regulations that prevent mass displacement and promote equitable distribution of AI’s benefits. Businesses need to invest in training employees to work alongside AI rather than being replaced by it. Ethical AI development should be prioritized to align technological advancements with societal well-being rather than pure profit motives.
To thrive in an AI-driven world, individuals must adapt. Rather than competing with AI, professionals should leverage its capabilities to enhance their work. Developing domain expertise remains crucial, as deep industry knowledge allows individuals to apply AI strategically. Understanding how to use AI tools is another essential skill, as professionals who integrate AI into their work will be more valuable than those who resist it. A commitment to continuous learning is also necessary, as AI’s rapid evolution means that job roles will keep changing. Finally, soft skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving will become even more important, as they are difficult for AI to replicate.
Ultimately, AI’s impact on the workforce will be determined by how society responds. If approached thoughtfully, AI can lead to a future where humans and technology collaborate for greater efficiency and innovation. However, without careful management, it could result in significant job losses and social disruption. The book emphasizes that AI is not an inevitable force but a tool that must be guided to ensure a future that benefits everyone. Preparing for the AI-driven world requires embracing change, learning new skills, and advocating for policies that promote fairness and inclusion. The future of work is not predetermined—it is something we must shape together.
The author examines past industrial revolutions to contextualize AI’s impact. In the 19th century, mechanization threatened skilled artisans, leading to economic shifts that increased productivity but also caused widespread displacement. The second revolution, fueled by electricity and mass production, created opportunities for engineers and industrial workers but marginalized those in traditional trades. The digital revolution in the late 20th century brought another shift, replacing middle-skilled roles with automation while creating lucrative opportunities in technology. Across all these changes, jobs didn’t vanish—they transformed. However, inequality grew as societies struggled to keep up with rapid technological advancements.
AI presents a challenge unlike any previous revolution. Some argue that it follows historical patterns, where new industries will emerge to replace lost jobs. Others insist that AI is fundamentally different, as it doesn’t just improve processes but directly substitutes human expertise. Unlike past technologies that reshaped industries first, AI eliminates specific roles while keeping industries intact, leading to fewer jobs overall. The potential for widespread disruption has led experts to debate its consequences, with some viewing it as an evolution of past patterns and others warning of an unprecedented societal shift.
To navigate this transformation, the book introduces the CDE Innovation Prism, a model that categorizes AI’s impact. The first category, Cheaper/Better/Faster AI, focuses on efficiency and cost reduction, often at the expense of jobs. Companies are already using AI for tasks traditionally handled by humans, such as customer service and content creation, leading to significant job displacement. The second category, Different AI, involves groundbreaking innovations that redefine industries. These shifts create entirely new fields, much like how digital technology gave rise to social media and e-commerce. The final category, Enhancing AI, focuses on collaboration between humans and AI, where technology amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them. AI tools that assist programmers, analysts, and consultants exemplify this approach, increasing productivity while retaining human expertise.
The future of work depends on how AI is integrated into society. If left unchecked, AI could exacerbate inequality, with wealth and control remaining in the hands of a few tech giants. However, proactive measures can ensure AI serves humanity as a whole. Policymakers must create regulations that prevent mass displacement and promote equitable distribution of AI’s benefits. Businesses need to invest in training employees to work alongside AI rather than being replaced by it. Ethical AI development should be prioritized to align technological advancements with societal well-being rather than pure profit motives.
To thrive in an AI-driven world, individuals must adapt. Rather than competing with AI, professionals should leverage its capabilities to enhance their work. Developing domain expertise remains crucial, as deep industry knowledge allows individuals to apply AI strategically. Understanding how to use AI tools is another essential skill, as professionals who integrate AI into their work will be more valuable than those who resist it. A commitment to continuous learning is also necessary, as AI’s rapid evolution means that job roles will keep changing. Finally, soft skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving will become even more important, as they are difficult for AI to replicate.
Ultimately, AI’s impact on the workforce will be determined by how society responds. If approached thoughtfully, AI can lead to a future where humans and technology collaborate for greater efficiency and innovation. However, without careful management, it could result in significant job losses and social disruption. The book emphasizes that AI is not an inevitable force but a tool that must be guided to ensure a future that benefits everyone. Preparing for the AI-driven world requires embracing change, learning new skills, and advocating for policies that promote fairness and inclusion. The future of work is not predetermined—it is something we must shape together.
