Last week, I had the pleasure of participating in the Future Makers Symposium, presented by Toronto Metropolitan University's The Creative School and the City of Toronto Creative Technology Office.
The event featured an exciting panel discussion, “Your 21st Century Career Trajectory: AI from Interns to Execs,” where fellow panelist Neishaw Ali from SpinVFX, Umar Ghumman from New Brains, Rob Elsworthy from Resistr Interactive, moderator Jarret Leaman, and I dove into how AI is reshaping the future of work.

As AI reshapes the future of work, it’s crucial to understand how we can leverage it for growth and innovation across all levels of our careers.
Here’s a summary of some of the key points discussed during the panel:
1. AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement
AI is super helpful when it comes to analyzing data quickly, making it a fantastic tool for decision-making. But, it’s not here to take over—it can’t replace our creativity, empathy, or leadership. Think of AI as a sidekick or a tool, helping us work smarter, not harder.
2. Empowering Interns and Entry-Level Talent
AI is changing what entry-level roles look like, taking care of repetitive tasks and freeing up space for young professionals to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. The key to standing out? Blending tech skills with human insight and creativity.
3. Future-Proofing Your Career
With AI evolving so fast, it’s important to focus on skills that are uniquely human, like emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving, and adaptability.
4. Leadership and Equity in AI
As AI becomes more common in decision-making, it’s up to leaders to make sure it’s used fairly. Balancing data-driven insights with human judgment is crucial to avoid bias and create a more equitable workplace.
5. Collaboration Over Replacement
AI isn't here to replace jobs but to augment them. With the right training, AI can be a powerful ally, making our work more efficient and inclusive. Embracing AI means being open to learning new things and seeing it as a way to enhance what we do.
6. Including Indigenous Knowledge in AI
One crucial aspect discussed was the gap in AI's representation of Indigenous communities. It is vital for governments to take an active role in ensuring access to this knowledge base and work toward the democratization of AI. By doing so, we can ensure that this technology benefits everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background.