Experts Warn About the Impact of AI on Intellectual Jobs and Propose a New Way of Working
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global labor landscape.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, warns that automation will not only affect industrial sectors but also intellectual professions such as science, art, and software development. According to Altman, “the takeoff has begun,” referring to the tipping point at which AI already surpasses humans in specific tasks and starts to redefine the world of work.
Ian Bremmer, political scientist and business expert, sparked controversy by strongly advising against encouraging children to learn programming at an early age. In an interview, he compared that decision to “getting a tattoo on your face,” suggesting it could have significant negative consequences for young people’s future employment, due to AI’s growing impact on tasks that once required programmers.
Julián Colombo, Argentine economist and CEO of N5, a software company operating in over 15 countries, offers a unique perspective on how AI will impact the world of work—especially in the financial sector.
“AI won’t eliminate jobs, but it will transform tasks, unlocking human potential,”
According to him, the professionals of the future will be “artificial intelligence supervisors,” capable of understanding both the customer and the algorithm.
To illustrate this transformation, Colombo draws historical parallels and highlights three milestones in the evolution of banking:
- ATMs: introduced automation in basic transactions.
- Internet: allowed banking services to reach people’s homes.
- Mobile phones: made banking available anytime, anywhere.
“Now, artificial intelligence is the next big step.”
“AI will democratize empathy in financial services,” Colombo predicts, highlighting his keynote presentation on an emerging role: the “AI Commander.” This yet-to-exist position will oversee AI systems to deliver human-like guidance, blending technology with trust and warmth.
Colombo also addresses resistance to change, comparing it to historical moments when innovation was underestimated. “The Great Wall of China is confidence that airplanes will never exist,” he reflects, emphasizing how overconfidence in existing systems can hinder the adoption of new technologies.
N5 has developed tools such as Alfred, an internal assistant that organizes information to facilitate data access; Pep, a virtual coach that trains financial teams by simulating real conversations with clients; and Singular, a real-time data analysis engine. These solutions aim to improve operational efficiency without losing the human focus.
“AI will democratize empathy in financial services,” Colombo reiterates, stressing the importance of balanced integration between technology and humanity. His vision blends innovation with empathy, positioning N5 as a leader in financial evolution.
This perspective underscores the importance of adapting to technological changes without losing sight of the value of human interaction in the workplace.
The Lower Cost of Survival and the Redefinition of Work
Colombo also reflects on how AI might affect economic and social structures, particularly regarding the reduction in the cost of survival. As automation and AI-driven efficiency lower the costs of production and basic services, there is a possibility that fundamental needs could become more accessible to a broader segment of the population.
This could free people from purely subsistence-level jobs, enabling them to focus on creative, educational, or personal development activities.
However, Colombo cautions that this potential will only be realized if adequate policies are implemented to ensure fair distribution of the benefits generated by AI, and if a culture is promoted that values continuous learning and adaptability.