August 30, 2025
I saw Huy present The AI-fication of Jobs in Singapore. He isa very good presenter, super clear, structured, and easy to follow even though the topic is huge and complex. I found the CDE Innovation Prism very useful and powerful. Cheaper, Better, Faster, Different, it’s simple, but it makes you think about every AI example you see. In the room, so many questions came up after, people were trying to map their own situations to the framework. It felt very different from the usual AI talks that stay too high-level or too technical.
Reading the book now, a lot of what I heard that day makes even more sense. The parts on being supercharged in particular. At first I thought it was just a catchy phrase, but here it’s explained in a way that feels practical. It’s about using AI to work at a different level: not just doing the same tasks faster, but creating more impact, rethinking how you approach problems, and finding new ways of working. That clicked for me.
What I like is that it’s not presented as hype or vague promises - it’s more of a roadmap. You can actually see yourself in it: am I just automating tasks, or am I moving up to solving problems, building systems, even transforming things? It made me reflect on my own work and where I want to be. That combination of a clear framework, engaging presentation, and a book that puts it all together makes it feel like something I can really apply.
There are concepts he discussed in the presentation which are not in the book, in particular the Performance Hexagon, which are very helpful too. Overall, hugely recommend the AI-fication of Talents because of the mindset shift that triggered.
Reading the book now, a lot of what I heard that day makes even more sense. The parts on being supercharged in particular. At first I thought it was just a catchy phrase, but here it’s explained in a way that feels practical. It’s about using AI to work at a different level: not just doing the same tasks faster, but creating more impact, rethinking how you approach problems, and finding new ways of working. That clicked for me.
What I like is that it’s not presented as hype or vague promises - it’s more of a roadmap. You can actually see yourself in it: am I just automating tasks, or am I moving up to solving problems, building systems, even transforming things? It made me reflect on my own work and where I want to be. That combination of a clear framework, engaging presentation, and a book that puts it all together makes it feel like something I can really apply.
There are concepts he discussed in the presentation which are not in the book, in particular the Performance Hexagon, which are very helpful too. Overall, hugely recommend the AI-fication of Talents because of the mindset shift that triggered.
February 12, 2025
general info, backstory seemed uncessecary minus the point of 'While factory work brought opportunities for many, it also devalued skilled craftsmanship', the for and against points were most interesting from this book. Interesting overall but not entirely new information or hot takes.
notes:
- Experts predict that AI will impact up to 60 percent of jobs in developed economies, with half of these jobs being enhanced productivity-wise and the other half potentially being eliminated altogether.
- engage thoughtfully with AI’s potential, ensuring that society, not just technologists, drives the conversation.
- we must shift our perspective and embrace three key trends: mass displacement, supercharged professionals using AI to increase productivity, and creative disruptors who leverage AI for innovation. The future of work isn’t something to fear but something we must actively shape
- transitions were rarely smooth. Wage inequality grew with each technological leap, leaving some thriving while others struggled to keep up. Now, as we enter the era of AI, history offers valuable lessons. Like the industrial revolutions before it, AI will reshape work. But as we’ll see in the next section, this time will be different.
- The debate over AI and jobs boils down to two camps: those who say “We’ve Seen It Before” and those who believe “This Time It’s Different”. Even the so-called three godfathers of AI – Yoshua Bengio, Geoffrey Hinton, and Yann LeCun – are split between these two sides.
- The “We’ve Seen It Before” camp sees AI as part of the historical pattern – disruptive at first, but ultimately a driver of job creation and economic growth. They say AI will displace some jobs but create new industries and opportunities, just like the steam engine, electricity, and the Internet before it. In this camp you’ll find optimists like Yann LeCun and Bill Gates.
- Then there’s the “This Time It’s Different” camp. They argue that AI isn’t just another tool – it’s fundamentally different. Why? Because AI doesn’t just transform industries; it replicates human skills directly, putting individual roles at risk in ways we’ve never seen before. On this side of the debate you’ll find Geoffrey Hinton, who left Google in protest in 2023, raising alarms about the pace of AI development and its potential risks, as well as fellow AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Elon Musk is also firmly in the “This Time It’s Different” camp, warning that AI could disrupt society on an existential scale.
- The author Huy Nguyen Trieu also believes that this time is different. The main reason lies in AI’s unique transmission mechanism. Past technologies reshaped industries first. That reshaping would ripple out to affect workers, but it could lead to new industries and more jobs in the long run. AI, however, skips this step. It directly targets individual tasks and roles, leaving the industries doing the same kind of work, just with fewer human beings.
