PolyPaths Recommends #3

The Irreplaceable Skills in the New AI World

I attended a tech conference a few days ago and it was full of invigorating discussions around AI and what the future holds. The overall consensus is definitely that our curiosity, creativity, resilience and flexibility will be the most valuable. In fact, this was validated by the recent report by the World Economic Forum on the top skills required in 2030.

Our unique paths and their combinations will be our unique strength.

One direction that I had not fully appreciated was the role of relationships and human connection. I like to think of our relationships as a path as well since we are ideally working towards being a better parent, a better partner, a better friend, etc. Recently, I read this essay by Anu Atluru which talks about how relationships are actually going to be kind of the new job and I found it pretty insightful.

“In a world of infinite machines with infinite output, the most irreplaceable work won’t be done by those who replace us, but by those who do it with us.” - Anu

Anu challenges the myth that efficiency always wins, arguing that as AI automates more manual and cognitive labor, what remains is the uniquely human, which she terms "Relational Labor." She emphasizes that even with all this newfound leverage from AI, "it hasn’t lowered my need for human co-conspirators. It’s just raised the bar."

This resonated with me because it highlights that true fulfillment and progress, especially for those of us navigating multiple paths, isn't found in solo optimization. Instead, "The third labor is relational labor: presence, commitment, and care. It’s the work machines can’t replicate because they can’t relate to us in the truest sense."

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My 2 Cents

Cent 1

I strongly agree and believe that relationship paths will need more of our investment moving forward. I was thinking of it from the lens of what it means to grow and get better in a relationship. It shifts the focus from purely individual pursuit to the invaluable work of being valuable to each other.

Who is that one person who you should be prioritizing but are not doing so? What would bring a smile on their face today? Schedule that activity today!

Cent 2

Our existing paths are profoundly amplified by our capacity for genuine human connection. Anu asserts, "Working with the right person is exponential," and it can not only accelerate our progress but make us feel alive and energized as a result of the shared experience and the bond.

What is that person or relationship that makes one of your existing paths more fun and fulfilling? Is it your tennis buddy or your team mate who shares your passion for Pytorch or the fellow musician who loves the same off chords in songs? Send them a “thank you for being my co-conspirator” text today!