AI is Changing Jobs. What is Learning and Development’s Role? Joined by Elliott Masie.

Next Practices Weekly recently welcomed Elliott Masie, CEO and Founder of MASIE Learning Foundation—a learning futurist, technologist, and Broadway producer—for an exciting conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping work.

The session explored the transformational intersection of artificial intelligence and workplace learning. With decades of expertise in corporate learning, Elliott helped frame the critical role learning and development leaders must play in adapting to this transformation. Elliott emphasized that AI should be seen not as a threat but as a tool for innovation, storytelling, and experimentation. 

He urged learning and development professionals to embrace a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, integrating AI into their practices in thoughtful, trust-centered ways. Drawing from his experiences in both education and theater, Masie illustrated how AI can support personalization, empower frontline workers, and elevate human potential.

The conversation, moderated by i4cp’s Tom Stone and Kevin Oakes, highlighted the need for organizations to train both leaders and frontline employees in AI fluency, redesign jobs with empathy, and foster agile cultures that value continuous learning and experimentation.

Key Topics of Discussion:

• AI as a Powerful Lego Block: Elliott likened AI to a versatile Lego block—one that must be thoughtfully integrated rather than blindly adopted. He stressed the importance of experimenting without falling into the extremes of overhype or fear.
• Redesigning Jobs with Empathy and Purpose: The future of work involves "sculpting" rather than slicing roles. The group encouraged L&D leaders to involve employees in job redesign, focusing on what repetitive tasks AI can take over and what meaningful work humans can reclaim.
• Creating Learning Ladders, Not Just Events: Rather than focus solely on one-time training events, organizations should build "learning ladders"—ongoing, adaptive development paths supported by AI, digital coaches, and human mentoring.
• Equipping the Entire Organization for AI Fluency: Organizations that successfully adopt generative AI train their leaders at the top and empower employees at the front lines. Elliott called for an “elevator model” of AI fluency that reaches all levels of the workforce, framed in practical, non-technical language.

Elliott’s insights challenged attendees to think differently about AI, learning, and the future of work. This session underscored the need for continuous curiosity, human-centered design, and courageous experimentation.

As organizations prepare to navigate rapid change, learning and development professionals will be instrumental in shaping an inclusive, empowered, and AI-enhanced future. 
 

Resources Shared on the Call:

• Workforce Readiness in the Era of AI: Access the executive brief.
• Workforce Readiness in the Era of AI (Member Exclusive): Access the full report.
• 2025 Priorities and Predictions: Download the full report.

Be sure to register for future Next Practices Weekly sessions to stay ahead of these transformational trends. To ensure open discussion, Next Practices Weekly is exclusively for HR practitioners. Vendors and consultants are not permitted to attend.