AI Should Empower People, Not Replace Them

Many companies still view AI primarily as a cost-cutting tool, focusing on automation, headcount reduction, and increasing productivity with fewer resources. But the real opportunity isn’t replacement—it’s enablement.

What if every employee had an AI advantage? Imagine:

• A monthly stipend so employees can explore new AI tools

• 5–10% protected time each week for automation or experimentation

• “AI talent shows” where teams demo what they’ve built

• An internal AI center of excellence for coaching, templates, and best practices

• A bounty program rewarding employees with a share of savings or gains from AI-driven innovation

That would transform a culture. It would create a competitive edge by equipping everyone—not just the survivors.

The most successful companies will be those where people are enabled, encouraged, and rewarded for leveraging AI effectively.