Fortune · 27 Sep, 09:06 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

EY Global Vice Chair: AI’s biggest paradox comes down to what AI can’t do

EY’s Global Vice Chair highlights a critical paradox in artificial intelligence adoption: while AI excels at processing data and executing routine tasks, it fundamentally lacks human intuition, ethical judgment, and complex strategic reasoning.

25–40%salary premium for professionals with applied AI skills
11xgrowth in AI job adverts since 2019
66%of leaders won't hire without AI literacy
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The briefing

The story
in brief.

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EY’s Global Vice Chair highlights a critical paradox in artificial intelligence adoption: while AI excels at processing data and executing routine tasks, it fundamentally lacks human intuition, ethical judgment, and complex strategic reasoning. This distinction clarifies that AI is not a replacement for human intellect but a tool that amplifies specific capabilities. The report suggests that organisations must focus on integrating AI where it complements human strengths rather than attempting to automate roles requiring nuanced decision-making. This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative of total automation, urging leaders to identify which functions genuinely benefit from algorithmic support while preserving the irreplaceable value of human oversight and creative problem-solving in professional environments.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)
20191x20201.2x20211.7x20222.5x20233.6x20245.1x20257.4x202610x
Your move

What this means
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Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must pivot from competing with algorithms to mastering the skills AI cannot replicate. Critical thinking, ethical judgment, and complex strategic planning will surge in value, making these competencies essential for your career resilience. Professionals in leadership, project management, and creative strategy should prioritise upskilling in human-centric areas like negotiation and emotional intelligence. Do not merely learn to use AI tools; learn to govern them. Your next step is to audit your current role, identifying tasks that require nuanced human insight versus those suitable for automation. Invest time in courses that enhance your ability to ask the right questions and interpret AI outputs within broader business contexts. By positioning yourself as the strategic overseer of AI systems, you secure relevance in an increasingly automated landscape. Focus on becoming the decision-maker, not just the data processor.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Leadership, Project Management and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below
AI Strategy+35%Leadership+24%Project Management+26%Business And Management+34%
Matched to this story

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This briefing is based on reporting by Fortune on 27 Sep, 09:06. Read the original coverage →

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