Microsoft

Ryan Roslansky: Turning AI anxiety into skills for the future of work

A lot of people are asking the same question right now: Will I be left behind? In this episode of Tools and Weapons, Microsoft's Vice Chair and President Brad Smith sits down with Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn and Executive Vice President at Microsoft, for a practical conversation about AI, the future of work, and what people can do now to stay ahead. Drawing on ideas from his new book, "Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI," Ryan shares a framework for thinking about careers in the era of AI that starts not with job titles, but with tasks. Together, Brad and Ryan explore how work can be divided into three categories: tasks AI will automate, tasks AI can augment, and tasks that remain deeply human. They discuss why the most valuable skills may be the ones hardest to automate, including curiosity, courage, communication, and compassion. They also talk about how AI can become a genuine thought partner at work, helping people save time, sharpen ideas, and focus more energy on judgment, relationships, and creativity. Ryan explains why careers are no longer ladders but climbing walls, why cross-disciplinary roles are emerging, and why adapting to AI is as much a mindset shift as a technical one. This is a conversation for anyone early in their career, mid-career, or helping the next generation navigate a changing workplace. It’s about turning anxiety into action and using AI to build a more meaningful future of work. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 4:15 – Failure is not an option – the power of human ingenuity 6:54 – Forecasting the future – jobs as tasks, not roles. 14:19 – Early adopters, early rewards 22:30 – Careers are climbing walls, not ladders 24:40 – Three questions to help chart your career 27:30 – Economies need innovation from all, for all 29:45 – Everyone’s job is changing – a roadmap for career success 35:55 - The great debate: should AI outperform or empower people?