Corporate Executives Risk Being Left Behind by Their Own AI.

Corporate executives who fail to focus on their own learning risk falling behind the very technologies they champion. During a panel session at the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh last week, Anne Lim OBrien, vice chair and partner at Heidrick Struggles, warned that professionals in high-stakes fields such as law, accounting, and management consulting are increasingly vulnerable to replacement by artificial intelligence (AI) and agentic AI. Hisham Radwan, CEO of Cigna Insurance Saudi Arabia and a fellow panelist, added actuaries to that growing list, noting that AI is moving so fast that it cannot be controlled. According to Lim OBrien, professionals who process, analyze, and deal with large amounts of data are particularly susceptible to being replaced by AI. "Those are the skills that can be replaced by AI and agentic AI," she said. Radwan echoed this sentiment, stating that while AI is an enhancement to human capabilities, it is also a threat to certain jobs. "AI is moving so fast that we cannot control it," he said. "But bottom line, it's an enhancement to our capabilities rather than a replacement." The panel discussion highlighted the need for corporate executives to upskill and reskill in order to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. As AI continues to automate routine tasks and decision-making processes, professionals must adapt and develop new skills to remain competitive. This requires a significant investment in education and training, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies. The use of AI in the workplace is not a new phenomenon, but its rapid advancement has accelerated in recent years. According to a report by McKinsey, AI is expected to create 140 million new jobs globally by 2025, while also displacing 75 million jobs. The report notes that while AI has the potential to augment human capabilities, it also poses significant challenges to workers who lack the necessary skills to adapt. In addition to the need for upskilling and reskilling, corporate executives must also consider the broader implications of AI on society. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, there are concerns about job displacement, income inequality, and the potential for bias in AI decision-making. These issues require careful consideration and attention from policymakers, business leaders, and educators. The Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh brought together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the latest developments in AI and its impact on the workplace. The panel discussion highlighted the need for corporate executives to prioritize their own learning and development in order to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world. As AI continues to evolve and improve, it is essential that professionals and business leaders adapt and develop new skills to remain competitive. In conclusion, the panel discussion at the Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh served as a wake-up call for corporate executives to prioritize their own learning and development in order to remain relevant in an increasingly AI-driven workplace. As AI continues to automate routine tasks and decision-making processes, professionals must adapt and develop new skills to remain competitive. This requires a significant investment in education and training, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.