At the Exceptional Women Alliance (EWA), we enable high-level women to mentor each other to achieve personal and professional success through sisterhood. As the nonprofit organization’s founder, chair, and CEO, I am honored to share insights from thought leaders who are part of our peer-to-peer mentoring community.
This month I introduce Shelly Ashwill, who has over three decades of leadership experience with Verizon and HCLTech. She led large global B2B organizations and is passionate about coaching and employee development as AI reshapes workforce norms.
Q: What is AI’s impact on the current workforce regarding job losses or growth?
Shelly Ashwill: AI is impacting today’s workforce, and the speed and scale of change are remarkable. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the tech industry reportedly laid off 80,000 workers globally, with about half of those layoffs linked to AI or automation. Goldman Sachs economists estimate AI is reducing U.S. payroll growth by around 16,000 jobs monthly in AI-exposed industries.
Those numbers attract attention—but they only tell part of the story. According to the World Economic Forum, AI will affect 92 million jobs globally by 2030. However 170 million new roles could be created. That means 80 million net new jobsover the next several years.
Several forces are driving this shift. Populations are growing, people live longer, and many will remain in the workforce later in life. Technological progress creates new types of roles.
Within AI, new positions are emerging to train, manage, and govern these systems. AI trainers, governance and compliance specialists, and prompt engineers are becoming important as organizations adopt AI responsibly.
The key takeaway? AI is transforming work, not simply eliminating it.
Q: What does this mean for employees working in the tech sector?
Shelly: For employees in technology, the message is clear: Adapt now!
Conduct a self-assessment of your skills and experience. As you compete for new opportunities, ask yourself: Can you demonstrate how you use AI tools in your work? Are you comfortable discussing your experience with AI in interviews? Have you taken courses or certifications to strengthen your understanding of these technologies?
As businesses evolve, they seek professionals who combine technical awareness with human strengths. Critical thinking, data literacy, emotional intelligence, and clear communication are more valuable in an AI-enabled workplace.
Workers must remain committed to keeping their skills relevant. The job market will evolve, and professionals who succeed will be those who actively invest in learning and articulate the value they bring to their organizations.
The future workforce will reward people who can work effectively with AI, think critically, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly.
Q: What are your recommendations for AI education?
Shelly: Dedicate a small portion of your time weekly to learning about AI. Short, focused learning programs can be especially effective, and many professionals are turning to micro-learning formats—such as 30-day courses or bite-sized modules—that fit into busy schedules. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and IBM offer accessible AI courses. Newsletters such as The Rundown AI and TLDR AI provide helpful updates on new developments. Certifications from programs can also be added to your LinkedIn profile to demonstrate ongoing learning.
When building AI capabilities for work, focus on a few practical steps. Identify routine tasks like drafting emails, conducting research, or preparing reports—where AI can help. Learn how to write effective prompts by providing clear instructions and thoughtful context. Treat AI as a thought partner to brainstorm ideas, refine drafts, and explore new perspectives. Build workflows that connect tasks together to increase productivity when creating reports, analysis, or insights. Experiment with different tools. Each platform has unique strengths and discovering how they fit your workflow style is part of the learning process.
Once these habits become part of your routine, productivity gains will increase significantly.
Q: How can leaders keep their teams motivated while technology is evolving so rapidly?
Shelly: Leaders play a critical role in helping employees navigate rapid technological change.
There is a practical limit to how much information people can absorb. Employees cannot be expected to master every new tool that emerges. What they need are leaders who guide them through change, model curiosity, and create an environment that supports continuous learning.
One effective strategy is learning together as a team. Individuals can explore specific use cases and then share what they discover with the broader group. This collaborative approach reduces uncertainty, builds confidence, and strengthens teamwork.
Technology adoption is rarely a solo effort. When teams combine their knowledge and perspectives, they are more capable of developing innovative solutions.
While AI will reshape many roles, it also presents opportunities for those who remain curious, adaptable, and committed to learning in an evolving workforce.
Larraine Segil is founder, chair, and CEO of the Exceptional Women Alliance.