- AI doesn’t just improve tools or processes – it substitutes human expertise. Unlike previous shifts, this AI-fication of jobs challenges the value of human skills outright. This change is profound, personal, and happening faster than it ever has before.
other notes
No one can predict the future, but we do live in an age where models can give us a good idea of how certain scenarios might play out. The CDE Innovation Prism is one such model, and it offers a practical framework to make sense of how AI might affect us.
The model breaks innovation into three categories: Cheaper/Better/Faster (C), Different (D), and Enhancing (E). By examining these categories, we can better understand how new technologies disrupt markets and create opportunities.
Cheaper/Better/Faster innovations focus on efficiency. Disruptors target specific market inefficiencies, unbundle services to improve quality or price, and eventually rebundle to expand their reach. Think of Amazon: it started with books, offering a faster and more affordable way to shop, then grew into a global powerhouse. AI fits this model when it directly competes with human labor by offering cheaper, faster alternatives to tasks once done by people.
Next we have Different innovations, which break the mold entirely. These are the bold, transformative ideas – like Facebook reinventing social interaction or the iPhone defining the smartphone era. Disruptors take risks and face high uncertainty, but when successful, they don’t just improve industries; they redefine them. AI could follow this path by generating entirely new roles or sectors we haven’t yet imagined.
Enhancing innovations, meanwhile, amplify what already exists. They help incumbents adapt by improving productivity or accessibility. Think of Salesforce, which optimized workplace efficiency for businesses. AI could work as an enhancer rather than a replacer of human work.
below is good for business but not good for people:
- As we’ve just seen, the ‘C’ in the CDE Innovation Prism stands for Cheaper/Better/Faster. When applied to AI, this means using the technology purely as a means of efficiency and cost reduction. AI can streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and often outperform humans in repetitive or data-heavy roles. Think about customer service chatbots or AI-powered data entry. These tools can work 24/7, in multiple languages, and at a fraction of the cost of hiring people.
- The clothing company Mango already uses AI to create marketing campaigns without the need for photographers or models. In this mode, AI means big savings for businesses, but it can also lead to massive job displacement, especially for roles that are routine or predictable
- Right now, tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft are in an arms race, pushing AI to outpace human capabilities. While this innovation is exciting, it also runs a very serious risk of emphasizing business and money interests to the detriment of society.
A great example is GitHub Copilot, which helps developers write code more effectively, boosting their productivity by over 25 percent. Similarly, in consulting, AI helps professionals analyze massive datasets, enabling them to deliver better results without replacing their expertise.
other????
Becoming a supercharged professional isn’t about competing with AI – it’s about working alongside it to amplify your capabilities. Here’s how to make it happen:
First, focus on your domain expertise. Think of your field – whether it’s marketing, healthcare, engineering, or education – as your foundation. Deep industry knowledge gives you the edge to apply AI effectively and strategically, knowing how it can solve specific challenges in your work. The key here is staying curious and continually updating your skills to keep up with industry trends.
Second, develop AI literacy. You don’t need to code or build algorithms, but you do need to know how to use AI tools relevant to your role. For example, marketers might use AI for gaining customer insights, healthcare professionals might rely on AI for diagnosis support, and engineers could leverage it for design optimization. Courses, tutorials, or hands-on experimentation with AI tools can help you get comfortable with this tech.
In our rapidly evolving workplace, knowing the different ways AI can innovate is an advantage.
Third, adopt a lifelong learning mindset. AI is evolving quickly, and the roles we’re familiar with today will continue to shift. Staying adaptable is essential. That means regularly exploring new tools, attending workshops, or networking with professionals who are ahead of the curve.
Lastly, blend your human skills with AI-driven efficiency. Soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable and highly valuable in an AI-powered world. By combining these strengths with AI’s analytical power, you can position yourself as indispensable.
Becoming a supercharged professional isn’t just a strategy – it’s a mindset. It’s about seeing AI as a partner, not a competitor, and leveraging its capabilities to thrive, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. In the end, AI doesn’t have to be about replacing jobs; it can be about transforming how we work. How it all turns out is up to us.
notes:
- Experts predict that AI will impact up to 60 percent of jobs in developed economies, with half of these jobs being enhanced productivity-wise and the other half potentially being eliminated altogether.
- engage thoughtfully with AI’s potential, ensuring that society, not just technologists, drives the conversation.
