How is AI impacting our jobs, careers, and sense of purpose at work? Who stands to win or lose as the pace of change accelerates? In this episode Helen Beedham chats to Rob Garlick, author, consultant, and former Head of Innovation & Technology at Citi Global Insights, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping opportunities, job quality, and the very skills we need to succeed, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned leader.

Together, Helen and Rob explore:

⭐️ How AI is already altering job availability, job quality, who’s most affected and why graduates and tech workers may be the ‘canaries in the coal mine’ for wider workplace shifts;

⭐️ The “conditional optimism” case: why AI’s full benefits might be realised only after navigating painful disruptions;

⭐️ The reality behind the hype around massive productivity gains and job substitution;

⭐️ How younger workers are both disadvantaged and empowered by AI, and why older workers may bring stability and ethical oversight through turbulent times;

⭐️ Practical strategies for pro-human leadership: upskilling and reskilling with purpose, leveraging AI for augmentation (not just substitution), and creating stability and agency at every career stage.

About Rob Garlick:

Rob is an Author, Speaker, Consultant and Coach focused on the implications of AI on work and leadership. His experience includes: 1000’s of meetings with C-suite and top investors globally; a front row seat for most innovation areas in the last 30 years, publishing over 60 papers on innovation topics; and over 100 talks delivered around the world in recent years on the Future of Work. Rob was promoted to Managing Director at Citibank in 2006, and managed, mentored and coached for 20+ years.

With over 30 years of experience in Investment Banking and Fund Management, Robs’ roles included: Head of Innovation & Technology at Citi Global Insights; Head of Citi Research EMEA, leading the team’s (of c.200) rise in the Institutional Investor surveys, from: #7 to #1 in UK, #9 to #2 in Western European, and #7 to #1 globally; Global Product Head at Citi Research; Head of Citi's US Equity Sales desk; TMT sales; Fund Manager. Rob passed the AIIMR (Associate of the Institute of Investment Management & Research) as a prize-winner in Interpretation of Accounts & Corporate Finance. Among other qualifications, Rob holds a BSc (Econ) degree in Accounting and Management, an MSc in Coaching and Behavioural Change and is a qualified Executive Coach.

Links:

Visit Helen’s website www.helenbeedham.com.

Check out Helen's award-winning business book: The Future of Time: how 're-working' time can help you boost productivity, diversity and wellbeing.

Leave a book review on Amazon here.

Get in touch about Helen’s Time-Intelligent Teams workshops or view/download a flier here.

Join her mailing list here.

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Pre-order my new book People Glue: hold on to your best people by setting them free (out Jan 2026) and become a book supporter to gain exclusive book-related invitations and offers.

Follow Rob Garlick on Linked In here.

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