While attending the NATO 2024 conference, I was struck by the immense focus on artificial intelligence. A question that has lingered in my mind for a long time, and one that often feels like the 900-pound gorilla in the room, resurfaced: If AI is applied to every industry, doesn’t that lead to mass unemployment and eventually an economic collapse?

The answer, as it turns out, isn’t that simple. The responses I encountered at the conference revealed a spectrum of attitudes towards AI, both from employers and employees. In the past, when industries like manufacturing replaced workers with machines, those workers could often find employment elsewhere or learn new skills. But what happens when AI starts replacing jobs across every sector? You can’t simply walk away and find another industry unaffected by AI.

I posed this question during my time at NATO. The responses I received were both conflicting and honest. One recurring theme was the vision of humans working alongside AI. As one investor put it, “It’s not about getting rid of people; it’s about people helping and working side by side with AI. AI still needs human input.”

This perspective led me to a crucial realization: fearing AI only blinds us to its inevitable integration into our lives. Ignorance is not bliss. Facing AI head-on not only makes us aware but also allows us to begin developing new skills that will be valuable in a future where humans and AI collaborate.

For now, I choose to embrace AI, even though it poses challenges to my own business and personal livelihood. I believe it’s better to confront these changes proactively rather than be overwhelmed by them. I’m eager to see how this technological evolution unfolds and would love to hear your thoughts on this complex issue.

What are your thoughts? Do you embrace it, or do you fear its impact on your future?