- we must shift our perspective and embrace three key trends: mass displacement, supercharged professionals using AI to increase productivity, and creative disruptors who leverage AI for innovation. The future of work isn’t something to fear but something we must actively shape
- transitions were rarely smooth. Wage inequality grew with each technological leap, leaving some thriving while others struggled to keep up. Now, as we enter the era of AI, history offers valuable lessons. Like the industrial revolutions before it, AI will reshape work. But as we’ll see in the next section, this time will be different.
- The debate over AI and jobs boils down to two camps: those who say “We’ve Seen It Before” and those who believe “This Time It’s Different”. Even the so-called three godfathers of AI – Yoshua Bengio, Geoffrey Hinton, and Yann LeCun – are split between these two sides.
- The “We’ve Seen It Before” camp sees AI as part of the historical pattern – disruptive at first, but ultimately a driver of job creation and economic growth. They say AI will displace some jobs but create new industries and opportunities, just like the steam engine, electricity, and the Internet before it. In this camp you’ll find optimists like Yann LeCun and Bill Gates.
- Then there’s the “This Time It’s Different” camp. They argue that AI isn’t just another tool – it’s fundamentally different. Why? Because AI doesn’t just transform industries; it replicates human skills directly, putting individual roles at risk in ways we’ve never seen before. On this side of the debate you’ll find Geoffrey Hinton, who left Google in protest in 2023, raising alarms about the pace of AI development and its potential risks, as well as fellow AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Elon Musk is also firmly in the “This Time It’s Different” camp, warning that AI could disrupt society on an existential scale.
- The author Huy Nguyen Trieu also believes that this time is different. The main reason lies in AI’s unique transmission mechanism. Past technologies reshaped industries first. That reshaping would ripple out to affect workers, but it could lead to new industries and more jobs in the long run. AI, however, skips this step. It directly targets individual tasks and roles, leaving the industries doing the same kind of work, just with fewer human beings.
- AI doesn’t just improve tools or processes – it substitutes human expertise. Unlike previous shifts, this AI-fication of jobs challenges the value of human skills outright. This change is profound, personal, and happening faster than it ever has before.
other notes
No one can predict the future, but we do live in an age where models can give us a good idea of how certain scenarios might play out. The CDE Innovation Prism is one such model, and it offers a practical framework to make sense of how AI might affect us.
The model breaks innovation into three categories: Cheaper/Better/Faster (C), Different (D), and Enhancing (E). By examining these categories, we can better understand how new technologies disrupt markets and create opportunities.
Cheaper/Better/Faster innovations focus on efficiency. Disruptors target specific market inefficiencies, unbundle services to improve quality or price, and eventually rebundle to expand their reach. Think of Amazon: it started with books, offering a faster and more affordable way to shop, then grew into a global powerhouse. AI fits this model when it directly competes with human labor by offering cheaper, faster alternatives to tasks once done by people.
Next we have Different innovations, which break the mold entirely. These are the bold, transformative ideas – like Facebook reinventing social interaction or the iPhone defining the smartphone era. Disruptors take risks and face high uncertainty, but when successful, they don’t just improve industries; they redefine them. AI could follow this path by generating entirely new roles or sectors we haven’t yet imagined.
Enhancing innovations, meanwhile, amplify what already exists. They help incumbents adapt by improving productivity or accessibility. Think of Salesforce, which optimized workplace efficiency for businesses. AI could work as an enhancer rather than a replacer of human work.
below is good for business but not good for people:
- As we’ve just seen, the ‘C’ in the CDE Innovation Prism stands for Cheaper/Better/Faster. When applied to AI, this means using the technology purely as a means of efficiency and cost reduction. AI can streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and often outperform humans in repetitive or data-heavy roles. Think about customer service chatbots or AI-powered data entry. These tools can work 24/7, in multiple languages, and at a fraction of the cost of hiring people.
- The clothing company Mango already uses AI to create marketing campaigns without the need for photographers or models. In this mode, AI means big savings for businesses, but it can also lead to massive job displacement, especially for roles that are routine or predictable
- Right now, tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft are in an arms race, pushing AI to outpace human capabilities. While this innovation is exciting, it also runs a very serious risk of emphasizing business and money interests to the detriment of society.
A great example is GitHub Copilot, which helps developers write code more effectively, boosting their productivity by over 25 percent. Similarly, in consulting, AI helps professionals analyze massive datasets, enabling them to deliver better results without replacing their expertise.
other????
