The Bold PhD Podcast: A Career Podcast for PhDs, by a PhD.
AI is no longer theoretical. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, we’ve watched generative AI explode into the mainstream. Now we have tools from Anthropic (Claude) and Google integrated across search, productivity, and research workflows.
In this episode, I unpack a viral article by AI founder and investor Matt Schumer predicting how AI will reshape the workforce. His argument? AI systems are becoming increasingly autonomous — building code, refining outputs, and accelerating work that once took teams of highly trained experts.
It’s a bold claim. And while I see the disruption happening, I also have thoughts.
CLICK THE PLAY BUTTON TO WATCH THE VIDEO:
CLICK TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO:
**** Get your copy of my newest book, Navigating the P.I.V.O.T. which was recently chosen as one of nine books to shape your science career in 2026 by Nature Magazine.
Is AI Really Replacing Jobs?
Yes, we’re seeing layoffs across industries — including tech. Some companies cite AI as the reason. But having experienced a layoff myself, I’m cautious about oversimplifying. Not every workforce reduction is purely “AI took my job.” Economic pressures, restructuring, and strategy shifts still matter.
That said, AI is changing both industry and academic jobs in real time:
- In tech, AI is automating coding and software tasks.
- In writing and communications, it accelerates drafting and research.
- In academia, it’s reshaping research workflows, literature reviews, and even grant writing.
- In customer service, companies are replacing human agents with bots — often to their detriment.
But here’s the nuance: AI is a powerful assistant. It’s not (yet) a replacement for human judgment, voice, or empathy.
For example, I use tools like Claude to get up to speed on technical topics. I use Elicit to surface research papers faster. But I don’t outsource my thinking. I use AI to augment my expertise — not replace it.
That distinction matters.
The Backlash We Should Expect
One of the concerns raised in the broader AI conversation is governance. We’ve already seen social media platforms face scrutiny in Congress. It wouldn’t surprise me if AI companies face similar oversight as ethical concerns grow.
We’re already seeing blurred lines in online content. On platforms like YouTube, it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish AI-generated media from real footage. That creates long-term trust challenges.
And when it comes to emotional support or high-stakes advice? AI simply cannot replace human discernment.
The Real Strategy: Build Career Resilience
Instead of panicking, I believe we need to adapt.
In my book Navigating the Pivot, I talk about building a Personal Opportunity Engine — a combination of:
- Skills
- Projects
- Networks
This is how you protect yourself as AI changes industry and academic jobs.
Build projects (books, podcasts, articles).
Cultivate networks before you need them.
Develop skills that AI can’t replicate easily — strategic thinking, synthesis, relationship-building.
I’ve seen firsthand how writing and speaking have created opportunities I couldn’t have predicted — including being featured by Nature and writing for Science.
People create opportunities for people. AI doesn’t replace that.
My Final Take
AI isn’t going back in the box. The better question is: how do we work with it wisely?
Learn it. Use it. But don’t depend on it blindly.
And most importantly — diversify your career, income streams, and skillset so you are never fully dependent on a single employer or system.
That’s how we navigate this shift.