Welcome to Off the Record, where members of our Expat Academy community share their unfiltered thoughts on the topics everyone's thinking about but not always saying out loud.
Artificial intelligence is not a passing trend. It’s a revolution; one that’s already reshaping the way we work, live, and connect across borders. For those of us in global mobility, this transformation can feel both exciting and unsettling. But one thing is certain: hiding from it isn’t an option.
Yes, AI will change jobs, including some within our own field. Tasks that rely heavily on data gathering, document review, or repetitive workflows are ripe for automation. Some roles will inevitably evolve or even disappear. But history shows us that technological shifts don’t just take jobs away; they also create new ones. The key is to be ready for what comes next.
In global mobility, that “next” could mean AI-driven relocation planning, predictive analytics to anticipate employee needs, or intelligent chatbots that support assignees 24/7. We will likely be in a better position to use real-time data to craft more personalized, efficient mobility programs, freeing us to focus on what truly adds value: the human connection, empathy, and strategic insight that machines can’t replicate.
We need to lean in and learn. The most successful professionals in the coming years won’t be those who try to compete with AI, but those who know how to use it. That might mean upskilling, experimenting with new tools, or rethinking how we approach assignments and mobility design. For leaders, it also means guiding our teams through this transition, acknowledging the uncertainty while inspiring curiosity and adaptability.
The worst thing we could do right now is to bury our heads in the sand. Pretending this revolution isn’t happening won’t protect us; it will leave us behind. We’ve been here before; through the Industrial Revolution, the rise of the internet, and the era of digital transformation. Each time, society has adjusted, found new equilibrium, and created opportunities that no one could have predicted at the start.
AI will be no different. There will be winners and losers, but which group we fall into depends on how we respond today. Those who are open-minded, who experiment, who pivot toward higher-value human work, they’ll find themselves on the right side of change.
As someone working inside this industry, I share the same questions and apprehensions as many of my peers. But I also believe this is a moment for optimism, for redefining our roles and re-imagining what “mobility” means in an intelligent, data-driven world. If we can combine the power of technology with our human strengths - judgment, empathy, cultural awareness, and leadership - we won’t just survive this revolution. We’ll lead it.
- Anonymous Expat Academy Member