Becoming a supercharged professional isn’t about competing with AI – it’s about working alongside it to amplify your capabilities. Here’s how to make it happen:
First, focus on your domain expertise. Think of your field – whether it’s marketing, healthcare, engineering, or education – as your foundation. Deep industry knowledge gives you the edge to apply AI effectively and strategically, knowing how it can solve specific challenges in your work. The key here is staying curious and continually updating your skills to keep up with industry trends.
Second, develop AI literacy. You don’t need to code or build algorithms, but you do need to know how to use AI tools relevant to your role. For example, marketers might use AI for gaining customer insights, healthcare professionals might rely on AI for diagnosis support, and engineers could leverage it for design optimization. Courses, tutorials, or hands-on experimentation with AI tools can help you get comfortable with this tech.
In our rapidly evolving workplace, knowing the different ways AI can innovate is an advantage.
Third, adopt a lifelong learning mindset. AI is evolving quickly, and the roles we’re familiar with today will continue to shift. Staying adaptable is essential. That means regularly exploring new tools, attending workshops, or networking with professionals who are ahead of the curve.
Lastly, blend your human skills with AI-driven efficiency. Soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable and highly valuable in an AI-powered world. By combining these strengths with AI’s analytical power, you can position yourself as indispensable.
Becoming a supercharged professional isn’t just a strategy – it’s a mindset. It’s about seeing AI as a partner, not a competitor, and leveraging its capabilities to thrive, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve. In the end, AI doesn’t have to be about replacing jobs; it can be about transforming how we work. How it all turns out is up to us.
Want to read
November 5, 2025Crazy how many books are written about Jess's job
April 18, 2025
This is an attempt to understand how the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) will impact on the jobs and society of the future. I’m not convinced that he has captured it. And, to be truthful, I’m not sure that Huy really believes that either. The conclusion : “How it all turns out is up to us”.......is just a tad too glib. And certainly, other experts in the field are none too sanguine about the direction that AI is taking us. I should point out that I have not read the full book and that is obviously a severe limitation. This review is based on the Blinkist summary version. Generally, the Blinkist people do a pretty good job of extracting the essence of the books I’ve read with the...even when I have had the opportunity of reading the full book and comparing. I agree with Huy that the three big industrial revolutions can only tell us so much and this time ...the AI revolution is different.
Three revolutions
To understand the specific kind of impact that AI can have
it’s helpful to look to the past.....We can look at three different industrial revolutions.
1. By the mid-1800s, the skilled crafts the Luddites had fought to preserve were mostly replaced by mass production,.....On the whole, more jobs were created than lost. The costs were steep for some,
2. While factory work brought opportunities for many, it also devalued skilled craftsmanship. So we ended up with clear winners and losers......Losers were the artisans and agricultural workers,
3. More recently, computers and automation reshaped industries, creating high-paying jobs in fields like software development while decimating middle-skilled roles like clerical work.
Throughout all these revolutions, overall employment rates remained surprisingly stable. Jobs didn’t disappear–they shifted......Wage inequality grew with each technological leap, leaving some thriving while others struggled to keep up.
Why AI is different
The author Huy Nguyen Trieu also believes that this time is different. The main reason lies in AI’s unique transmission mechanism......AI, however, skips this step (changing the processes). It directly targets individual tasks and roles, leaving the industries doing the same kind of work, just with fewer human beings......AI doesn’t just improve tools or processes–it substitutes human expertise......This AI-fication of jobs challenges the value of human skills outright.
Modelling the future
The CDE Innovation Prism is one model of the future, and it offers a practical framework to make sense of how AI might affect us.
• Cheaper/ Better/ Faster.......where innovations focus on efficiency.
• Next we have Different innovations........Disruptors take risks and face high uncertainty, but when successful, they don't just improve industries; they redefine them.,,,,,,Al could follow this path....
• Enhancing innovations, meanwhile, amplify what already exists.....Al could work as an enhancer rather than a replacer of human work.....It could automate the repetitive tasks for example....in legal work.
Looking through the prism
Al can streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and often outperform humans in repetitive or data-heavy roles. Think about customer service chatbots or Al-powered data entry.....Al means big savings for businesses, but it can also lead to massive job displacement.
When Al is used for enhancing....it acts as a tool to augment human capabilities-making our jobs faster, easier, and more efficient......Similarly, in consulting, Al helps professionals analyze massive data sets, enabling them to get better results without replacing their expertise. [But this is just early days with AI....Presumably it will not be long before AI is better at analysing the data than the consultant].
