Wodzenski’s Viewpoint: Preparing a future-ready workforce is critical in the era of AI

Originally published by Pittsburgh Business Times

Story Highlights

• Pittsburgh faces workforce revolution with AI redefining work and innovation.
• Human-centered design ensures technology enhances rather than displaces human potential.
• HIKE2 Innovation Summit explores workforce transformation and future trends.

Pittsburgh has long been a city defined by transformation. From its origins as the Steel City to its evolution into a hub for robotics, education, technology and health care, Pittsburgh has consistently adapted to new economic realities. Now, with the rise of artificial intelligence, our region stands at the precipice of yet another workforce revolution. AI is not just a tool — it is a driver and enabler of the next stage of workforce evolution, redefining how we work, learn and innovate.

The landscape of work is undergoing a fundamental transformation, shaped by rapid technological advancements, evolving skill demands and a paradigm shift in how we define productivity and value creation. And while no one has their arms completely around this ever-evolving topic, we firmly believe that planning for a future-ready workforce is a necessity, and embracing innovation as a driver and an enabler of change is critical to success.

 At the core of this shift is human-centered design, ensuring that technology enhances rather than displaces human potential. Organizations that adopt change management strategies that foster adaptability, inclusion and seamless integration between human capabilities and intelligent systems will quickly see that automation is not a replacement for human effort. Rather, it is an augmentation that allows individuals to focus on higher-value, strategic work while delegating repetitive tasks to technology.

I have witnessed firsthand how crucial it is for data to be structured, accessible and ethically managed to truly support AI-driven decision-making and automation. Without a solid foundation, AI cannot deliver the insights and efficiencies businesses expect. By focusing on strong infrastructure and governance, companies can unlock the analytical capabilities needed to drive real, actionable results. Those who make data readiness a priority will be in the best position to seamlessly integrate AI, boost efficiency and stay ahead — while ensuring their AI applications remain responsible and fair.

The importance of technical expertise will never tarnish. However, the ability to learn continuously and adapt swiftly will be just as important in the future workplace. Workforce development will be built on rapid upskilling, cross-disciplinary knowledge acquisition and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Critical thinking, problem-solving and emotional intelligence will be paramount as business leaders interact with increasingly sophisticated AI-driven systems.

One of the key challenges that my colleagues and I anticipate confronting the workforce is the impact of AI on knowledge work. We believe senior workers with deep expertise and contextual understanding will initially remain essential as the “human in the loop,” guiding AI decision-making and ensuring ethical, informed outcomes. However, as AI advances, even these roles may be at risk. Business leaders will soon be forced to redefine human value when AI can match or surpass human expertise in decision-making and creativity.

One day soon, more sophisticated AI systems will transition from being mere tools to active stakeholders in design and decision-making processes. This will be an exciting development, as there are great benefits to AI-driven agents participating in strategic planning, innovation and even collaborative design. But, we anticipate that the need to establish governance frameworks that incorporate AI-driven insights while ensuring alignment with human values and ethical considerations will quickly bubble to the surface. These agents cannot go unchecked. Their roles must be continuously evaluated to ensure responsible deployment.

What should be streamlined, automated and delegated? There isn’t one easy answer, and the careful balance between human collaboration and AI autonomy will require meticulous management. One thing we do know is delegation works best when it enhances productivity while preserving human oversight and creativity.

It’s important to remember that humans and AI are not opposing forces. Instead, when implemented with a clear vision, AI can be the key that opens the door of possibilities for businesses. Now is the time to rethink the nature of work, redefine human roles and embrace an innovation-driven, human-centered approach.

At HIKE2, we help businesses go beyond AI adoption to reimagine what’s possible in an era of constant technological disruption. We lean into our Steel City roots, and just like our ever-evolving hometown, we believe that an innovative community can help shape the world of tomorrow.

That’s why, each year, we gather with some of the finest transformative thought leaders at the HIKE2 Innovation Summit, a two-day event that provides business leaders and professionals the opportunity to proactively think about their teams’ futures. Attendees will dive into upskilling strategies, learn how to stay ahead of industry trends and explore the latest tactics in workforce transformation, all while expanding the networks of thought leaders who are shaping the future of work. The HIKE2 Innovation Summit 2025 will take place March 26-27 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. 

Amanda Wodzenski is the principal and founder of HIKE2, a consultancy focused on AI, data and cloud solutions.