AI isn’t lurking in the background anymore. It’s here – and it’s changing how we work, especially for women. According to the UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO), women’s roles – particularly in administration and clerical support – are among the most exposed to AI-driven transformation. They’re not necessarily talking about replacement (thankfully!), but recognising we’re going through an evolution.
If you’ve been feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or even guilty about not “keeping up” – it’s totally understandable. But here’s the good news: the future of work doesn’t require you to choose between hiding from AI or handing everything over to the robots. It’s not about becoming hyper-automated or over-optimised. It’s about embracing AI on your terms – with strategy, empathy, and intention.
As a human-first AI trainer and coach, I’ve seen what happens when people lead with values rather than panic. I’m a living, breathing example. I’m an experienced copywriter and content marketer who could have easily succumbed to the fear of my skills being replaced. However, I saw a gap in the market, grabbed the opportunity, and have successfully found a new place in the world.
This article is your calm, grounded guide to adopting AI with confidence, without jargon or hype. I’ve formulated practical steps, designed with you, the human, in mind.
Step 1: Pause the panic and get curious
Yes, the ILO report is confronting. It confirms what many of us have suspected – that women, especially in admin-heavy roles, are facing some of the biggest shifts from AI. But change doesn’t equal loss. It simply means… change. And change, while uncomfortable, can also be an opportunity.
So before you panic-buy another AI course or try to master 10 tools before Friday, I encourage you to pause. Breathe. And ask yourself: What could AI free me up to do? What repetitive tasks could I hand over, so I can reclaim my energy for something more meaningful? Are there any new products or service offerings I can now provide – thanks to AI?
When I first stepped into the AI space, I didn’t do it because I had all the answers. I did it because I was curious. After 9 years running a copywriting business, I saw the writing on the wall and chose to explore, not retreat. For me, my curiosity turned out to be far more useful – and far more empowering – than fear.
I recommend identifying where AI can support you, not scare you. It’s here to clear your plate, not erase your purpose. The human traits that matter most – connection, empathy, creativity – are still very much yours to own.
Step 2: Start small and stay strategic
One of the biggest fears shared in the Salesforce and Women’s Agenda report was that women are worried they might “break something” by using AI incorrectly. And honestly? I hear this all the time. But you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be purposeful with your actions.
Start with one tool – ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini, or something already built into your workflow. Train it slowly. Begin with low-stakes tasks, like drafting internal emails, writing follow-up messages, or summarising meeting notes.
Forget trying to master a dozen new platforms. That’s not strategic – that’s exhausting. Instead, focus on mastering that one tool well, in a way that aligns with how you work best. Test, tweak, and build confidence gradually.
And always keep a human in the loop. Use AI to brainstorm, prep, or outline, but keep your voice – your values – front and centre. But always critique the output. And always find ways to add your own personal touch. You shouldn’t be handing over all decision-making and content creation. You’re simply gaining a fast, and efficient, assistant.
Step 3: Lead with empathy and intention
You don’t need a tech degree or a title in innovation to lead with AI. In fact, some of the most powerful leadership I’ve seen has come from women guiding their teams, clients, and communities through uncertainty – with empathy, not ego. (That’s my approach too!)
The ILO report makes it clear – we need inclusive AI strategies, better access to education, and more diverse voices shaping this space. That includes your voice. Whether you’re in admin, HR, media, strategy, or operations – you already have something AI can’t replicate. You have emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and real human perspectives.
So stop seeing yourself as just an end-user. You’re a values-driven decision-maker. You have the power to influence how AI is adopted – and how others feel about it. Leadership here isn’t about volume or perfection. It’s about staying curious, asking the right questions, and creating space for others to explore – safely and without fear.
Use AI, but keep it human
AI might be reshaping how we work, but it doesn’t replace who you are. You’re still the one setting the tone, making the calls, and choosing how to lead.
Start small. Lead with intention. You don’t need to rush or master it all – just take one confident, values-led step at a time. Because the goal isn’t to hand over your thinking – it’s to free up your capacity for what really matters.
AI is the tool. You’re the human. And the future works best when both show up – together.
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