Imagine This... Force Multiplier or Co-Worker? Humans, AI, and the Future of Work
Oct 29, 2025
Julie Bedard, a Fellow at BCG Henderson Institute, explores the future of work in the age of AI. She argues that rather than replacing jobs, AI should empower workers through upskilling and human-controlled use. Julie highlights the importance of higher-order skills like resourcefulness and systems thinking for future success. She discusses the evolving corporate structure and insists that education must prepare for AI readiness. Additionally, she emphasizes AI as a tool, not a coworker, advocating for a holistic approach to integrate AI while maintaining human mentorship.
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Reimagine Work Not Replace It
- Treating AI as equal to humans limits its potential and prevents reimagining work.
- Julie Bedard urges redesigning tasks so humans orchestrate AI rather than being substituted by it.
Developer Productivity Multiplied
- Julie shares research showing experienced software developers can be 5x–10x more productive with agents.
- The developer remains central, using AI to amplify impact rather than being replaced.
Prioritize High-Order Upskilling
- Upskill employees in resourcefulness, systems thinking, and higher-order problem solving now.
- Julie warns most companies are unprepared and those with ambitious upskilling plans see the most AI value.