Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM’s vice president of corporate social responsibility and chief impact officer, is sounding the alarm on the urgent need for companies to prioritize AI skills training across their workforce. In a comprehensive interview, Nixon-Saintil emphasized that artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize every industry, making AI literacy a critical requirement for workers at all levels.
Nixon-Saintil, who comes from an engineering background, oversees initiatives at the intersection of AI, diversity and inclusion, C-suite transformation, and worker well-being. She stresses that leaders must take a hands-on approach to understanding AI technology and its impact on employees and communities. “I myself have to upskill so that I understand these technologies and how we can use them from a social-impact perspective,” she explained.
A key focus of her work involves ensuring that vulnerable populations and communities have access to AI training and skills development. From high school and university students to adult learners, Nixon-Saintil’s team works to provide pathways into well-paying tech jobs through AI upskilling and reskilling programs. She echoed a now-common industry refrain: “AI is not going to take your job, but somebody with AI skills will.”
At IBM, the company has implemented innovative internal training programs like the WatsonX Challenge, a two-year initiative where employees participate in team-based competitions to solve real-world problems using AI. Nixon-Saintil herself participated on a CSR team that developed an AI assistant to answer questions about ESG practices. This approach makes AI learning fun, competitive, and collaborative while ensuring employees at all levels gain practical experience.
However, Nixon-Saintil also expressed concern about the rapid pace of AI evolution potentially widening existing digital divides. She noted that six out of 10 professionals globally still need upskilling in basic digital literacy, raising questions about how quickly communities—especially those in low-income areas—can adapt to generative AI. Drawing parallels to the internet revolution she witnessed during her university years, she emphasized that the AI transformation is “moving at a pace that we’ve never seen before,” making immediate action critical to prevent further inequality.
Key Quotes
AI is not going to take your job, but somebody with AI skills will.
Nixon-Saintil repeated this increasingly common industry saying to emphasize the urgency of AI skills training. It captures the reality that AI itself isn’t the threat—rather, workers who fail to develop AI competencies risk being left behind by those who do.
When you look at all the different areas — artificial intelligence, DEI, C-suite transformation, and worker well-being — there are connections between them across the board.
Nixon-Saintil explained her holistic approach to corporate social responsibility at IBM, highlighting how AI intersects with diversity, leadership transformation, and employee welfare. This perspective shows that AI adoption isn’t just a technology issue but a comprehensive organizational challenge.
Does it widen the gap? How do we make sure that it doesn’t become that digital divide we’ve had for many years and quickly support our communities, especially in low-income areas, to ensure they have access to the right skills to be successful?
Expressing concern about the rapid pace of AI development, Nixon-Saintil drew parallels to the digital divide that emerged with the internet. Her question highlights the social responsibility dimension of AI deployment and the risk that generative AI could exacerbate existing inequalities if access to training isn’t democratized.
I myself have to upskill so that I understand these technologies and how we can use them from a social-impact perspective.
Nixon-Saintil emphasized that even senior executives must continuously learn about AI technologies. This statement reinforces her message that AI literacy is essential at every organizational level, from entry-level workers to C-suite leaders.
Our Take
Nixon-Saintil’s insights reveal a mature understanding of AI’s transformative potential that goes beyond typical corporate hype. Her emphasis on hands-on learning through initiatives like the WatsonX Challenge demonstrates that effective AI adoption requires experiential education, not just theoretical training. The competitive, team-based approach is particularly smart—it builds AI skills while fostering collaboration and innovation.
What’s most striking is her concern about equity. While many executives focus solely on competitive advantages, Nixon-Saintil recognizes that AI could replicate or worsen the digital divide if companies don’t proactively address access gaps. Her comparison to the internet revolution is apt: we’re still dealing with digital literacy issues decades later. The speed of AI advancement means we have less time to correct course, making immediate, inclusive action essential. Companies that follow IBM’s lead in democratizing AI education will be better positioned both competitively and ethically.
Why This Matters
This story highlights a critical inflection point in the AI revolution where corporate leaders are recognizing that technology adoption alone isn’t enough—workforce readiness is paramount. Nixon-Saintil’s perspective from IBM, a company at the forefront of enterprise AI, provides valuable insights into how major corporations are approaching the AI skills gap.
The emphasis on upskilling from the top down represents a significant shift in corporate training philosophy. When C-suite executives participate in hands-on AI challenges alongside employees, it signals that AI literacy is no longer optional for any role or level. This democratization of AI knowledge could accelerate adoption and innovation across industries.
Most importantly, the article underscores the equity dimension of AI transformation. With six out of 10 professionals lacking basic digital literacy, the rapid advancement of generative AI threatens to create a two-tiered workforce. Companies that proactively invest in inclusive AI training programs will not only gain competitive advantages but also help prevent the widening of socioeconomic gaps. The urgency is clear: organizations must act now to ensure their entire workforce—and broader communities—can participate in the AI-driven economy.
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