We are witnessing one of the greatest technological revolutions in human history. And like every great transformation, it is accompanied by mixed feelings: hope and fear, opportunity and threat. This is the scenario we find today in Brazil when we talk about artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
A recent survey by NordVPN, specialized in cybersecurity<\/a>, revealed a fact that deserves our attention: 171% of Brazilians fear being replaced by AI in their jobs. It is a significant number, but what really caught my attention was another fact from the same study: 351% of those interviewed are actively studying the topic to better adapt in the future.<\/p>\n This tells me something powerful about us Brazilians: despite the uncertainties, we are more willing to adapt than to simply fear the future. This mindset of adaptation and continuous learning is exactly what I have been advocating for years in the innovation ecosystem.<\/p>\n One of the myths I need to debunk is that AI will mainly replace operational or lower-skilled jobs. The reality is quite different. According to experts cited by Exame<\/a>, the professionals most impacted will be precisely those \u201cin white collar jobs, with well-paid jobs and in sectors such as finance and technology\u201d.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because today\u2019s AI is particularly good at structured cognitive tasks\u2014the very kind of work performed by many graduates who never imagined their jobs could be automated. Think financial analysts, lawyers working with standardized documentation, journalists producing basic news content, and even programmers writing less complex code.<\/p>\n The irony is almost palpable: Those who invested in degrees, believing they were safe in their professional ivory towers, may be the very ones who will need to reinvent their careers most quickly.<\/p>\n On the other hand, many roles that require complex physical dexterity, genuine empathy or disruptive creativity \u2013 such as plumbers, therapists and conceptual artists \u2013 will remain relevant for longer.<\/p>\n Another fact that caught my attention is that Brazil stands out for its highest rate of AI use compared to other countries, according to the same NordVPN survey. This is not an isolated fact \u2013 I have observed in my work with startups that Brazilians have a remarkable capacity for technological adoption.<\/p>\n We are eager for new things and tend to embrace new technologies with enthusiasm \u2013 a characteristic that sets us apart even among developing countries. While 241% of Brazilians already regularly use AI chatbots both in their free time and at work, this number is significantly lower in many developed countries.<\/p>\n But here\u2019s the paradox: high adoption doesn\u2019t necessarily mean high readiness. The same survey found that 271 percent of Brazilians believe AI is developing too quickly\u2014a sign that despite the enthusiasm, there are legitimate concerns about the pace of change.<\/p>\n Beyond fears and statistics, we need to look at concrete cases where AI is already transforming Brazilian businesses in a positive way. We have a notable example in Suzano, one of the largest pulp companies in the world<\/a>, which implemented the virtual assistant Ana MarIA.<\/p>\n This generative AI, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, has managed to reduce the time to resolve problems in pulp production by up to 30%. This is an extraordinary gain in productivity in a traditional sector of Brazilian industry.<\/p>\n The Suzano case is emblematic because it shows that AI is not only transforming obviously digital sectors, but also traditional industries \u2013 and this is crucial for the Brazilian economy, where we have a strong presence in the primary and secondary sectors.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still getting used to chatbots like ChatGPT, get ready: the next leap is already happening. Google Cloud executives say<\/a> that intelligent systems that demonstrate reasoning and planning are the next step in AI.<\/p>\n We\u2019re talking about AI \u201cagents\u201d \u2013 systems capable of not only answering questions, but also executing complex tasks, planning actions and acting with greater autonomy. This evolution promises to streamline complex workflows and become crucial to the future of work.<\/p>\n In practice, this means that while chatbots like ChatGPT can help draft an email or summarize a text, agents will be able to manage entire projects, coordinate virtual teams, and make tactical decisions based on strategic goals.<\/p>\n This transition from passive tools to active agents marks a fundamental shift in the human-machine relationship. And here is the question: are we preparing our professionals and companies for this new paradigm?<\/p>\n The influence of AI goes far beyond the job market. A report highlighted by Forbes<\/a> suggests that by 2035, artificial intelligence will profoundly transform cognitive development and social relationships.<\/p>\n This is a topic that particularly fascinates me. In my lectures on the future of work, I often talk about the concept of CACACA \u2013 an acronym I created for the six fundamental skills for the future: Creativity, Autonomy, Collaboration, Adaptability, Connection and Affection. These are precisely the skills that differentiate us from machines and that will be even more valued as AI advances.<\/p>\nWho should really care about AI?<\/h2>\n
The Brazilian paradox: champions in adoption, but are we prepared?<\/h2>\n
Real Cases: When AI Really Makes a Difference<\/h3>\n
The continuous evolution: from chatbots to autonomous agents<\/h2>\n
Impacts beyond work: AI and social transformation<\/h2>\n