Agentic AI: Agentic AI and the future of work (Episode 4)

Agentic AI will accelerate automation, not just of simple, repetitive tasks, but of many complex workflows that once felt untouchable. That reality is both unsettling and full of opportunity. The question that matters is not whether change will happen, but how we steer it so people and organizations thrive.

Accepting a new scale of automation

It’s helpful to be frank: autonomous agents will take on a huge volume of repetitive work and many complex tasks previously seen as uniquely human. Some professions will change dramatically, others may shrink or disappear. That’s a hard truth and a moment to plan rather than panic.

Social safety and the case for shared security

Given the scale of transformation, ideas once considered radical like a universal basic income or income smoothing mechanisms are worth serious discussion. These are the kinds of social tools that can buy time for reskilling and reduce the human cost of rapid disruption.

New jobs may emerge

History shows us that technological revolutions destroy some jobs and create others. Agentic AI will spawn new roles: agent designers, orchestration engineers, AI ethicists, interaction designers for human–agent teams, and jobs we can’t yet name. The net effect depends on how we train and transition talent.

Why humans still matter: Innovation, Values and Empathy

Even when we tweak model temperature to drive creativity, we remain inside the box operating with constraints of data, assumptions, and design choices. Humans are essential for going truly out of the box: imagining new problems, reframing goals, and ideating radical directions that machines cannot originate on their own.

Beyond ideation, humans carry a bedrock of values. Empathy, cultural understanding, and moral judgment are the lenses through which we sense evolving customer needs and design services that matter. Those human qualities are not optional; they are the glue that makes technological capability humane and useful.

On layoffs, short-term gains, and long-term regret

Some companies may see productivity gains and respond by massively cutting headcount. That path risks long-term damage. An employee augmented with AI can reach far greater productivity than a replaced workforce. Companies that retrain and re-deploy staff can expand what they serve new markets, new product lines, deeper customer relationships instead of shrinking capacity.

In short: firing people to save costs today can destroy the very capability you need to grow tomorrow.

Lean, reimagined

Consider the Lean analogy: when some organizations use Lean to continually cut costs and offshore work, they can hollow out capabilities. By contrast, companies that truly embraced Lean principles like many Japanese manufacturers, invested in people, training, and continuous improvement, enabling them to successfully expand and even bring production back to new markets.

Agentic AI offers a similar fork in the road. If you only use it to do the same work with fewer people, you might win short-term savings. If you train your teams to master agentic tools, you multiply what your people can achieve: more products, broader services, faster learning.

Uncertainty is real but so is judgment

No one knows the absolute long-term truth about superintelligence or the full scope of disruption. That uncertainty calls for humility, not paralysis. My conviction is simple: place your bet on human potential. Invest in reskilling, build strong governance, and keep humans central to design and oversight.

Practical steps for leaders

• Train first: Upskill teams on agentic tools rather than shrinking headcount immediately.
• Redesign roles: Move people into higher-value jobs that use empathy, judgment, and creativity.
• Adopt guardrails: Implement permission layers, audit logs, and human-in-the-loop checks.
• Measure growth, not just cost: Track new revenue opportunities, products launched, and markets entered.
• Engage stakeholders: Work with unions, communities, and policymakers on transition plans.

A positive, human-centered vision

Agentic AI will change work profoundly. The future we get depends on choices we make today. I believe the best path is one where companies empower people training them, entrusting them with higher-value tasks, and using AI to amplify human creativity and care.

If we build that future thoughtfully, we won’t merely replace effort with automation. We will expand what humans can imagine and build moving out of the box together.

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Coming next: Episode 5 will explores how AI agents talk to each other: coordination, negotiation, shared memory, and the foundations of multi-agent intelligence.

✨ The Mindset to move forward ✨ الخير فيما اختاره الله ✨ A blessing in disguise

Sometimes, we have a perfectly drawn plan. A well-organized roadmap, clear objectives, and the conviction that everything will unfold as expected.

And then, a setback, a door that closes, an opportunity that disappears.
In those moments, we have two choices:

• Get upset, feel discouraged, sometimes even lose confidence and forget everything that was going well.
• Or take another perspective: “الخير فيما اختاره الله” — the good lies in what God has chosen for us.
  A non-believer would say: “Everything happens for a reason.”

This conviction changes everything. It turns frustration into gratitude, and uncertainty into trust.
It reminds us that behind every detour, there may be a better destination.

👉 The key is therefore not to resist change, but to embrace it as an opportunity to grow.

👉 What seemed like a loss can become a redirection toward something more right, more fulfilling, more aligned with who we are.

I particularly like the story of the king and his minister to illustrate this idea:

“ One day, while walking with his minister, the king cut his finger while handling his sword. Furious, he showed his wound to the minister. The latter calmly replied: « Your Majesty, this may be for the best. خير إن شاء الله » The king, offended, had him imprisoned.

Shortly afterward, the king went hunting and fell into the hands of tribes who still practiced human sacrifices. But upon seeing his wounded finger, they refused to offer him, as he was not ‘perfect.’

