Tag: Future of Work

The hum of the server room was a low thrum, barely audible over the chatter at Web Summit Qatar. It was February 19, 2026, and the air crackled with the usual mix of ambition and anxiety that defines these events. The focus, as always, was on the future — specifically, how artificial intelligence would shape it.

But not everyone was buying the narrative of mass displacement. The CEOs of Read AI and Lucidya, two startups making waves in the AI space, offered a different take. Their argument, presented at the conference, was that AI tools would replace tasks, not entire workforces. This subtle but crucial distinction could reshape how companies and workers adapt to the coming changes.

“We’re seeing AI as an augmentation tool,” said a spokesperson from Lucidya, paraphrasing the CEO’s comments. “It’s about making people more efficient, not obsolete.” It’s a sentiment that, at least in the halls of this particular summit, seemed to be gaining traction.

The details, of course, are where the story gets interesting. Read AI, for example, is developing tools designed to streamline meeting notes and summaries. Their pitch is simple: free up employees from tedious tasks so they can focus on higher-level thinking and strategy. This is a very different proposition than, say, a fully automated customer service system that handles all interactions without human input.

Meanwhile, the market is still processing these shifts. Analyst forecasts from the period show a wide range of predictions, but most agree on one thing: significant disruption is coming. JP Morgan, in a report released in late 2025, estimated that up to 30% of certain job functions could be automated in the next five years. That’s a sobering figure, even if it doesn’t equate to widespread job losses.

The key, as these CEOs see it, is the nature of the transition. It’s not about replacing humans; it’s about giving them better tools. And maybe, in the long run, that’s a more sustainable approach. It allows companies to leverage the power of AI without the social and economic upheaval of mass layoffs. The goal is to make these tools a force multiplier, not a replacement.

The conversation continues.

The hum of servers is a constant thrum, even here in the convention center. It’s February 19, 2026, and the Web Summit Qatar is in full swing. The air crackles with the energy of a thousand startups, each one promising to revolutionize something, anything. I’m here because, well, AI. It’s the story, isn’t it?

The buzz is all about how AI will reshape the future of work. But amidst the hype, a more nuanced perspective emerged from some surprising sources: the CEOs themselves. Specifically, the heads of Read AI and Lucidya. Their take? AI tools will replace tasks, not workers.

It’s a crucial distinction, and one that feels increasingly relevant as we barrel toward an era of ever-more-sophisticated automation. Their argument, as reported by TechCrunch, hinges on the idea that AI will augment human capabilities, freeing up employees to focus on higher-level strategic work. Or, maybe that’s how the supply shock reads from here.

Read AI and Lucidya, both startups, are building tools to automate specific workflows. Read AI focuses on note-taking, while Lucidya offers AI-powered customer support solutions. At the heart of their strategy is the belief that AI can handle repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to concentrate on the more creative, strategic, and, frankly, less tedious aspects of their jobs.

“We see AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement,” one of the CEOs reportedly stated. It’s a phrase that’s been gaining traction within the industry, and for good reason. Deutsche Bank, in a recent report, predicted that the AI market will reach $800 billion by 2028. That’s a huge number, and it reflects the increasing demand for AI solutions across various sectors. At least, that’s what it seemed then.

The shift towards task-based automation has significant implications. For one, it means a re-evaluation of job roles. Skills that were once considered essential may become less so, while others, like critical thinking and emotional intelligence, will become even more valuable. It’s a world where the ability to collaborate with AI tools will be just as important as the ability to code. Or, even more so.

The conversation around AI and jobs is complex, and it’s evolving rapidly. Yet, the CEOs’ perspective offers a vital counterpoint to the more alarmist narratives. It’s a reminder that technological advancement doesn’t always equal mass unemployment. Sometimes, it just means a shift in the way we work.