Canadian billionaire and former Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary has now offered a different perspective on the topic of artificial intelligence replacing human jobs. According to a report by Benzinga, speaking on The Iced Coffee Hour podcast, O’Leary emphasised that AI has actually made human creativity more valuable than ever, opening doors to lucrative opportunities for young people who can turn ideas into results. “Everybody said you have to be an engineer, an engineer, an engineer. Now you want to be an artist again,” he said.
O’Leary explained today’s high paying jobs involves creativity
O’Leary further noted that some of the job roles today require creative storytelling on social media to help companies acquire customers. He further added that while he once paid content creators modest salaries, but the rise of measurable customer acquisition has transformed their value. “I used to pay those guys 48 grand a year. Now they earn $250,000 because you can measure their work based on customer acquisition every week,” he said.He believes that young people who can craft compelling short-form content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn could earn up to half a million dollars annually, according to O’Leary. He also stressed on the fact that the ability to write stories, edit videos and convert them into ads that drive customer growth is now one of the most prized skills in the market.
Use AI as a productivity tool
While layoffs across tech have fueled anxiety, O’Leary believes AI is creating new industries rather than destroying jobs. He compared the debate to past fears that television would kill radio, insisting that AI will instead generate opportunities in areas not yet imagined.
Poll
Which skill do you believe is most important in leveraging AI for job success?
He also highlighted AI’s underestimated role in boosting productivity. “AI is turning out to be a massive productivity tool for margin enhancement, increased cash flow and productivity all at the same time. Not just in one sector, in all 11 sectors of the economy,” O’Leary said.