The king returned safe and sound, understood the wisdom of his minister, and freed him with apologies. The minister then said: « Even my imprisonment was for the best, because if I had been with you, I, who was not wounded, would have been sacrificed. » ”

It is therefore essential to be convinced that every detour is not the end of the path — it is simply a new course.
And sometimes, it is exactly what we needed, even if we do not yet see it.

Embrace your path: The Importance of following your instincts and principles

Criticism is an unavoidable aspect of life. No matter what actions we take, someone will always have something to say. Consider the classic story of the donkey and the couple: when both ride the donkey, onlookers lament the poor animal. If only the man rides, people pity the woman, and so on. This tale highlights a fundamental truth: criticism is relentless, and attempting to please everyone often leads to disappointment.

In this landscape of constant judgment, it becomes essential to trust our instincts. Our intuition often guides us toward the right path, even when external voices suggest otherwise. Many successful individuals attribute their achievements to following their gut feelings, despite facing skepticism. By listening to our inner voice, we empower ourselves to make choices that align with our true principles and desires.

Establishing strong values provides a sense of direction and purpose. When we adhere to our principles, we gain clarity amidst the noise of public opinion. However, it is crucial to differentiate between subjective criticism and constructive feedback. Objective critiques that help us align better with our values and goals should not be dismissed. Instead, they can serve as valuable insights for personal growth.

Overcoming the fear of judgment is crucial for personal growth. It’s vital to focus on our goals and the values we hold dear, rather than getting lost in the opinions of others. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and like-minded individuals can create a nurturing environment, enabling us to embrace our authentic selves. Practicing self-compassion is also essential; understanding that we are human and will make mistakes allows us to move forward without being paralyzed by fear.

No matter what path we choose, criticism will always accompany our journey. It’s vital to embrace our uniqueness, trust our instincts, and remain committed to our principles. As we navigate life, let us remember that authenticity and self-belief are our greatest allies, while remaining open to constructive feedback that can help us grow.

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

In June 2005, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. and Pixar Animation Studios, was invited to deliver the commencement address at Stanford University. At the time, Jobs was already a renowned figure in the tech industry, known for his visionary leadership and innovative contributions. His speech, however, went beyond the realms of technology and business, offering profound life lessons that resonated deeply with the graduates and have continued to inspire people around the world. Jobs shared personal stories and insights that highlighted the importance of following one’s passion, embracing setbacks, and living authentically. Here are the key takeaways from his speech, explained in an inspiring way:

1. Embrace the Unseen Connections

Steve Jobs shared how seemingly unrelated experiences in his life, like taking a calligraphy class after dropping out of college, later influenced the design of the first Macintosh computer. This story emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition and following your interests, even if their relevance isn’t immediately clear. He famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” This idea teaches us that every experience, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time, can contribute to our future success. By embracing the unknown and trusting that the dots will connect in the future, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities. Jobs’ journey reminds us that our passions and curiosities are not random; they are the building blocks of our unique path. So, follow your heart, explore your interests, and trust that the dots will connect in ways you can’t yet imagine.

2. Transforming Setbacks into Triumphs

Jobs recounted his journey of being fired from Apple, the company he co-founded, and how this setback led to one of the most creative periods of his life. He founded NeXT and Pixar, both of which became highly successful. This part of his speech highlights the idea that sometimes life’s biggest challenges can lead to its greatest opportunities. He encouraged the graduates to find what they love and to keep pursuing it, even in the face of adversity. Jobs’ story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are not the end; they are often the beginning of something greater. When we face challenges, we have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and discover new paths. By embracing failure and viewing it as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block, we can turn our greatest losses into our most significant victories. Jobs’ resilience and determination inspire us to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

3. Living with Purpose and Passion

Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis, Jobs spoke about the clarity and focus that comes from contemplating mortality. He urged the audience to live each day as if it were their last, to not be trapped by dogma, and to have the courage to follow their heart and intuition. His message was clear: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” This profound insight encourages us to live authentically and passionately. By acknowledging the brevity of life, we can prioritize what truly matters and make the most of every moment. Jobs’ words remind us to break free from societal expectations and pursue our true passions. When we live with purpose and follow our inner voice, we create a life that is not only successful but also deeply fulfilling. His message is a call to action to embrace our individuality, take risks, and live a life that is true to ourselves.

Inspirational Quotes

“Stay hungry, stay foolish.” This was the closing advice from Jobs, quoting the farewell message from the Whole Earth Catalog. It encourages continuous learning and a willingness to take risks. By staying curious and open to new experiences, we can keep growing and evolving. This mindset allows us to embrace change and innovation, leading to a life filled with excitement and discovery. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Jobs emphasized that these inner guides somehow already know what you truly want to become. Trusting our instincts and following our passions can lead us to our true calling. By listening to our inner voice, we can navigate the uncertainties of life with confidence and purpose.

Jobs’ speech is a powerful reminder of the importance of passion, resilience, and authenticity in the pursuit of creativity and innovation. It continues to inspire people around the world to follow their dreams and embrace the unexpected turns in their journey. His words encourage us to live boldly, take risks, and trust that everything will fall into place.