The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies is the most disruptive phenomenon for the world of work since the Industrial Revolution. In this new age, business success will increasingly depend on people and machines collaborating with each other, not only driving efficiencies but creating new forms of growth and innovation. To succeed, organizations must reimagine work, pivot their workforce to new growth models, and adopt new ways of skilling and helping people sharpen their human advantage.

From business to government and academia, how can organizations “new skill” workers for the entirely transformed set of skill required for tomorrow’s workforce? What pathways exist?

The panel discussion, led by Tamara Fields, Office Managing Director at Accenture, included panelists Courtney Arbour, Director of Workforce Division at Texas Workforce Commission, and Ricky Hennessy, Design Intelligence Lead at Fjord.

Courtney shared how the Work in Texas website uses AI technology to be more intuitive on job matching and helping users to find the resources they need. While much attention is given to how automation is displacing workers, the panel was quick to discuss the many ways that technology is creating jobs at all levels of the economy, from data science to skilled trades.

When asked what resources he uses to stay informed on about best practices and new technology, Ricky shared that one of his best sources is Twitter. He follows his data science peers and sees what topics they are excited about.

Tamara added that the Austin Public Library system offers great classes as well as informal classes offered by University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College. She also reminded the audience that when implementing any type of hiring software algorithm, beware of potential "baked in" bias that might be unintentionally affecting how you process applicants. AI can be useful in streamlining processes, but we still need a human element to make sure we're using it right.

As always, thank you to our PowerUp sponsors!