On the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, John Julitz and Karla Fletcher talk with ManpowerGroup futurist and author of the Workforce Trends report, “The Human Edge,” Alexandra Levit about separating AI hype from reality, including headlines claiming AI could eliminate half of entry-level white-collar jobs. Alex argues that the bigger issue is blunt-force automation and AI “sameness” while emphasizing that large-scale job loss is unlikely, though painful adjustments and rehiring cycles may occur. 

She promotes work-based learning from an early age to build “pre-industrial” human skills—curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, storytelling, and judgment—arguing technical skills like basic coding will erode first.  

The discussion covers measuring soft skills via talent intelligence, the US education-to-work disconnect versus Europe’s apprenticeship model, growing interest in trades, and why workers must develop applied AI skills to augment—not replace—their roles.