Working with AI - Part 1 in the AI at Work Series

AI is redefining how we create, problem-solve, and build expertise. Instead of relying solely on technical skills, professionals are increasingly working with AI as a co-intelligence—giving instructions in plain English, refining results, and focusing on high-level decision-making. This shift isn’t about replacing expertise but redistributing it, making it more scalable and adaptable.

From Manual Work to AI Collaboration

Traditionally, developing in-depth white papers, conducting research, and building new capabilities in an organization required significant time and expertise. You needed to:

• Gather and analyse data
• Synthesise insights into a structured format
• Write and refine reports for different audiences
  

Now, AI can handle much of the groundwork, accelerating the process while leaving final judgment and refinement to human experts.

For example, an organisation looking to explore a new industry trend might start with an AI-powered research assistant. By simply describing the topic—“Create a comprehensive white paper on sustainable supply chain strategies”—the AI can gather relevant data, summarize key studies, and draft a structured document.

But while AI can generate the foundation, human expertise is still required to:

• Ensure the accuracy of sources and insights
• Add strategic recommendations tailored to the organization’s needs
• Refine the language and structure for clarity and impact
  

Instead of spending weeks compiling information, professionals can now focus on validating, contextualising, and improving AI-generated insights.

Building Capabilities with AI Assistance

AI isn’t just a tool for producing documents—it can also support capability building within teams. Whether it’s upskilling employees, creating training materials, or mapping out new processes, AI can significantly reduce the time and effort required.

Consider a company looking to train its workforce on data literacy. Instead of manually designing an entire curriculum, AI can:

• Compile existing best practices and research on data-driven decision-making
• Generate interactive learning modules, quizzes, and case studies
• Adapt content to different learning styles and job roles
  

However, while AI can speed up content creation, human oversight ensures the training materials align with the company’s culture, goals, and real-world applications. The role of the expert shifts from content creator to curator and strategist.

Deep Research Without the Heavy Lifting
In areas that require deep research—such as regulatory compliance, market analysis, or policy development—AI can act as a powerful assistant. Instead of manually sorting through hundreds of reports, professionals can use AI to:

• Summarise key findings from large datasets
• Identify trends and correlations across multiple sources
• Draft initial reports for further refinement
  

For instance, a team working on a policy recommendation might begin with an AI-generated synthesis of existing legislation, stakeholder opinions, and economic impact studies. But rather than relying on AI blindly, human experts must:

• Evaluate the credibility of the findings
• Challenge assumptions and refine conclusions
• Integrate insights with real-world experience and stakeholder input
• This approach saves time while ensuring the final output is rigorous and relevant.
• AI isn’t replacing expertise—it’s making expertise more scalable and efficient.

The Changing Nature of Work
AI is shifting professional roles in real time. Instead of spending hours on manual tasks, professionals now focus on:

• Directing AI and refining its output
• Applying strategic thinking to AI-generated insights
• Troubleshooting and improving AI-assisted workflows
  

The result isn’t just efficiency—it’s a new way of working that blends AI capabilities with human judgment. And as AI continues to evolve, the real advantage will belong to those who know how to collaborate with it effectively.

The future of work isn’t about choosing between AI and human expertise. It’s about mastering the balance between the two. Check out our AI Bootcamp to master your own AI destiny.