AI Isn’t a Team Member, But It Is Reshaping Your Team
Welcome to the Dave vs. AI.
The smartest companies aren’t replacing people. They’re hiring differently.
We’ve all heard it:
“AI is going to replace your job.”
It’s been the headline since ChatGPT broke the internet.
But inside real businesses? That’s not what’s actually happening.
What’s happening is this:
Instead of “replacing” teams, AI is “reshaping” what the team needs to look like.
Here’s what I mean (and a good frame to think through):
AI Is a Tool. People Still Drive the Business.
There are things AI is excellent at:
Drafting ideas
Automating tasks
Cleaning data
And there are things AI still struggles with:
Making judgment calls
Leading with context
Driving strategy
Owning outcomes
So while yes, AI changes how work gets done…
It doesn’t remove the need for ownership, clarity, and leadership.
If anything, those traits just became more important.
The New Hiring Mindset: Fewer Doers, More Thinkers
In AI-enabled orgs, execution is easier than ever.
But thinking well? That’s still rare.
Which is why the best companies aren’t hiring people instead of AI.
They’re hiring people who can leverage AI effectively.
What to Hire for Now: Some Key Roles to Consider
AI Operators
People who know how to connect the dots between tools, workflows, and outcomes.
They’re not just prompting ChatGPT, they’re systematizing it into your business.
Strategic Generalists
People who can understand the business at a high level, spot inefficiencies, and plug AI in where it adds real value.
Judgment-First Specialists
Writers, designers, analysts, and marketers who don’t just produce.
They guide using AI to go faster.
Systems-Minded Managers
Leaders who understand process, tooling, and cross-functional execution.
These are the folks who make sure AI doesn’t create more chaos than clarity.
What Not To Do
Don’t chase AI as a headcount replacement. That short-term play will cost you long-term.
Don’t assume “AI-native” means “young.” Experience matters when strategy is on the line.
Don’t delay upskilling your current team. The best time to train your people was last year. The second best time is now.
Bottom Line:
AI will keep getting better.
But it’s not showing up at your Monday morning meetings anytime soon.
It’s not leading your team.
It’s not owning your metrics.
It’s not making tradeoffs with incomplete information.
That’s still on you, and the people you hire.
So stop asking, “What jobs will AI replace?”
Start asking, “What skills do we need now that AI is here?”
Because the smartest teams won’t be the ones with the best tools.
They’ll be the ones with the people who know how to use them.
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