Now we get to Different....AI can it lead to entirely new products, services, and industries?.....Think of things like AlphaFold 2, where Al revolutionized the analysis of protein folding and led to new drug discoveries. Or self-driving cars.
Preparing to be supercharged....The fact of the matter is, Al is shaking up the world of work, and it's happening fast.....This leaves us with two choices: passivity or action. If we're passive, Al's wealth and power will remain concentrated among tech elites, while the rest of us grapple with uncertainty. But if we actively shape its development, we can create a future where AI serves humanity-not just corporate profits.
Taking action means policymakers creating regulations to ensure Al's benefits are shared equitably and accessibly.....We should all be advocating for ethical practices, and pushing Al leaders toward solving societal challenges
Becoming a supercharged professional isn't about competing with Al-it's about working alongside it to amplify your capabilities.
Here's how to make it happen:
1. First, focus on your domain expertise.
2. Second, develop Al literacy......you do need to know how to use Al tools relevant to your role.
3. Third, adopt a lifelong learning mindset.
4. Lastly, blend your human skills with Al-driven efficiency. Soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable and highly valuable in an Al-powered world.
In the end, Al doesn't have to be about replacing jobs; it can be about transforming how we work. How it all turns out is up to us.
What’s my overall take on the book. Well, I think it’s just a tad too glib. He doesn’t appear to take advanced AI into account. Where AI is the smartest mind in the room....but also, instantaneously linked in with many other AI’s. And developments in AI are taking place so fast that it’s almost impossible to keep up.
Maybe his advice about concentrating on your domain expertise is useful. But, in my view, the only jobs that really look like they may survive AI are areas like control measures for AI....where you deliberately don’t want AI drawing up the rules. (Though I think this is a bit of a pipe dream). I must confess, that I am seriously worried about the impact of AI on our society. Maybe we will just become like the trained ferrets that run down long pipelines carrying a light wire. In other words, doing some physical tasks where AI needs something done and it’s quicker to get a human to do it that to design and build some machine for the task.
Is Huy’s advice the advice I need to be giving my 20 year old son about preparing for his future? I don’t think so. Three stars from me.
Three revolutions
To understand the specific kind of impact that AI can have
it’s helpful to look to the past.....We can look at three different industrial revolutions.
1. By the mid-1800s, the skilled crafts the Luddites had fought to preserve were mostly replaced by mass production,.....On the whole, more jobs were created than lost. The costs were steep for some,
2. While factory work brought opportunities for many, it also devalued skilled craftsmanship. So we ended up with clear winners and losers......Losers were the artisans and agricultural workers,
3. More recently, computers and automation reshaped industries, creating high-paying jobs in fields like software development while decimating middle-skilled roles like clerical work.
Throughout all these revolutions, overall employment rates remained surprisingly stable. Jobs didn’t disappear–they shifted......Wage inequality grew with each technological leap, leaving some thriving while others struggled to keep up.
Why AI is different
The author Huy Nguyen Trieu also believes that this time is different. The main reason lies in AI’s unique transmission mechanism......AI, however, skips this step (changing the processes). It directly targets individual tasks and roles, leaving the industries doing the same kind of work, just with fewer human beings......AI doesn’t just improve tools or processes–it substitutes human expertise......This AI-fication of jobs challenges the value of human skills outright.
Modelling the future
The CDE Innovation Prism is one model of the future, and it offers a practical framework to make sense of how AI might affect us.
• Cheaper/ Better/ Faster.......where innovations focus on efficiency.
• Next we have Different innovations........Disruptors take risks and face high uncertainty, but when successful, they don't just improve industries; they redefine them.,,,,,,Al could follow this path....
• Enhancing innovations, meanwhile, amplify what already exists.....Al could work as an enhancer rather than a replacer of human work.....It could automate the repetitive tasks for example....in legal work.
Looking through the prism
Al can streamline tasks, improve accuracy, and often outperform humans in repetitive or data-heavy roles. Think about customer service chatbots or Al-powered data entry.....Al means big savings for businesses, but it can also lead to massive job displacement.
When Al is used for enhancing....it acts as a tool to augment human capabilities-making our jobs faster, easier, and more efficient......Similarly, in consulting, Al helps professionals analyze massive data sets, enabling them to get better results without replacing their expertise. [But this is just early days with AI....Presumably it will not be long before AI is better at analysing the data than the consultant].
