As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, TechSkill UK, in collaboration with Venture Tabs, hosted a fireside chat at The Maven Centre in Leeds to explore AI’s impact on the workforce, particularly for professionals in the African diaspora.

The event, titled “Upskilling in the World of AI – Opportunities and Challenges,” brought together industry leaders, tech professionals, and entrepreneurs for in-depth discussions on AI’s role in career development, automation, and digital transformation. Temitope Smith, a product lead with expertise across multiple industries, hosted the panel discussion, guiding the conversation through critical aspects of AI’s evolving role in the job market.

Expert insights on AI and workforce transformation

A panel of industry experts shared key insights on AI’s growing influence across multiple sectors:
Miriam Michael, a product leader in Fintech and Healthtech, discussed how generative AI is reshaping audience engagement and influencing digital consumption trends.

Timilehin Makinde of Grange Labs emphasized the power of automation for small businesses, highlighting how AI enables diaspora entrepreneurs to scale and streamline their operations.

Okusi Daniels of Vernacular Digital explored AI’s impact on the creative industry, explaining how it is transforming content creation and storytelling.

Lolade Olumuyiwa-Biala, representing Pather.co, led a product showcase on AI-powered learning, discussing how AI-driven platforms are bridging the expert-learner knowledge gap and revolutionizing digital education.

The key to thriving in an AI-powered future

A key theme of the discussion was the importance of balancing AI with human creativity and adaptability. While AI is reshaping industries, panelists emphasized that skills like critical thinking, storytelling, and continuous learning remain essential for professional growth.

During the Q&A session, an attendee asked: “What is the most important skill to develop in the AI era?”

Responses ranged from critical thinking to storytelling, but Temitope Smith’s answer resonated most with the audience: “Curiosity. AI can do a lot, but it can’t wonder. Stay curious, and you’ll stay ahead.”

Beyond Discussion: Networking and community building

The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees exchanged ideas, built connections, and explored collaboration opportunities. Light games and interactive activities added a fun and engaging touch, reinforcing TechSkill UK’s mission to build a tech-savvy, innovative community.

A commitment to AI upskilling and entrepreneurship

TechSkill UK’s Beyond Code and Culture series is a quarterly initiative designed to promote tech upskilling and entrepreneurship in underserved communities.

By creating a platform for knowledge exchange, the series is equipping professionals with the tools to adapt, grow, and lead in the evolving digital economy.

As AI continues to reshape the workforce, TechSkill UK remains committed to empowering professionals— especially those in the African diaspora — to navigate and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.

The fireside chat, expertly moderated by Temitope Smith, served as a call to action for continuous learning and innovation, paving the way for future discussions on AI-driven career advancement.