WSJ · 16 Oct, 16:12 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Michael Dell, a Dot-Com Era Survivor, Has Tips to Beat an AI Bust

Michael Dell, renowned for navigating the dot-com collapse, shares strategic insights on surviving potential AI industry downturns.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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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.

Michael Dell, renowned for navigating the dot-com collapse, shares strategic insights on surviving potential AI industry downturns. Drawing from his experience in building Dell Technologies, he advises professionals to focus on fundamental business resilience rather than fleeting technological hype. The article highlights his perspective that enduring success requires adapting core operational models to integrate artificial intelligence meaningfully, rather than merely adopting it as a superficial trend. This guidance offers a pragmatic roadmap for maintaining career stability and organisational relevance during periods of significant technological disruption and market volatility.

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)

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 prioritise strategic adaptability over temporary technical trends. As AI reshapes industries, professionals who understand how to align technology with core business objectives will thrive. Focus on developing skills in AI Strategy and Innovation, ensuring you can drive meaningful change rather than just managing tools. You should actively seek roles that require cross-functional leadership, where you can bridge the gap between technical teams and executive decision-makers. Start by auditing your current skill set for gaps in strategic planning and digital transformation. Engage with courses that teach you to evaluate AI’s impact on long-term business models. This proactive approach positions you as a critical asset capable of guiding organisations through uncertainty, securing your relevance regardless of market fluctuations.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Innovation, Leadership 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

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.