AI Isn’t Replacing Workers. Bad Leadership Is.

On the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, John Julitz and Karla Fletcher talk with ManpowerGroup futurist and author of the Workforce Trends report, “The Human Edge,” Alexandra Levit about separating AI hype from reality, including headlines claiming AI could eliminate half of entry-level white-collar jobs. Alex argues that the bigger issue is blunt-force automation and AI “sameness” while emphasizing that large-scale job loss is unlikely, though painful adjustments and rehiring cycles may occur. 

She promotes work-based learning from an early age to build “pre-industrial” human skills—curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, storytelling, and judgment—arguing technical skills like basic coding will erode first.  

The discussion covers measuring soft skills via talent intelligence, the US education-to-work disconnect versus Europe’s apprenticeship model, growing interest in trades, and why workers must develop applied AI skills to augment—not replace—their roles. 

Speakers:

Alexandra Levit


Alexandra Levit is the founder and CEO of Inspiration at Work, a futurist consulting firm helping organisations and their people prepare for the future of work. A former Wall Street Journal columnist and bestselling author of They Don’t Teach Corporate in College, Humanity Works, and Deep Talent, she advises Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. government on workforce, technology, and leadership trends. Named to Thinkers50’s Radar and recognised as an AMA Top Leader, Alexandra is also a frequent media voice featured by outlets including NPR and CNN.