AI is already embedded in our daily workflows. The real question is not whether it will change your job, but how you position yourself in a world where humans and machines collaborate.
These seven mindsets will help you stay relevant in the years ahead, each accompanied by a practical example.

1. Curiosity as your driving force

Your most valuable asset is curiosity. Instead of saying you don’t understand AI, explore what it could mean for your work.

Example:
An HR advisor uses ChatGPT to compare job profiles and spot emerging skill trends. She translates those insights into strategic training recommendations for leadership., 

2. Become better at asking questions

AI is only as good as your prompts. Your value shifts from being the one who “knows” to the one who investigates, frames, and interprets.

Example:
A project manager doesn’t ask, “Make a project schedule.”
He asks, “Create a schedule with three scenarios, identifying the main risks that could delay delivery.”
The output is far more useful.

3. Human skills stay distinctive

Empathy, nuance, listening, and communication remain uniquely human. These skills will only grow in value.

Example:
A consultant drafts a proposal using AI, then calls the client to listen to concerns and build trust. The call—not the document—secures the deal.

4. Start small and learn fast

Don’t wait until you understand everything. Experiment, gather feedback, improve, expand.

Example:
A team begins by using AI only to summarize meeting notes. After two weeks, it works well; then they extend it to customer reports and internal knowledge management.

5. Your expertise is the fuel

AI amplifies what you feed it. Your domain knowledge, stories, and experience shape the quality of the output.

Example:
A senior structural engineer trains AI on best-practice reports from past projects. The generated content becomes highly relevant and technically strong, instead of generic.

6. Values over velocity

AI can do a lot, but it has no moral compass. You need to bring judgment and intention.

Example:
A marketing team uses AI to help create content but requires human fact-checking and review. They also document why certain decisions were made to ensure transparency.

7. Build learning communities

The future is not solo—it’s collective. Learning happens faster in networks.

Example:
An organisation creates an internal “AI lab” where colleagues share what they’ve tried each month. Successes and failures are openly discussed. Within three months, the whole organisation works smarter.

Those who embrace these mindsets will help shape the future instead of merely adapting to it.
Not by working harder, but by staying curious, asking better questions, and learning together.

www.bertoverbeek.com