LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman on Navigating the AI Revolution: How to Get Ahead While Others Fear Job Loss

When you hear the words “artificial intelligence,” what’s your gut reaction? Panic? Excitement? Or maybe a little bit of both? In a recent episode of the Silicon Valley Girl podcast, Marina Mogilko sat down with Reid Hoffman, the cofounder of LinkedIn and a pioneer in the AI landscape, to cut through the noise and share some real talk about where AI is headed—and how we can all not just survive, but thrive.

This conversation isn’t your typical doom-and-gloom AI takeover story. Instead, it’s a hopeful, insightful, and sometimes downright inspiring look at how AI might reshape our work, creativity, and even our legacy. If you’re worried about robots stealing your job or just curious about what you should be learning to keep up, this interview is a must-listen.

Table of Contents

• Why Fear Is the Wrong Starting Point: Embrace Hope and Curiosity
• Skills to Master Now: Coding, Testing, and the AI Mindset
• What Should Kids Learn Today to Stay Relevant Tomorrow?
• The Future of Work: Will Robots Replace Us?
• Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI: Can You Build the Next Mega Company?
• Where AI Will Make the Biggest Impact: Healthcare and Education
• Reid Hoffman’s Top 4 AI Apps to Stay Ahead
• Creating an AI Version of Yourself: Why You Should Consider It
• Wrapping It Up: AI Is Here to Enhance, Not Replace
• FAQ

Why Fear Is the Wrong Starting Point: Embrace Hope and Curiosity

Right off the bat, Reid Hoffman flips the script on the typical AI panic. When Marina asked, “Should we be afraid?”, Reid’s answer was a clear, “Hope versus fear.”

“Fear is generally best converted to curiosity,” Reid says. “That doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult learning new things. Because AI will be learning new things and becoming better and better. But it’s part of the reason why I encourage people to go play with it, go try it.”

He makes a powerful point: AI isn’t here to replace us; it’s here to amplify what makes us uniquely human—our creativity, our judgment, and our ability to connect the dots in ways machines can’t (yet). For example, Reid talks about how AI can assist in tasks like editing videos or writing essays, but the best results come from a human plus AI combo. Think of AI as a turbo boost for your brain, not a replacement engine.

So, instead of hiding from AI or waiting for it to “take over,” Reid suggests diving in, experimenting, and figuring out how to use these tools to your advantage. It’s like learning to ride a bike: scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’re unstoppable.

Skills to Master Now: Coding, Testing, and the AI Mindset

Marina brings up a question many of us have: Should we learn to code now, or wait until AI does all the coding for us? Reid’s answer is refreshingly practical.

“Within this year, 2025, it’ll quickly become that every engineer is using at least one Copilot agent,” Reid predicts. “By the end of 2026, all of us will have a lightweight coding assistant.”

He’s not saying you need to become a coding wizard overnight, but learning basic coding concepts and how to work with AI copilots will be a superpower. These AI tools will help with everything from research to coding, making it easier to create apps, websites, or even solve complex problems.

Reid stresses the importance of starting early. Like any technology revolution—from the internet to YouTube—the early adopters gain a significant edge. So, don’t wait for the perfect moment or the next version of AI. Jump in, make mistakes, and learn as you go.

Bonus: Free AI Toolkit to Cut Through the Noise

Feeling overwhelmed by the flood of AI tools? Marina shares a fantastic resource sponsored by HubSpot: a free AI toolkit guide with over 40 vetted AI tools. This guide helps you build a smart, efficient AI workflow without wasting time or money on gimmicks.

If you want to start working smarter, not harder, this toolkit is a game-changer. You can find the download link in the description of the original video.

What Should Kids Learn Today to Stay Relevant Tomorrow?

One of the most fascinating parts of the interview is when Marina asks Reid what parents should be teaching their kids in this AI-driven future. Should it be academic knowledge, social skills, or something else?

Reid’s answer is nuanced and thoughtful:

“It’s always good to learn social skills,” he says, “but also, learning how to use AI as a meta-tool is crucial. Instead of mastering all the details of Photoshop, for example, kids can learn to describe the effect they want, and the AI will figure out how to create it.”