Now we get to Different....AI can it lead to entirely new products, services, and industries?.....Think of things like AlphaFold 2, where Al revolutionized the analysis of protein folding and led to new drug discoveries. Or self-driving cars.
Preparing to be supercharged....The fact of the matter is, Al is shaking up the world of work, and it's happening fast.....This leaves us with two choices: passivity or action. If we're passive, Al's wealth and power will remain concentrated among tech elites, while the rest of us grapple with uncertainty. But if we actively shape its development, we can create a future where AI serves humanity-not just corporate profits.
Taking action means policymakers creating regulations to ensure Al's benefits are shared equitably and accessibly.....We should all be advocating for ethical practices, and pushing Al leaders toward solving societal challenges
Becoming a supercharged professional isn't about competing with Al-it's about working alongside it to amplify your capabilities.
Here's how to make it happen:
1. First, focus on your domain expertise.
2. Second, develop Al literacy......you do need to know how to use Al tools relevant to your role.
3. Third, adopt a lifelong learning mindset.
4. Lastly, blend your human skills with Al-driven efficiency. Soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable and highly valuable in an Al-powered world.
In the end, Al doesn't have to be about replacing jobs; it can be about transforming how we work. How it all turns out is up to us.
What’s my overall take on the book. Well, I think it’s just a tad too glib. He doesn’t appear to take advanced AI into account. Where AI is the smartest mind in the room....but also, instantaneously linked in with many other AI’s. And developments in AI are taking place so fast that it’s almost impossible to keep up.
Maybe his advice about concentrating on your domain expertise is useful. But, in my view, the only jobs that really look like they may survive AI are areas like control measures for AI....where you deliberately don’t want AI drawing up the rules. (Though I think this is a bit of a pipe dream). I must confess, that I am seriously worried about the impact of AI on our society. Maybe we will just become like the trained ferrets that run down long pipelines carrying a light wire. In other words, doing some physical tasks where AI needs something done and it’s quicker to get a human to do it that to design and build some machine for the task.
Is Huy’s advice the advice I need to be giving my 20 year old son about preparing for his future? I don’t think so. Three stars from me.
February 12, 2025
TL;DR
Calm down—this isn’t the robot uprising (yet). AI isn’t here to steal your job; it’s here to make you better at it—if you let it. So stop fighting the inevitable and start working with AI to supercharge your career. Adapt, evolve, and maybe even enjoy the ride.
SUMMARY
The debate on AI and jobs falls into two camps:
1. "We’ve Seen It Before" – AI, like past technological advances (steam engines, electricity, the internet), will disrupt some jobs but ultimately create new industries and opportunities. Advocates: Yann LeCun, Bill Gates.
2. "This Time It’s Different" – AI isn’t just another tool; it replicates human skills, posing unprecedented risks to jobs. Advocates: Geoffrey Hinton, Elon Musk, Yoshua Bengio.
Key Takeaways: How to Thrive in an AI-Powered World
REVIEW
The AI-fication of Jobs presents a balanced and engaging look at the future of work in an AI-driven world. While the book acknowledges the potential for dramatic disruption, it ultimately offers an optimistic, empowering perspective: those who embrace AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor will thrive. I appreciate how the author lays out practical steps for adaptation, emphasizing AI literacy, lifelong learning, and the irreplaceable value of human skills. While I lean toward the "This Time It’s Different" camp—believing AI is transforming jobs in ways we’ve never seen before—I found the book’s approach refreshingly constructive. Instead of dwelling on fear, it focuses on actionable strategies to future-proof our careers.
Applying the Takeaways as a University Online Course Designer
1. Enhance Course Personalization with AI – I can explore AI-driven analytics to better understand student learning patterns and personalize course recommendations, ensuring students get relevant resources and support.
2. Integrate AI Tools into Instructional Design – Instead of just teaching about AI, I can incorporate AI-powered tools (like automated feedback systems or adaptive learning platforms) to improve course interactivity and efficiency.
3. Develop AI Literacy for Educators – I can help faculty become more comfortable with AI by designing workshops or resources that teach them how to use AI effectively in online education.
Rather than resisting AI, I see an opportunity to reshape learning experiences, making them more adaptive, engaging, and student-centered.
AI ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This review was co-written with AI to enhance clarity and save time. While AI assisted in structuring my thoughts, the opinions expressed are my own.
Calm down—this isn’t the robot uprising (yet). AI isn’t here to steal your job; it’s here to make you better at it—if you let it. So stop fighting the inevitable and start working with AI to supercharge your career. Adapt, evolve, and maybe even enjoy the ride.
