Will AI Replace Your Job? How Leaders Can Prepare

Published by William Philpott
IT and Cyber Security

How AI could replace your job, and how to stay relevant 

Everywhere you look right now, someone is talking about artificial intelligence. It is shaping conversations in boardrooms, showing up in the tools we use every day, and sparking debates about the future of work. But the question that matters most for senior business leaders is simple: will artificial intelligence replace jobs, and if so, how do we prepare? 

The reality is not black and white. AI will replace some roles, transform many others, and create entirely new ones. The real difference will be made by leaders who understand this shift and position their organisations to adapt. 

The next 5 to 10 Years: What to expect 

Research suggests that by 2030 as many as 30 percent of jobs could be automated. “(McKinsey Global Institute, 2025) source “. Entry level office roles are especially exposed because so much of that work is routine and predictable. Customer service teams are already being supported or even replaced by AI chatbots that can respond instantly to thousands of enquiries. Junior lawyers once spent hours reviewing documents, but today artificial intelligence can complete the same task in minutes. Even in healthcare, AI systems are reading scans and detecting conditions with impressive accuracy. 

Some forecasts suggest that half of all entry-level white-collar roles could disappear over the next decade. “(Axios, 2025) source “ That is a staggering thought for leaders planning their workforce strategies. 

At the same time, new opportunities are emerging. Artificial intelligence is driving demand for specialists in data science, product strategy, governance, and compliance. Leaders who can bridge the gap between technical AI teams and business goals will be in demand, and because technology cannot replace uniquely human skills like creativity, empathy and adaptability, these qualities will become even more valuable. 

According to the World Economic Forum nearly 40 percent of core skills in demand today will change by 2030. “(World Economic Forum, 2025) source “ That is not a gradual shift, it is a revolution in what organisations need from their people. 

Skills that will matter most 

So, what should senior leaders focus on as this transformation unfolds? 

First comes AI literacy. You do not need to become an engineer at OpenAI, but you do need to understand what AI can do, what its limits are, and how to use it responsibly. 

Second is strategic thinking. Adopting artificial intelligence is not just about cost savings. It is about aligning AI initiatives with business objectives, identifying where automation adds value, and knowing where human judgment must remain central. 

Third is governance and ethics. As AI becomes more powerful, so do the questions about bias, data security, and regulation. Leaders will be expected to put the right frameworks in place. 

Finally, there are the human skills. Communication, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence will define effective leadership in the AI era. The more tasks machines can handle, the more valuable these human strengths become. 

Turning disruption into leadership opportunity 

Imagine two organisations facing the same wave of change. 

One waits cautiously, hoping the disruption passes. By the time action is taken, competitors have already built AI into their operations, improved efficiency, and captured new markets. 

The other embraces the challenge early. Leaders experiment with AI chatbots, explore practical use cases, and create a culture that adapts quickly. When disruption accelerates, this organisation is ready. 

The question for you is simple, which kind of leader will you be? 

How SPD helps leaders stay ahead as AI shapes the future 

At the Salford Professional Development, we have created the AI for Senior Leaders course to help leaders answer that question with confidence. This is not about turning you into a programmer. It is about equipping you with the knowledge and skills to lead your organisation through the age of artificial intelligence. 

On the course you will gain: 

  • A clear understanding of what artificial intelligence can and cannot do 
  • The confidence to make strategic decisions about adoption 
  • Tools for governance and ethics that keep your organisation compliant and trusted 
  • Leadership skills for managing change and guiding your teams through disruption 
  •  Practical insights from case studies and peer discussions with other senior professionals 

You will leave not just understanding AI but knowing how to lead with it. 

The Bottom Line 

Artificial intelligence will transform the world of work in the next decade. Some jobs will disappear, many will evolve, and new ones will be created. For senior leaders, this is not a threat to fear but an opportunity to seize. 

The leaders who thrive will be the ones who invest in understanding AI today, strengthen their human skills, and guide their organisations with clarity and confidence. 

So, the real question is not whether AI will replace jobs. It is whether you are prepared to lead when it does. 

Explore the AI for Senior Leaders course at Salford Professional Development and take the first step toward shaping the future rather than chasing it. 

Will AI Replace Your Job?