Accenture India CHRO Stresses AI Fluency and Human Skills for Career Success
As enterprises accelerate their transformation into AI-first organizations, Lakshmi Chandrasekharan, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Accenture in India, delivers a crucial message for both students embarking on their careers and mid-career professionals. She asserts that maintaining relevance in the AI era hinges on mastering a dual approach: developing broad AI fluency while cultivating deep human capabilities.
AI Fluency: A Horizontal Skill for All Professionals
Chandrasekharan's primary recommendation is achieving AI fluency across all roles, not limited to technologists. "AI is almost like a horizontal skill that cuts across," she explained, highlighting that professionals in diverse fields such as HR, finance, consulting, and marketing must become proficient in AI technologies and confident in applying AI tools to daily tasks. When utilized effectively, AI can function as an assistant or an additional colleague, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
The Growing Value of Human Capabilities in an Autonomous AI World
However, Chandrasekharan clarifies that technical skills alone are insufficient. As AI systems become more autonomous, human abilities gain increased importance. "Judgment and ethics are going to be critical," she emphasized, particularly as organizations adopt agentic systems that require oversight. This is complemented by critical thinking skills, including problem definition and question framing, along with the capacity to envision possibilities rather than merely executing tasks.
Mindset Shift for Mid-Career Professionals
For those in the middle of their careers, Chandrasekharan advises a fundamental shift in perspective. "Instead of thinking what this technology is going to do to you, you should focus on what this technology is going to do for you," she stated, cautioning that fear often poses a greater obstacle than skill gaps. This proactive mindset encourages professionals to leverage AI as an enabler for growth and innovation.
In summary, Chandrasekharan's insights underscore a balanced strategy for thriving in the AI age: embrace AI fluency universally while strengthening uniquely human traits like ethics, judgment, and creativity to ensure lasting career relevance and success.
