I was asked this question recently: "What's the point of climbing the corporate ladder if we, as managers, are going to be replaced by AI in a few years?"

Hmmm…you're right; we're doomed, game over!

Actually, it's not. But, with all the buzz around AI right now—including AI CEOs like Poland's Mika and China's Tang Yu—I can absolutely understand the concern. When machines are running board meetings, and AI is writing code faster than a caffeinated developer, it's hard not to think, "Are we, managers, next on the chopping block?"

It's a valid worry, and let's face it: AI is reshaping the landscape. But before you start dusting off that old career in abstract art or alpaca farming, let's break down some key reasons why managers—and, more importantly, great leaders—still have a place in the future.

The irreplaceable human element

First, especially in leadership, the human element will always matter. AI can analyze data, run complex computations, schedule meetings, generate reports, and even serve as an advisor. It can make thousands of decisions based on structured data. But it lacks one essential quality: being human.

No matter how advanced it gets, AI cannot truly engage in human interaction. It can't sit down with a team member, read the room, sense their nervousness, or offer a genuine smile of encouragement. It doesn't know how to build meaningful relationships, navigate subtle office politics, or establish trust that feels genuine. The key word here is feels. Trust isn't just earned through logical sequences or by running statistical models. It's built through shared experiences, empathy, and vulnerability—qualities uniquely human.

Think about it: Have you ever walked into a meeting feeling anxious, and the energy of a strong, empathetic leader just eased the tension? AI can't do that. It can provide you with a pie chart of your anxiety levels, maybe, but not the comfort of a shared human moment.

AI is a tool, not a replacement

The second reason I don't believe AI is here to replace managers en masse is that it's here to handle especially the repetitive, time-consuming tasks that pull you away from what truly matters. Think of all the hours you spend writing performance reports, updating schedules, or following up on action items. Imagine how much more you could achieve if those tasks were automated.

AI is more like an assistant that can supercharge your effectiveness. It can do the grunt work, leaving you free to focus on strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and building strong, resilient teams. These are the core of effective leadership and are not going anywhere. If anything, AI gives you more time to invest in these critical areas.

Now, job descriptions might change. The role of a manager will evolve. Instead of getting bogged down in administrative tasks, the future manager will excel at coaching, strategic thinking, and high-level decision-making. In essence, AI will force us to redefine what we value most in leaders—and that's not a bad thing.

Evolving, not fighting

So, here's the third key point: successful managers will evolve by leveraging AI, not fighting it. Evolution, not extinction.

Instead of worrying about being replaced, think about how you can become irreplaceable by learning to use AI tools to enhance your leadership. It's about being someone who can combine the best of both worlds: technology and human insight. For instance, use AI to predict project outcomes, but you make the final call based on the nuances only you can interpret. Use AI to schedule meetings but still show up with the personal touch and empathy that make your leadership effective.

And here's a little thought experiment: In a world where AI handles more of the "left-brain" tasks, imagine the possibilities if you leaned even more into the "right-brain" aspects of leadership. Strategic leadership, empathy, emotional intelligence, creativity—these become your superpowers.

The future won't just belong to managers who understand AI but to those who know how to use AI to elevate their leadership.

What about AI CEOs?

Okay, but what about those AI CEOs, like Tang Yu in China, making real-world decisions? Yes, they exist, and they're running efficient operations. But consider this: efficiency is not the only metric that matters in leadership. Culture, vision, purpose, and intangible qualities that inspire people can't be generated in lines of code.

In fact, if we look at companies with the best cultures, they all have one thing in common: leaders who invest in their people. People want to feel seen and valued, and AI can't provide that. AI doesn't care about your career growth or the struggles you're facing at home. A great leader does.

Final thoughts

So, while AI will undoubtedly change leadership, it won't replace the human touch. We tend to overestimate AI's potential to fully take over and underestimate the critical role of human interaction. But here's the optimistic outlook: those who lean in, adapt, and learn how to collaborate with AI will be more effective, not less.

Focus on what makes your leadership uniquely human. Embrace lifelong learning, empathy, and adaptability. Leverage AI as a force multiplier, not a competitor. In the end, AI isn't coming for your job; it's coming to take over the tasks that don't require the special magic only you can bring.

So, next time someone asks, "Are we all doomed to be replaced by AI?" you can confidently say, "Nope. We're not doomed. We're just evolving." And the ones who evolve best will be the leaders people look up to in this new world.

Watch this short video: Will AI replace managers?

ACTION STEPS: 

• Identify tasks AI can simplify
  List out your most repetitive tasks and explore AI tools that can streamline them. This way, you’ll have more time for strategic work and relationship-building.

• Invest in emotional Intelligence (EQ)
  Strengthen your skills in empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution. These uniquely human traits will make you irreplaceable in any leadership role.

• Experiment with an AI tool
  Try a simple AI app—like a scheduling assistant or task tracker—and see how it enhances your efficiency. Start small and expand based on what works best for you.

• Focus on building strong connections
  Set aside time each week for genuine interactions with your team. Use the time freed up by AI to deepen trust and foster a collaborative team culture.

• Stay curious and informed about AI
  Keep learning about new AI tools relevant to leadership. Staying informed will help you continually leverage AI in ways that elevate, rather than replace, your role.