Essential Roles and Skills for a Gen AI-Driven Workplace

While past performance is not an indicator of future performance, we don’t need to look back far to see how quickly technology advancements can reshape the workforce. Once critical roles like Data Entry Clerks have now largely been replaced by AI-powered optical character recognition (OCR), automated data extraction and application integrations. 

And remember the early-2010s? Social media became a business imperative, and that function was largely human-driven. Social Media Managers were required to meet an ever-growing demand for content creation across multiple platforms and formats, and they also had to start wearing the Customer Service hat, taking on community management and moderation all whilst staying on top of (and ahead of) fast-changing content trends. By 2018, AI-powered content schedulers, Chatbots, analytic tools and trend trackers helped to share the load. 

What’s more, with the advent of digital transformation and rapid advancement of Gen-AI, the two previously distinct roles of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) have started to converge into the newly coined role of Chief Digital Officer (CDO) or Growth-Focused CTO. 

And while there’s plenty of chatter and fear in the market about how AI will steal our jobs, it is more likely that the current workforce will need to upskill in data and technology know-how to use Gen augmentation and automation tools, with these skillsets becoming the most in-demand, and necessary, for the future workforce. 

To prepare, business leaders and boards may be required to rethink their internal structures, workforce capabilities, ICT Roadmap and technology investments, and long-term strategic talent planning. In this article, we’ll examine the changing landscape of technology skillsets, predict emerging roles, and discuss the broader implications for organisations in the short, mid, and long term. 

The immediate impact of emerging Gen-AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) technologies may require businesses to upskill employees, outsource, and hire specialists in key areas. Some crucial developments include: 

• Generative AI & Prompt Engineering: According to a 2023 McKinsey report, “AI-driven automation is expected to impact nearly 30% of job functions by 2030.” With AI-driven content creation, automation, and customer interactions on the rise, individuals or “prompt engineers” who understand how to fine-tune AI outputs will become essential.  
• Cybersecurity & Zero Trust Architecture: According to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), a cybercrime is reported every 6 minutes. As digital threats grow in sophistication, companies will need more cybersecurity professionals focused on proactive risk mitigation and governance. Zero Trust Architecture requires continuous verification of every user and device, even those previously granted access, to minimise risk. An example of Zero Trust Architecture is when an employee working remotely must verify their identity using multi-factor authentication. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 states, “The rise of AI-powered cyber threats makes cybersecurity expertise one of the most in-demand skills over the next decade.” 
• Cloud Expansion: Cloud adoption continues at pace, with companies seeking specialists skilled in multi-cloud environments, automation, and AI infused cloud infrastructure such as Microsoft Fabric. Gartner predicts that “by 2025, 95% of new digital workloads will be deployed on cloud-native platforms.” 
• Data Literacy across all functions: Data will be, if not already, the most valuable asset to businesses. More departments—marketing, finance, HR—will require fundamental data skills and digital literacy to make data-driven decisions without solely relying on data scientists. The Harvard Business Review has noted that “organisations that embed data literacy across functions see up to 20% higher productivity.” 

As businesses further integrate technology into their operations and digitally transform their business, existing job roles will evolve, and new hybrid positions may emerge: 

• AI Ethics & Governance Specialists: With increased AI reliance, businesses may need dedicated professionals to ensure ethical AI usage, compliance, and risk mitigation. A PwC study highlighted that “trust in AI systems will become a competitive differentiator for companies by 2026.” 
• Convergence of Data Analytics & Marketing: As customer engagement becomes more data-driven, marketers will need a deeper understanding of analytics, predictive modeling, and automation. Forrester Research suggests that “by 2027, 80% of marketing roles will require proficiency in AI and data analytics.” 
• Product & AI Strategy Leads: With AI becoming an integral part of products, services and customer experiences, businesses will require leaders who can seamlessly integrate AI capabilities into their offerings. 
• Augmented & Virtual Reality Specialists: As AR/VR adoption grows for training, collaboration, and customer experience, businesses may require experts in immersive technology. A report from Deloitte states, “By 2030, immersive technology could contribute over $1.5 trillion to the global economy.” 

Looking further ahead, entirely new roles and organisational structures may emerge: 

• Human-AI Collaboration Specialists: Businesses will need professionals who can optimise the ‘relationship’ between human employees and AI-driven automation. This role will require both people and technology skills. A study by the MIT Sloan School of Management suggests that “companies with well-integrated AI-human collaboration models will outperform competitors by 40% by 2030.” 
• Decentralised Systems Architects: As blockchain and Web3 mature, organisations may require specialists in decentralised applications, digital identity, and smart contract security. 
• Biotech & AI Integration Experts: With AI playing a greater role in healthcare, biotech, and longevity research, cross-disciplinary expertise will be crucial. 
• Quantum Computing Scientists: While still in early stages, the rise of quantum computing and the Australian Government’s investment in this space will create demand for experts who can apply its capabilities to business problems. IBM predicts that “quantum computing will reach commercial viability in finance, pharmaceuticals, and logistics by 2035.” 

Technology is unlocking enormous potential for Australian businesses and transforming the workforce at an unprecedented rate. While preparing for the future workforce may seem a large task, there are a number of proactive actions business leaders and boards can set into motion today to remain resilient and drive future growth. 

To navigate these changes, businesses should: 

1. Invest in Continuous Learning: Encourage employees to upskill in AI, automation, data literacy, and emerging technologies. 
2. Redesign Job Roles & Responsibilities: Consider reviewing organisational structures to accommodate hybrid roles that blend technical and strategic expertise. 
3. Foster Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Encourage closer collaboration between IT, marketing, finance, and operations to maximise the value of technological advancements and skills-sharing. 
4. Adopt Flexible Hiring & Workforce Models: Utilise a mix of full-time employees, external resources and specialists, and AI-driven automation for maximum agility. 
5. Update or Invest in an ICT Roadmap: An ICT roadmap aligns technology needs with your strategic business objectives, identifying technology investments and projects that will be key to achieving long-term business goals. 

Bill Owens, Managing Director of Veracity, has decades of experience in global business consulting and technology and is committed to raising digital literacy levels of business leaders across Australia. Bill often presents to Boards and senior leaders on data governance, privacy, AI, and cybersecurity to help leaders feel at ease discussing and making decisions about tech and IT.

If you need assistance navigating the changing technology, privacy and data landscape, please get in touch. We’d love to help.