Staying Competitive in the AI Era: OpenAI CFO's Strategic Insights

OpenAI’s CFO Sarah Friar outlines essential strategies for professionals to remain competitive in an AI-driven workplace. She emphasizes that while AI will transform many jobs, it won’t completely replace human workers but rather augment their capabilities. Friar suggests three key approaches: First, professionals should focus on developing skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as emotional intelligence, creative thinking, and complex problem-solving. Second, workers should actively learn to collaborate with AI tools, viewing them as productivity enhancers rather than threats. Third, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial, with emphasis on understanding how AI can be leveraged in one’s specific field. The article highlights the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and being proactive about skill development. Friar particularly stresses the value of “human skills” like leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, which will become increasingly important as routine tasks become automated. She also discusses the need for organizations to invest in training programs that help employees transition into new roles that emerge from AI integration. The conclusion emphasizes that success in the AI era will depend on combining technical literacy with distinctly human capabilities, and that professionals who can effectively partner with AI while developing their unique human strengths will be best positioned for future opportunities.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-competitive-ai-era-openai-cfo-sarah-friar-2025-8