AI does not require more technology, but stronger professionals

In recent years, a notable shift has emerged in how organisations view Artificial Intelligence. For many years, technology was the starting point, with organisations subsequently seeking practical applications. Today, however, AI is evolving faster than many organisations can keep pace with.

According to Frank Keessen, Chief Information Officer at Forvis Mazars Netherlands, this is precisely where the core challenge lies: “Many organisations view AI as a technological issue. We see it primarily as a people issue. The technology is developing at an extraordinary pace, but ultimately it is people who determine whether AI genuinely adds value to an organisation.”

New models, applications and automation opportunities are emerging almost weekly. This has created a paradox: the technology is available, but organisations are not yet fully prepared to make effective use of it. At Forvis Mazars, we believe that successful AI transformation does not begin with technology, but with people and their capabilities.

Technology is advancing faster than organisations

This widening gap has direct implications for how AI is implemented. Organisations that approach AI solely as a technological investment risk underestimating the human dimension of transformation. Regardless of how sophisticated an AI solution may be, its ultimate value depends on the quality of the people using it. AI therefore creates not a technological challenge, but an organisational one.

From executor to orchestrator

The impact of AI on work is often described in terms of automation. In practice, however, we see a different development: work is not disappearing so much as it is changing in nature.

Professionals are spending less time on routine tasks and more time interpreting, evaluating and directing outcomes. Their role is shifting from executor to orchestrator of AI agents. Increasingly, true added value lies in the ability to interpret results correctly, place them in the appropriate context and identify potential risks at an early stage. Maintaining quality standards and making informed decisions based on insights also play a critical role.

In a world where information is becoming ever more accessible, human judgement is becoming more important, not less.

AI can identify patterns and provide recommendations. However, it cannot independently determine what is appropriate, desirable or responsible within a specific context. Human expertise therefore remains essential.

The underestimated risk: the erosion of human skills

Discussions about AI often focus on efficiency, productivity and innovation. Far less attention is paid to another risk: the gradual erosion of essential human capabilities.

As professionals increasingly rely on technology for analysis, writing, calculations and even decision-making, there is a risk that certain skills are developed less actively. These include critical thinking, independent reasoning and analytical capability. Creative problem-solving, professional scepticism and the ability to view complex situations from multiple perspectives may also come under pressure.

This may not seem problematic in the short term. Yet it is precisely when AI makes mistakes, relies on incomplete information or produces undesirable outcomes that these skills become indispensable.

Keessen explains: “The greatest pitfall of AI is not that the technology makes mistakes. The greatest pitfall is that people stop thinking critically. In a world where AI is capable of more and more, human judgement, creativity and professional scepticism become increasingly important.”

The question is therefore not only how organisations can adopt AI, but also how they can prevent employees from becoming overly dependent on technology. A future-ready organisation invests not only in technological capabilities but also in preserving and strengthening human expertise.

New skills matter, existing skills become more valuable

AI is changing the competency profile of professionals. To collaborate effectively with intelligent systems, new skills are required, while the importance of distinctly human qualities continues to increase.

It is becoming increasingly important to understand AI and data, formulate effective prompts and evaluate system outputs critically. This also requires recognising that algorithms have limitations and do not always provide the right or complete answers.

At the same time, we are witnessing an interesting development: the skills that have always been important are becoming even more valuable.

Critical thinking, creativity, integrity and sound judgement are difficult to automate and therefore represent a significant competitive advantage for organisations.

Keessen comments: “The most successful professionals of the future will not be those who replace AI, but those who understand AI while also possessing strong human skills. The real strength lies not in technology or people individually, but in the combination of both.”

AI requires an integrated approach

Implementing AI is not an IT project. It is an organisation-wide transformation that affects strategy, culture, governance, leadership and talent development.

Based on our experience, we see three areas of focus that are critical to successful adoption:

1. Invest in AI literacy

Ensure that employees understand what AI can do, how it works and where its limitations lie. Without this foundation, organisations risk both overestimating and underestimating the technology.

2. Preserve and Strengthen Human Skills

Technology should support human expertise, not replace it. Critical thinking, professional judgement and creativity must be actively developed and maintained.

3. Redefine Roles and Responsibilities

The role of professionals is evolving. Organisations must support employees in the transition from executor to orchestrator of technology and prepare them for new ways of working.

The future belongs to organisations that find the right balance

AI will fundamentally transform the way organisations operate. Not because technology will replace people, but because it challenges professionals to redefine their role.

The organisations that succeed in this transformation will not be those with the most technology. They will be those that are able to combine technology with human expertise, critical thinking and professional responsibility.

At Forvis Mazars, we believe that sustainable value is created through this balance. After all, AI without human expertise adds little value. If you would like to discuss this topic further, please do not hesitate to get in touch.