CNBC · 10 Sep, 15:46 · Technology briefing

Humans need to 'surf the wave' of AI rather than get swallowed by it, Chesky says at Communacopia

Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s chief executive, recently addressed the Communacopia, urging professionals to adapt to artificial intelligence rather than fear displacement.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s chief executive, recently addressed the Communacopia, urging professionals to adapt to artificial intelligence rather than fear displacement. He characterises the current technological shift as a wave that must be surfed, implying active engagement and strategic adaptation are essential for survival. The commentary suggests that passive resistance leads to being ‘swallowed’ by the technology. This perspective highlights the necessity for workers to integrate AI tools into their workflows proactively, viewing automation as an opportunity for enhancement rather than a threat to job security.

Employer demand for Medical Physics skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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

You must treat AI literacy as a core competency, not an optional extra. Professionals who merely observe will fall behind; those who integrate AI into daily workflows will gain significant leverage. Focus on developing strategic oversight and complex problem-solving skills, as routine tasks become automated. You should immediately audit your current processes to identify where AI can augment your output. Prioritise learning how to prompt effectively and interpret algorithmic outputs critically. Upskill in AI Strategy to understand implementation frameworks. By positioning yourself as a user who directs technology, you secure relevance. Ignore this shift at your peril, as the gap between augmented and non-augmented workers will widen rapidly. Act now to embed these tools into your professional identity.

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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

Matched to this story

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