Hi Reader,

Everyone’s talking about AI like it’s the next electricity. And maybe it is. But we’re not there yet—most people don’t actually know how or when to use it.

According to Miro’s survey of 8,000 knowledge workers, 35% say their AI skills are “nonexistent.” More than half admit they don’t even know when they should use AI. Some exaggerate their skills to look competent, while others downplay their usage because they’re worried it feels like “cheating.” Meanwhile, companies talk big about AI but often abandon their efforts before any real impact is made.

So we’ve got excitement without clarity. Optimism without a roadmap.

And that creates anxiety.

The Fear of AI Taking Jobs

The fear is valid—at least in part. New research from Stanford shows that early-career workers (ages 22–25) in AI-exposed jobs like software development and customer service have seen a 13% relative decline in employment since 2022. In other words, young people entering the workforce in the most “AI-friendly” roles are struggling.

But here’s the interesting thing—it’s not about all jobs. It’s the ones where AI automates codified knowledge—things that can be easily structured, delegated, or checked. That’s why entry-level roles are hit hardest. In contrast, jobs that require judgment, creativity, or tacit knowledge often see AI as an augmentation tool, not a replacement.

So yes, AI is reshaping the job market. But it’s not a blanket story of displacement. It’s about where automation shows up versus where augmentation thrives.

What This Means for Teams

When I talk with leaders, the biggest misconception I hear is this: “We just need people to learn AI.”

But learning prompts isn’t enough. What matters is knowing how to pair expertise with AI effectively. That means:

Delegation vs. augmentation. Some tasks can (and should) be fully handed to AI, with light oversight. Others require human expertise with AI as a co-pilot. Teams need to know the difference.
Etiquette and confidence. Workers need clear signals from leadership about what’s okay to outsource to AI and what isn’t. Right now, a lot of people are guessing.
Shaping workflows. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a shift in how problems get solved. The best teams redesign processes around human + machine collaboration, not just sprinkle AI on top of old habits.

How to Tell If Your Team Is Using AI Right

I built a simple self-assessment for teams that want to measure AI reliance. It helps answer questions like:

Are we automating tasks that don’t need human judgment?
Are we using AI to extend, not replace, expertise where it matters?
Do our people feel confident in when and how to use AI?

Because AI, like any other tool, is more about how we implement it than what it can do. Companies that get this right will grow faster, reduce stress, and unlock creativity. Those that don’t will stay stuck in the cycle of hype and hesitation.

Learn more

What’s Next?

The future of work isn’t AI replacing humans. It’s humans who know how to work with AI replacing those who don’t. (I know you’ve heard this already, but it’s true.)

And to be honest, most workers want this future. In fact, 61% say AI makes them feel excited and energized, and 62% believe it boosts job satisfaction. But they need leaders to set the stage, provide training, and make expectations clear.

So instead of asking, “Will AI take our jobs?” we should be asking, “Are we using AI the right way?”

That’s a much better question to build from.

Cheers

Daria

P.S. And if you’d like to build your own personal AI advisor — one that understands your strengths and can help you navigate complex decisions — just hit reply, and I’ll send you step-by-step instructions to set it up for your needs.

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