40% of Executives Regret Career Choice Amid AI Disruption

Artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces faster than many business leaders anticipated, leaving some to question their career choices. According to a recent survey discussed at the Dayforce Discover conference in the US, around 40% of executives said they might have chosen a different career if they had known how disruptive AI would become. This finding highlights growing anxiety and uncertainty within corporate leadership.

For years, executive success has been built on experience, decision-making ability, and strategic thinking. However, AI now challenges these traditional strengths. Machine learning tools can analyse data, write reports, and support decisions that once relied on human judgment. Many leaders worry their skills are becoming outdated and fear falling behind in a world where technology evolves daily.

The survey revealed a significant “AI confidence gap.” While 93% of executives recognise the importance of AI skills, only 17% of Australian workers have received formal training, even though most employees believe learning AI is essential. This imbalance shows how uneven AI adoption remains, and how unprepared many organisations are for the future of work.

Executives also report feeling uncertain about how to apply AI effectively. They fear making costly mistakes that could damage business performance or their personal credibility. The rapid pace of innovation has left many feeling they lack the technical knowledge to guide their companies confidently through digital transformation.

Despite these concerns, most executives acknowledge AI’s immense potential. It can streamline operations, improve accuracy, and uncover insights from data that humans might miss. The challenge is not recognising AI’s value, but knowing how to integrate it effectively into everyday business decisions.

A major obstacle is the lack of consistent training. Executives may understand AI at a strategic level, but employees often lack hands-on experience. This creates a two-tier workforce where AI-literate staff advance while others lag behind. Leaders must balance innovation with inclusivity, ensuring everyone has access to the knowledge needed to adapt.

Experts say the solution lies in structured, company-wide AI education. Organisations should invest in training that empowers both leaders and employees to build practical AI skills. Executives, in particular, need to embrace continuous learning, not only to stay informed but to model adaptability for their teams. When leaders actively engage with technology, it helps create a culture of curiosity and innovation.

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, leaders can treat it as a collaborative tool that enhances human strengths such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and ethical judgment. By combining technology with these human qualities, executives can continue to play a vital role in shaping their organisations.

The growing unease among executives reflects a broader shift in the nature of leadership itself. Experience and tenure are no longer enough- adaptability and a willingness to learn are now essential traits. As AI continues to evolve faster than traditional corporate structures, the most successful leaders will be those who can evolve with it.

Ultimately, AI does not signal the end of executive leadership but its transformation. Those who embrace innovation, invest in learning, and prioritise the human side of business will thrive in the years ahead. Companies that support this mindset through training and transparent communication will be best positioned to succeed in an AI-driven economy.

The message is clear: the future belongs to leaders who evolve. By viewing AI as an opportunity rather than a threat, executives can turn disruption into progress and ensure technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human power of leadership.

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