🌌 The Future of Product Managers

May 18, 2023 . 3 min read . 186 views

Just the other day, I was listening to this fascinating podcast by Lenny Rachitsky, where Scott Belsky, the founder of Behance, spoke about the future of work. The discussion revolved around a question that I've been pondering for a while - will AI take away our jobs?

Here's the thing. There's a popular belief that AI is set to replace several job roles, including those in Product Management. However, Scott suggested an alternate perspective - the future may not be jobless, but rather filled with individuals who can handle a variety of tasks, all thanks to AI.

This idea resonated with me, and I started contemplating the possibilities. Could the future be one where I can do much more across design, data analytics, and more, with AI assisting me at every step? This line of thought led me to the concept of an AI-enabled generalist.

We're heading towards an era of humans and AI working together, not against each other. This collaboration doesn't imply job loss but job evolution.

In this context, an AI-enabled generalist is an individual who can juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, all while effectively leveraging AI tools. The future, as it seems, will be teeming with such individuals.

From a broader perspective, this shift towards AI-enabled generalists could have profound implications for our society. We might see an increase in productivity, more businesses sprouting up, and a rise in individuals with multiple interests and passions. AI is already changing job roles and necessary skills, and this trend is set to continue in the future​​.

One thing is clear - being a generalist in an AI-driven world is more of an opportunity than a challenge. It means you become a versatile professional, capable of handling diverse tasks and responsibilities. This versatility is increasingly valued in today's rapidly evolving workplaces.

So, how can you adapt to this shift and become an AI-enabled generalist? Here are a few steps that I found useful.

1. Embrace continuous learning: With the AI skills gap that exists today, there's a demand for individuals who understand the capabilities of AI and can integrate it into various business processes​.

2. Leverage AI tools: AI is not a threat; it's a tool that can augment our abilities and make us more efficient.

3. Cultivate diverse interests: The future belongs to those who can wear multiple hats and bring a range of skills to the table.

As we stand at this transformative juncture, remember, every change brings opportunities. It's up to us to seize them. The future is not about AI replacing humans, but about AI-enabled humans accomplishing more than ever before. Let's get ready for this exciting future, just like I am.