SUMMARY
The debate on AI and jobs falls into two camps:
1. "We’ve Seen It Before" – AI, like past technological advances (steam engines, electricity, the internet), will disrupt some jobs but ultimately create new industries and opportunities. Advocates: Yann LeCun, Bill Gates.
2. "This Time It’s Different" – AI isn’t just another tool; it replicates human skills, posing unprecedented risks to jobs. Advocates: Geoffrey Hinton, Elon Musk, Yoshua Bengio.
Key Takeaways: How to Thrive in an AI-Powered World
REVIEW
The AI-fication of Jobs presents a balanced and engaging look at the future of work in an AI-driven world. While the book acknowledges the potential for dramatic disruption, it ultimately offers an optimistic, empowering perspective: those who embrace AI as a collaborator rather than a competitor will thrive. I appreciate how the author lays out practical steps for adaptation, emphasizing AI literacy, lifelong learning, and the irreplaceable value of human skills. While I lean toward the "This Time It’s Different" camp—believing AI is transforming jobs in ways we’ve never seen before—I found the book’s approach refreshingly constructive. Instead of dwelling on fear, it focuses on actionable strategies to future-proof our careers.
Applying the Takeaways as a University Online Course Designer
1. Enhance Course Personalization with AI – I can explore AI-driven analytics to better understand student learning patterns and personalize course recommendations, ensuring students get relevant resources and support.
2. Integrate AI Tools into Instructional Design – Instead of just teaching about AI, I can incorporate AI-powered tools (like automated feedback systems or adaptive learning platforms) to improve course interactivity and efficiency.
3. Develop AI Literacy for Educators – I can help faculty become more comfortable with AI by designing workshops or resources that teach them how to use AI effectively in online education.
Rather than resisting AI, I see an opportunity to reshape learning experiences, making them more adaptive, engaging, and student-centered.
AI ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This review was co-written with AI to enhance clarity and save time. While AI assisted in structuring my thoughts, the opinions expressed are my own.
October 23, 2025
As a consultant, this book resonated because it’s structured, practical, and convincingly argues that AI is different this time. The book identifies three clear patterns of AI’s impact:
Mass displacement: some roles will fall behind as AI eats routine, predictable tasks.
Supercharged professionals: a new class who do exceptionally well by leveraging AI to amplify judgment, speed, and scope.
Creative disruptors: those like Sam Altman who redefine industries and society.
Framed through the CDE Prism - Cheaper/Better/Faster, Different, Enhancing - the approach is simple and goes way beyond jobs. It's also usable for example for innovation strategies: decide what to automate, what to reinvent, and where to upskill. As someone in an industry that’s constantly shifting, the “supercharged professional” path really resonates - it’s pragmatic optimism with a roadmap, not hype.
Bottom line: It’s a structured, convincing case that while some will lose ground, the upside is real for those who lean in - even in consulting!
Mass displacement: some roles will fall behind as AI eats routine, predictable tasks.
Supercharged professionals: a new class who do exceptionally well by leveraging AI to amplify judgment, speed, and scope.
Creative disruptors: those like Sam Altman who redefine industries and society.
Framed through the CDE Prism - Cheaper/Better/Faster, Different, Enhancing - the approach is simple and goes way beyond jobs. It's also usable for example for innovation strategies: decide what to automate, what to reinvent, and where to upskill. As someone in an industry that’s constantly shifting, the “supercharged professional” path really resonates - it’s pragmatic optimism with a roadmap, not hype.
Bottom line: It’s a structured, convincing case that while some will lose ground, the upside is real for those who lean in - even in consulting!
November 28, 2024
Recommended to me by a friend from university. It was a question we always spoke about when ChatGPT was released right in the middle of our Data Science degree and was a game-changer in terms of what skills were important to learn and how to leverage a completely new technology tool that had a massive impact on the subject and line of work.
Interested to see how AI's impact is decoded and what the trajectory will look like for people entering the job market.
Interested to see how AI's impact is decoded and what the trajectory will look like for people entering the job market.
November 20, 2024
The AI-fication of Jobs was refreshingly practical and an easy-to-follow study into how AI is reshaping the workforce landscape. I particularly appreciate the clear explanations and actionable next steps and conclusions, as well as the real-world examples, it offered valuable clarity and an interesting perspective to ponder on about navigating the future of work.
May 22, 2025
(Read via Blinkist)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews