AI Is Moving. You’re Standing Still. Here’s How to Keep Up (BRAVE Framework)
Sonia Sant, L and D Consultant and Author
L&D Leader | AI for L&D Strategist | Skilling, Upskilling | Data-Driven Design | Coach | Author
What a month January and February have been in the AI land, friend.
( Don't miss the golden tip - my research reveals which specific AI skill L&D jobs are actually requiring now. In the article below ??)
Ben Herzel ?has warned that 80% of human jobs can be made obsolete just with today’s levels of AI. This is with today’s tech. Not tomorrow's. Today's.
The speed at which AI tools are hitting the market is faster than a sip of my coffee. That’s true my friends. ?
It was automation last night. In a bit it is Agents
Deep breath ??♂?
AI moves fast. Faster than your morning coffee. And if you’re thinking, “How do I keep up?”—you’re not alone. My inbox is full of the same question.
An Interesting Conversation
Last Tuesday, I had this chat with an L&D professional:
?? Her: AI is changing too fast. I can’t keep up!
?? Me: What’s your system for approaching it?
?? Her: Uh... system?
?? Me: Yep. James Clear said it best—"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."
No system? No chance. Figure out how you approach AI, not just how you react to it.
You can’t use what you don’t understand. And without a system, you’re just guessing.
In my 30 years of professional life, I've used a system containing five strategies to grasp transformation and BRAVE it. This system might be your lifeline in the AI tsunami — if you're willing to risk-proof your path.
Get your snacks and beverages of choice ready, ??. I am sipping on Clove Coffee ??
We've got lots to discuss!
Let's BRAVE It
Strategy 1: B — Be curious and open-minded ??
Staying open-minded isn't just nice advice — it's your professional oxygen in the AI age.
When ChatGPT dropped in 2022-2023, I didn't just play with it for fun. I systematically tested what it could and couldn't do with my actual work tasks. The results were eye-opening:
What AI does well:
??First-draft content
??Background research
??Explaining complex topics
What AI struggles with:
??Reading between the lines? Not quite there yet.
??Understanding context outside its training? Still a struggle.
??Navigating ethical gray areas? That’s a human job.
AI can speed things up. No doubt about that.
But when it comes to emotional intelligence, negotiation, and conflict resolution? You are essential.
This isn’t AI vs. Humans. It’s Humans + AI. The best results come when we work together.
This hands-on exploration gave me clarity when everyone else was panicking.
? Clarity kills catastrophizing.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with the AI-buzz, try these:
Remember that textile factory story? The workers who adapted to operate the new machines kept their jobs. The ones who just smashed things... didn't.
Takeaway-> If you’ve started dabbling with AI tools, that’s great. If not, don’t hesitate, don’t debate, use it, test it and then make your choice. You don’t want to be left with regrets.
Note: * In the free 60-minutes session, we take a task, add context, and explore different AI tools together—giving you a hands-on experience of learning by seeing.
What’s better than learning face-to-face?
Strategy 2: R — Responsibility for your growth ??
I'll be blunt here:
No one is coming to save you from AI disruption. Not your boss. Not your friends. Certainly not that guru selling "AI-proof career" masterclasses.
The responsibility for evolving is 100% yours.
As an L&D leader, I've seen the writing on the wall. Those wellbeing apps claiming to be "coaches"? They're already replacing basic coaching functions.
So what did I do? I integrated them into my practice! I now combine personal 1-on-1 sessions with ongoing app support. When a situation involves multiple people or needs a truly tailored approach, I step in personally.
It's possible apps will eventually catch up, but for now, I've accepted I need to be braver and faster than I've ever been.
If you want to own your growth:
Takeaway->It’s possible that AI tools and apps will eventually catch up, but for now, I have accepted the fact that I will have to be braver and faster than I have been.
Strategy 3: A — Acquire a diverse skillset ???
"The more you learn, the more you earn." — Warren Buffett
In the AI age, this has never been more true. But not all skills are created equal.
Not exactly "traditional" L&D skills, but they've become my competitive edge.
Here's something interesting: I've been analyzing recent job descriptions, and L&D roles requiring AI skills are popping up fast.
One big one: researching trends and turning insights into action.
If you can:
You won’t just keep up—you’ll lead. This goes way beyond standard learning frameworks.
So.. ..
Upskilling and reskilling aren’t enough—the real question is, which skills matter?
One realistic way I’ve found to figure that out? Analyzing job descriptions.
One skill that keeps showing up: researching trends and turning them into solutions. That’s where the real demand is.
Takeaway: A good practice is to choose skills and capabilities in line with your values and interests. Most importantly research them in your context. This helps you to see a return on your investment.
Strategy 4: V — Value creation and relationship building ??
"The purpose of a business is to create and keep a customer." — Peter Drucker
Here's where most people get AI wrong. They ask: "Will AI take my job?"
The better question is: "Am I delivering unique value that AI can't?"
I use tools like Claude and custom GPT’s to increase my productivity on the mundane stuff. This frees me to spend more time on creative problem-solving and relationship building — things AI still struggles with.
After I deliver workshops or courses online, I make myself accessible. I listen to needs beyond the obvious. Customers appreciate it if you listen to their needs and address their queries.
I've stretched resources to create solutions for stakeholders, becoming their trusted advisor.
Want to build a compelling value proposition?
Takeaway: I believe that we’re less likely to be replaced if we have a strong value proposition and build trusted relationships.
Strategy 5: E — Embrace ideas and adapt from different fields ??
"Creativity is connecting things." — Steve Jobs
The most dangerous professionals in the AI age are those who only look within their own field. The most valuable are those who can cross-pollinate ideas.
I've adopted models from marketing to measure training effectiveness, creating a unique data model that was the first of its kind. Now I train other professionals on these analytics.
It's like creating a fusion recipe ( You know how I love cooking ??) ?— the ingredients exist, but the combination is novel.
Try these approaches:
?Takeaway: Adapting viewpoints from various areas enables you to foster an environment of continuous development.
The Reality Check
Let's be brutally honest for a moment, shall we?
Many people won't do any of this. They'll read, nod, maybe save this article, and then... nothing.
They'll convince themselves that AI is not the right thing to do, hoping it won't affect them.
Spoiler: it will.
The good news? This creates enormous opportunity for the minority who actually implement these strategies.
What's Your BRAVE Strategy?
How are you staying relevant in your field? What's working? What's not? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Drop me a comment or hit reply — I read every message.
Till next time.
Some CCF drinking fun. CCF is my new found healthy tea( Cumin, Coriander, Fennel – no worries I am not gonna give the recipe here lol) ..
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Director @SkillUp Online | Program Management I Delivery Excellence I Edtech Operations I strategy I channel Management
1 天前This is beautifully written Sonia, thanks for sharing.