Let’s be honest.
I’m 50.
I manage a global IT team.
I can still code (with fewer curses than most juniors).
And yes—I have a strong interest in AI.
But when Microsoft lays off 7,000 people and everyone’s favorite reply to “Why?” is “AI, bro”, I start wondering:
Am I next?
Act 1: The Coffee Machine Conspiracy
It began by the coffee machine. Someone said,
“You know, AI’s going to replace all of us.”
I smiled. “Not me. I manage people. I create strategy. I lead transformations.”
Then I asked ChatGPT to write a business case for AI integration into ERP. It did. In 14 seconds.
I quietly refilled my coffee.
Act 2: Googling “Is 50 too old to switch careers?”
Spoiler: it’s not. But Google kept showing me retirement plans and prostate ads, so that felt like a sign.
Instead, I did something better:
I looked at what can’t be replaced.
- Leading with empathy? Still human.
- Navigating complex team dynamics across cultures and time zones? Still human.
- Explaining to the CFO why that “simple AI implementation” took six months?
Extremely human.
Act 3: The Hybrid Superpower
I realized:
The best thing I’ve got going isn’t my AI knowledge or my decades of delivery experience.
It’s that I can do both.
I speak Python and PowerPoint.
I can debug code and de-escalate clients.
And I understand that AI isn’t the threat—
the real threat is staying still.
Act 4: Crypto, Gold, and Bad Decisions
In my free time, I invest in gold, silver, and the occasional crypto that promises to “revolutionize sleep.”
I also started writing a novel. It has pirates, quantum computers, and emotional baggage.
(Much like enterprise IT.)
Why?
Because if AI changes the rules of the game, I want to be someone who can play multiple games.
Act 5: So, Will I Be Unemployed in 5 Years?
Highly unlikely. ChatGPT estimated my risk:
5–8% tops.
Which is less than the chance I burn spaghetti on any given Tuesday.
Why?
Because I’m not waiting for disruption.
I’m building the boat while others are still arguing if they should leave shore.
👇So here’s my advice:
- Don’t obsess over what AI might take.
- Focus on what only you can give.
- And if in doubt… start writing your novel. The world needs more pirate-quantum-fiction.
Let’s not fear the future.
Let’s lead it—with curiosity, courage, and a backup plan.