In this episode of The AI Grapple, Kate vanderVoort is joined by Matt Rouse - a tech-savvy marketer, author, and business strategist on a mission to help people and businesses thrive in an AI-driven world.

Matt shares insights from his book Will AI Take My Job? and years of hands-on experience helping companies adapt to AI tools. From job security and the impact on industries, to AI agents and the future of search, this conversation is full of practical advice, real stories, and sharp warnings.

We talk about what jobs are safe, which ones are at risk, and why the companies that embrace AI without a clear plan are likely to fall behind. If you’re in marketing, management, or running a business, this episode is packed with things you’ll want to know now - before AI makes the decisions for you.

• Which roles are most at risk - and which ones are safer
  
• Why middle-skill, process-heavy jobs are the most exposed
  
• The hidden danger of “cascade failure” in job markets
  
• What universal basic income could mean in an AI future
  

• Why every professional should be learning AI now
  
• The power of becoming an “AI orchestrator” - even if you’re not technical
  
• How AI can help the bottom 30% of workers perform like top-tier talent
  
• Ways to bring AI in as a partner, not a threat
  

• 87% of companies want to use more AI - but can’t find the talent
  
• Over half of staff already use AI - and many are hiding it
  
• Why the C-suite may have no idea how much AI is actually being used
  
• What boards and managers need to get right before it’s too late
  

• How AI is reshaping the way people discover businesses
  
• Why answer engine optimisation (AEO) is the next frontier
  
• How Matt became the “AI Chicken Wrangler” and what it teaches us about branding for AI
  
• Why simple, consistent messaging in the right places still wins
  

• What semi-autonomous AI agents will do (and why they’ll annoy us first)
  
• Why most SaaS products are at risk of being replaced
  
• How to think about long-term value when building AI tools
• The “rocket ship” challenge - what if the next version gets there before you do?
  

“Play with AI. Make it part of your life. Whether it’s planning meals or writing emails, the more familiar you get now, the better off you’ll be when it really matters.”

Matt’s message is simple - if you’re waiting for someone to tell you how to use AI, you’re already behind. Experimenting, learning and integrating AI into your daily work is the best insurance policy for your career and business.

📣 Connect with Matt

🌐 Website: https://matthewrouse.com
📘 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmrouse/
🔵 Bluesky: @authorMattRouse

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