As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workforce, adaptability has become the new job security for 2026 and beyond, according to Joe Depa, EY’s global chief innovation officer who oversees AI, data, and innovation strategies at the Big Four consulting firm. Depa emphasizes that training and upskilling will be the critical differentiators for both individual talent and organizations navigating the AI-driven transformation of work.
Depa shared three key strategies for staying current in the rapidly evolving AI landscape:
1. Continuous Education: Depa advocates for ongoing learning, whether through formal education or independent study. He personally returned to school to earn a Master’s in Analytics from Georgia Tech to better understand software development, programming, and data science—skills essential for managing data scientists and programmers. However, he notes that since earning his degree in 2020, software development has “completely changed,” underscoring the need for perpetual learning. To stay informed on AI developments, Depa regularly listens to podcasts and reads articles about the latest industry news. This approach mirrors other tech leaders like Visa’s Oliver Jenkyn, who blocks off four hours weekly to study emerging topics.
2. Learn from Mentors and Advisors: Beyond individual learning, Depa stresses the importance of building a network of personal mentors and advisors. He points to EY’s global AI advisory council, which includes 20 top AI leaders who provide feedback and help navigate the AI landscape. This council serves as a “really nice forum” for testing ideas and challenging assumptions. Depa emphasizes that soliciting diverse perspectives doesn’t require formal structures—maintaining relationships with trusted advisors for regular check-ins is increasingly valuable.
3. Hands-On Application: Theory alone isn’t enough; Depa insists on actually implementing new knowledge through experimentation, whether through vibe coding or creating applications. He acknowledges that failure is a natural part of this process, and becoming comfortable with discomfort builds a growth-oriented mindset. This sentiment is echoed by Blackstone CTO John Stecher, who dedicates weekend hours to hands-on experimentation with AI tools like Claude for home automation and document parsing.
Depa’s core message is clear: “The ability to adapt and change is going to be the most important component” as AI transforms jobs across industries.
Key Quotes
The ability to adapt and change is going to be the most important component
Joe Depa, EY’s global chief innovation officer, emphasizes that adaptability—not static skills—will define job security as AI transforms the workforce in 2026 and beyond.
You’ve got to always be learning and challenging yourself to learn every single day
Depa reflects on how rapidly technology evolves, noting that his Master’s degree in Analytics from 2020 is already outdated due to changes in software development, highlighting the necessity of continuous learning.
All of us should have our own personal advisors — mentors around us that we can call
Depa stresses the importance of building a network of mentors and advisors to gain diverse perspectives and challenge one’s thinking in the fast-changing AI landscape.
That whole learning experience is going to really help create new brain dynamics for you to learn the next thing and the next thing
Depa explains why hands-on application of knowledge is essential, arguing that experimentation and implementation build cognitive patterns that facilitate continuous learning and adaptation.
Our Take
Depa’s insights reveal a critical inflection point in professional development strategy. The traditional model of acquiring credentials and coasting on expertise is dead—AI’s rapid evolution demands a fundamentally different approach to career management. What’s particularly striking is that even a senior executive at a Big Four firm felt compelled to return to school, only to find his degree outdated within two years. This isn’t just about technical roles; AI is creating a universal imperative for continuous learning across all professional functions. The emphasis on hands-on experimentation is especially important—passive consumption of AI news isn’t enough. Professionals must actively engage with AI tools, accept failure as part of the learning process, and build what Depa calls “new brain dynamics.” Organizations that create environments supporting this experimental mindset will attract and retain top talent, while those clinging to traditional training models risk obsolescence.
Why This Matters
This perspective from a senior executive at one of the world’s largest consulting firms signals a fundamental shift in how professionals must approach career development in the AI era. EY’s emphasis on adaptability over static expertise reflects the accelerating pace of AI-driven workplace transformation, where skills can become obsolete within years or even months. The fact that Depa’s own graduate degree became outdated within two years illustrates the unprecedented rate of technological change.
For businesses, this underscores the critical importance of investing in continuous learning programs and creating cultures that embrace experimentation and failure. Organizations that fail to prioritize upskilling risk losing competitive advantage as AI reshapes industry landscapes. For workers, the message is equally urgent: job security no longer comes from mastering a fixed skill set, but from cultivating the ability to continuously learn and adapt. The establishment of formal AI advisory councils at major firms like EY also demonstrates how seriously corporations are taking AI governance and strategy, suggesting that AI literacy will become a baseline requirement across professional roles, not just technical positions.
Related Stories
- PwC Hosts ‘Prompting Parties’ to Train Employees on AI Usage
- The Future of Work in an AI World
- Business Leaders Share Top 3 AI Workforce Predictions for 2025
- Microsoft AI CEO’s Career Advice for Young People in the AI Era
- AI’s Role in Tech Hiring Freeze: White-Collar Job Market Slump
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/ey-exec-stay-current-changing-job-landscape-ai-2026-1