From PR professionals and teachers, to journalists and sales representatives, the roles most likely to be changed by AI are also the ones most occupied by women. But here’s the good news: the future isn’t just about survival, it’s about leadership. And women of of all ages and professions have everything to gain by stepping up now.
If you’ve found yourself wondering whether AI could one day take over your role, you’re not alone. A new report from Microsoft has pinpointed the 40 professions most likely to be reshaped by AI, and they read like a roll call of the jobs held by women across Australia.
Writers. Editors. Customer service reps. Journalists. PR and advertising professionals. Teachers. Financial advisors. Web developers. All are on the list.
But here’s what’s often missed in the headlines: this isn’t just about job losses. In fact, the study’s authors clarify that AI isn’t replacing most roles, it’s changing how they’re done. And for women ready to upskill, the opportunity is enormous.
The new workplace reality: adapt or be left behind
Recent job cuts by major Australian employers like Commonwealth Bank and Atlassian, both citing AI adoption, have fuelled growing unease about automation. But this moment isn’t just about risk. It’s about reinvention…
As AI tools take on more repetitive and analytical tasks, the human skills that remain and will thrive, are those that women have long brought to the table: critical thinking, empathy, collaboration, adaptability, and leadership.
In a world where AI can write, analyse, and predict, it’s human skills that will differentiate and dominate.
“Soft skills are becoming the ultimate differentiator in today’s job market, with employers even willing to pay more for candidates who excel in them,” says Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters ANZ.
So how can you future-proof your role, and take charge of your professional development? Whether you’re managing a team, changing careers, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, here’s how to get started…
6 practical steps to start upskilling in AI – without getting overwhelmed
1. Understand the basics (no tech degree required)
Start with beginner-friendly courses like AI For Everyone by Coursera or Google’s free AI learning paths. Get familiar with terms like machine learning, generative AI, and ethical AI.
2. Experiment with real tools
Start using platforms like ChatGPT for writing, Grammarly for editing, or MidJourney for visuals. Try them on personal projects or side gigs to build confidence before applying them in a work context.
3. Tailor your AI skills to your industry
- Marketing: Explore tools for content creation and campaign analytics.
- Education: Use AI to personalise learning or automate admin.
- Finance: Learn about AI in risk assessment and forecasting.
- Healthcare: Discover how AI aids diagnostics and patient engagement.
- Retail: Understand AI’s role in supply chains, chatbots, and product recommendations.
4. Join communities of practice
Find LinkedIn groups, local meetups or online forums where professionals share AI insights. Ask questions. Join conversations. Networks like She Loves Data or Tech Diversity offer great entry points.
5. Build learning into your routine
Pressed for time? Use podcasts on your way to work, or explore microlearning apps like Blinkist or Headway. Just 10 minutes a day adds up fast.
6. Don’t forget soft skills
The World Economic Forum lists analytical thinking, communication and leadership amongst the most critical skills in 2025. Take a short course on emotional intelligence, practice active listening, or lead a new cross-functional project. These are just as critical as tech fluency.
For leaders: How to bring your team along on the AI journey
If you’re in a leadership or management role, you have a unique opportunity to shape your organisation’s future in an AI world, through empowering your people.
- Embed a future-of-work narrative: Communicate clearly how AI will support, not replace, teams.
- Make space for curiosity: Let teams test AI tools, share findings, and co-create solutions.
- Prioritise learning: Include AI and soft skills in personal development plans.
- Lead by example: If you’re learning AI tools yourself, share the journey openly, which sends a powerful message.
The future is less about security, and more about leadership
This AI moment isn’t a threat. It’s a call to lead.
Australian women have always led change, from the boardroom to the classroom. Now, in this new wave of AI disruption, the edge belongs to those who are informed, intentional, and willing to evolve.
So ask yourself:
- What parts of my current role could be augmented, or improved, by AI?
- What human strengths do I bring that AI can’t replicate?
- What one skill could I commit to learning this quarter?
It’s not about becoming a data scientist or coder (and yes, that job is on the list of most impacted roles too)… It’s about confidently using the tools of tomorrow, today.
Because the workplaces of the future won’t just need AI experts… they’ll need wise, empathetic, adaptable leaders.
People like you.
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