Embracing AI: Insights from NYU Stern Professor Scott Galloway
In a rapidly evolving job market, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked widespread concern about job security. However, NYU Stern professor and serial entrepreneur Scott Galloway offers a refreshing perspective: "AI is not going to take your job — but people who know how to use it might." This assertion, shared during a recent episode of the Masters of Scale podcast, emphasizes the importance of adaptability and skill development in the age of automation.
The Call to Action: Embrace AI
Galloway’s advice is straightforward yet powerful. He encourages individuals who fear their jobs may be at risk due to automation to actively engage with AI technologies. "I would say try to take 15, 30, 60 minutes a day… using AI," he suggests, highlighting the importance of becoming competent with these tools. Whether it’s experimenting with AI while spending time with family or integrating it into daily tasks, the key is to familiarize oneself with its capabilities.
Personal Experience with AI
Having sold his media business, L2, for a staggering $134 million in 2017, Galloway has firsthand experience with the transformative potential of AI. Initially, he experimented with AI-generated writing, only to discover that the output often lacked the nuance and creativity of human thought. "AI wrote ‘like a computer’ or in a bland way," he noted, underscoring the limitations of AI when it comes to creativity and personal expression.
However, Galloway’s perspective evolved as he began to utilize AI not as a replacement for his work but as a "thought partner." He now consults AI for various tasks, from gathering information to creating pitch decks. By prompting AI to ask questions akin to those an investor might pose, he enhances his own decision-making process. "AI doesn’t replace the tasks I have to do; it augments them," he explains, illustrating the collaborative potential of human-AI interaction.
The Warrior and the Weapon
Galloway’s metaphor of the "warrior" and the "weapon" encapsulates his philosophy on AI. "You’re the warrior. This is a weapon, but you’re the warrior," he asserts, emphasizing that individuals must take the initiative to harness AI’s capabilities. By actively engaging with AI, professionals can unlock new avenues for creativity, efficiency, and problem-solving.
The Broader Context of Automation
Galloway’s insights come at a time when automation is increasingly permeating various industries. Tasks such as writing and coding are becoming more automated, leading to predictions that AI could handle most coding for software engineers in the near future. In this context, Galloway’s advice becomes even more pertinent. As professionals navigate this landscape, developing skills to interact effectively with AI will be crucial.
For instance, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman recently predicted a future where AI takes on a significant portion of coding tasks, while Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti has encouraged computer science students to study philosophy to enhance their reasoning skills for AI interaction. These perspectives highlight the need for a shift in educational and professional development strategies to prepare for an AI-driven future.
The Future of Content Creation
The implications of AI extend beyond coding and technical tasks. Experts estimate that by the end of next year, a staggering 90% of online content could be generated by AI. This statistic raises important questions about originality, creativity, and the role of human writers in an increasingly automated world. Galloway’s emphasis on using AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement is particularly relevant in this context.
Conclusion: A Call for Adaptability
Scott Galloway’s insights serve as a clarion call for professionals across industries to embrace AI as a tool for enhancement rather than a threat to job security. By investing time in understanding and utilizing AI, individuals can position themselves as valuable assets in a changing job market. As Galloway aptly puts it, "Just start using [AI], and your own mind will start figuring out ways you can incorporate it." In a world where adaptability is key, those who harness the power of AI will undoubtedly thrive.