How to Be Indispensable Not Obsolete in An AI World with Alastair McDermott #100

AI is changing everything and faster than most professionals are prepared for. As knowledge work becomes increasingly automated, the critical question isn’t if your role will be affected, but how you’ll stay relevant. Will you be replaced or elevated?

In this milestone 100th episode, we dive into the tension between human adaptability and machine efficiency. From the quiet disappearance of entry-level roles to the rise of AI  across industries and white collar roles, we explore how leaders and knowledge workers can retain their edge, not by outworking machines, but by learning to work with them.

Discover how to thrive, not just survive, in the age of AI.

GUEST BIO:

Alastair McDermott helps business leaders implement human-first AI strategies that drive extraordinary efficiency without cutting jobs. His approach has slashed processing times by 92%, cut operational costs by 90% and increased capacity 12x, while preserving the team and culture. Author of the Expert Authority Builder series - including An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Using AI and the forthcoming "Use A.I. Stay Human",  Alastair speaks and podcasts on practical AI implementation that amplifies human potential.

TOPICS EXPLORED:

• Why roles built around repeatable, robotic tasks are most vulnerable to AI replacement
• The limitations of AI orchestrators vs. the value of human intuition, judgment, and implicit understanding
• Why McDermott still hires a human VA despite building agentic AI systems
• Four key opportunities AI offers: productivity, capability expansion, better decision-making, and accelerated learning
• The rise of the “Chief Robot Officer” mindset: managing workflows between humans and AI
• Case study: using AI to simulate beta readers for rapid book development and iteration
• The importance of AI literacy as a compounding skill in any profession
• How curiosity, experimentation, and play are essential to meaningful AI adoption

RESOURCES:
Download Alastair McDermott's "Complete AI Toolkit" for free at HumanSpark.ai/toolkit:

Alastair's new book available for pre-order on Amazon: Use A.I. Stay Human.: A Survival Guide for Experts Who Want to Stay Relevant, Authentic, and Indispensable in the Age of AI. (Or UK version)

HumanSpark Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AIPoweredBiz

McDermott's webiste: https://humanspark.ai/

CONNECT:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairmcdermott/

If you're interested in more visit ▶ https://almcbride.com/minicourse
for a free email minicourse on how to gain the psychological edge in your negotiations and critical conversations along with a helpful negotiation prep cheat sheet.

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