Are Your Business Skills Becoming Obsolete? How to Stay Ahead in the Age of AI
- Andrea Kelley
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just changing the tools we use. It's changing the skills businesses and professionals rely on. Recent studies show that nearly half of the skills in today’s workforce could become irrelevant within the next two years due to AI advancements. For entrepreneurs and professionals, this isn’t just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call.
The AI Disruption – Real Cases
AI isn’t a distant threat; it’s happening now. Consider these examples:
Commonwealth Bank of Australia: A 25-year veteran helped train an AI chatbot that ended up automating tasks she and her colleagues had done for decades. While layoffs were eventually reversed, the case highlighted how quickly AI can replace even highly experienced employees.
IT Professionals: A recent survey found that 74% of IT workers are concerned that AI tools will render their current skill sets obsolete, emphasizing the need for continuous adaptation.
Education and Writing: Traditional writing skills are being challenged as AI can now generate content in seconds. Educators are urging students to learn how to critically evaluate AI-generated content rather than rely solely on old methods.
These examples aren’t meant to scare you. They’re meant to inform you. The reality is that if your business relies on outdated processes, tasks, or skillsets, you risk falling behind competitors who are leveraging AI to innovate and scale faster.
What This Means for Your Business
For entrepreneurs and professionals, the rise of AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge? Sticking to outdated strategies and skillsets can leave your business vulnerable. The opportunity? Businesses that proactively evolve their strategies and develop new capabilities will thrive in this AI-driven environment.
AI can handle repetitive tasks, analyze data faster than humans, and even generate content, but it can’t replace strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, or relationship-building. That’s where your business can gain a competitive edge.
How Strategy and Business Development Help
This is where a deliberate approach to strategy and business development becomes essential. Here’s how working with a strategy-focused coach or consultant can help you future-proof your business:
Strategic Planning: We help you identify which areas of your business can be automated without sacrificing quality and which require human insight to remain competitive.
Business Development: Together, we pinpoint opportunities where your expertise adds value beyond AI capabilities, allowing you to innovate and expand your reach.
Skill Evolution: Through coaching and guidance, we ensure you and your team are continuously building AI-proof skills, from leadership and emotional intelligence to advanced problem-solving.
In short, strategy and business development are no longer optional. They’re essential for staying relevant in an era where AI is transforming industries overnight.
Actionable Steps to Stay Ahead with AI Skills
Audit Your Skills and Processes: Identify what AI can do and what uniquely human skills you bring to the table.
Invest in Learning and Adaptation: Upskill your team in areas like creative thinking, client relationship management, and strategic leadership.
Leverage AI to Your Advantage: Use AI as a tool to enhance your offerings, not as a replacement for human insight.
If you’re ready to future-proof your business, it starts with a plan. By aligning your strategy, business development efforts, and skillsets with the realities of AI, you can ensure your business not only survives but thrives.
Next Step
AI is here, but your business doesn’t have to be left behind. Schedule a strategy session today to assess your business, identify growth opportunities, and ensure your skills and systems are built for the future. Together, we can turn AI disruption into a competitive advantage.
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