The AI Era's Hidden Job Requirement: Why Curiosity and Initiative Are Non-Negotiable
In a world where AI can draft emails, analyze data, and even generate code, it’s easy to feel like the human touch is becoming obsolete. But here’s the paradox: the more technology advances, the more certain human traits become invaluable. Personally, I think this is where the real conversation about the future of work should begin. It’s not just about what AI can’t do—it’s about what humans must bring to the table.
Recently, Canva’s Chief People Officer, Jennie Rogerson, shed light on this during a talk at Charter’s New Employer Brand Summit. What struck me most wasn’t just the traits she highlighted—curiosity and initiative—but why they matter in an AI-dominated landscape. Let’s break it down.
Curiosity: The Baseline for Survival
Rogerson calls curiosity a ‘baseline,’ and I couldn’t agree more. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how she defines it. It’s not just about being interested in the latest tech trends; it’s about digging into the why behind decisions. Why was a process designed this way? What philosophies drove past innovations? This kind of curiosity is about honoring history while building the future.
What many people don’t realize is that AI thrives on data and patterns, but it struggles with context and nuance. When Rogerson asks candidates about what they’ve learned outside their core discipline, she’s not just testing their knowledge—she’s assessing their ability to connect dots that AI can’t. For instance, someone who experiments with ‘vibe coding’ and applies it to project management is demonstrating a level of creativity and adaptability that machines simply can’t replicate.
If you take a step back and think about it, this kind of curiosity is what drives innovation. It’s why companies like Canva stay ahead of the curve. AI can optimize processes, but it’s humans who ask the questions that lead to breakthroughs.
Initiative: The Culture of Givers
Here’s where things get really interesting. Rogerson doesn’t just want employees who do their jobs—she wants ‘givers.’ These are people who see beyond their job descriptions, who start clubs, pitch ideas, or fix problems before they’re asked. In my opinion, this is where the rubber meets the road in the AI era.
AI can handle routine tasks, but it can’t take ownership of a company’s culture. It can’t feel responsible for the team’s success. That’s a uniquely human trait. When Rogerson talks about candidates who ‘give above what was necessary,’ she’s describing people who aren’t just cogs in a machine—they’re architects of the workplace.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this ties into broader trends. Leaders like Coursera CEO Greg Hart and career coach Phoebe Gavin have emphasized the importance of initiative and relationship-building in staying competitive. It’s not enough to upskill; you need to actively contribute to the ecosystem around you.
The Broader Implications: What This Really Suggests
This raises a deeper question: Are we preparing the workforce for this shift? As AI takes over more tasks, the pressure to cultivate these traits will only intensify. Former LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky listed curiosity as one of five irreplaceable human skills, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi credited his success to being ‘open to anything.’
What this really suggests is that the future of work isn’t about competing with AI—it’s about collaborating with it. AI will handle the repetitive, the predictable, and the data-driven. Humans will handle the creative, the contextual, and the cultural. But here’s the catch: not everyone is naturally curious or inclined to take initiative.
From my perspective, this is where companies and educational institutions need to step up. We need to foster these traits from the ground up, not just expect them in job candidates. Curiosity and initiative aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re survival skills in the AI era.
Final Thoughts: The Human Advantage
As I reflect on Rogerson’s insights, one thing immediately stands out: the future of work isn’t about replacing humans with machines. It’s about amplifying what makes us uniquely human. Curiosity and initiative aren’t just traits—they’re the foundation of a workforce that can thrive alongside AI.
If you’re looking to get ahead in your career, don’t just focus on technical skills. Cultivate your curiosity. Take initiative. Be the kind of person who doesn’t just ask ‘how?’ but ‘why?’ and ‘what if?’ Because in a world where AI can do so much, it’s the humans who ask the right questions and take the right actions who will truly stand out.
And that, in my opinion, is the most exciting part of all.