He compares this shift to the arrival of calculators. People worried kids would stop learning math, but instead, calculators freed us to focus on higher-level problem-solving. Similarly, AI will allow future generations to focus on creativity, critical thinking, and understanding human needs rather than rote tasks.

Reid also emphasizes the importance of cultivating a “coding mindset”—the way of thinking about problems logically and systematically—even if AI handles the actual code writing. This mindset will help kids navigate a world where AI is a collaborator, not just a tool.

The Future of Work: Will Robots Replace Us?

This is the million-dollar question, right? Reid offers a balanced perspective that’s both hopeful and realistic.

While it’s possible that one day robots and AI could handle most jobs, Reid doesn’t see that happening anytime soon. He points out that many companies, especially startups, are still working long hours—sometimes 80-hour weeks—and that human ambition and competition are powerful forces.

He also highlights physical and logistical constraints. Building a world where robots do everything—from cooking to laundry—is a massive feat that won’t happen overnight, despite Silicon Valley’s rapid pace.

What about universal basic income (UBI)? Reid acknowledges the idea but suggests it might need to be conditional, something like “community basic income,” where people receive support but stay engaged in society through community service or other contributions.

“People like competing for things,” Reid says, “and I think that a large number of people will still be very engaged in work or creative pursuits.”

So, don’t expect a Star Trek-style utopia where everyone retires early and lives off robots just yet. Instead, the future will likely be a blend of AI-enhanced productivity, new kinds of work, and continued human drive.

Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI: Can You Build the Next Mega Company?

Marina shares her own experience building a search engine for study abroad programs, and wonders if starting a new online business in 2025 makes sense when AI keeps evolving and solving problems faster than ever.

Reid’s answer is optimistic:

“Almost for sure, there will be companies bigger than the current mega players,” he says. “We’ll see 10 to 15 mega AI companies over the next five to ten years.”

But here’s the catch: you don’t build the next big thing by copying what’s already out there. Instead, Reid advises entrepreneurs to find new angles that established giants haven’t explored. He uses NVIDIA’s rise as an example—who would’ve predicted they’d become a powerhouse in AI hardware?

Reid is particularly interested in entrepreneurs who think differently about AI’s applications—beyond coding assistants or productivity apps. He encourages founders to explore industries like marketplaces, networks, healthcare, education, and other areas where AI can create new value by addressing human needs.

He also shares a nugget about investing: his first big bet at Greylock was Airbnb, a company that many doubted because it was based on the idea of strangers renting rooms from each other. The lesson? Look for the unconventional, the unexpected, and the new ways AI can reshape markets.

Where AI Will Make the Biggest Impact: Healthcare and Education

When asked about the sectors most ripe for AI transformation, Reid points to two major areas:

• Healthcare: Imagine a medical assistant on your smartphone that’s better than your average doctor, available 24/7, and affordable for everyone. This AI could triage symptoms, suggest likely diagnoses, and free up doctors to spend more quality time with patients.
• Education: Personalized tutors for every subject, at every age, who are infinitely patient and can customize lessons to your pace and style. Reid shares his personal curiosity about quantum mechanics and how AI tutors have helped him understand complex topics better.

These applications could democratize access to expert knowledge and healthcare, making life better for millions.

Reid Hoffman’s Top 4 AI Apps to Stay Ahead

Curious about which AI tools Reid himself uses? He shares his favorites, blending personal projects with widely accessible apps:

1. ChatGPT: His go-to research assistant for generating ideas, drafting essays, and answering questions.
2. MidJourney: A creative visual AI that helps him imagine and create art and designs, something Reid admits he never could do before.
3. Microsoft’s Copilot: A coding assistant that helps him brush up on programming and understand how AI will transform software development.
4. Inflection’s Pi: Reid’s own AI chatbot project focused on emotional intelligence (EQ) as much as IQ—engaging and warm conversations that push the industry forward.

Creating an AI Version of Yourself: Why You Should Consider It

One of the most futuristic and intriguing parts of the interview is Reid’s work on “ReadAI,” an AI-generated digital twin of himself. It’s not just a gimmick—this AI version can engage in conversations, give talks, and even help manage schedules.

Reid encourages everyone, especially those with families or public personas, to consider creating their own AI versions. Imagine generations being able to “talk” with your digital self, preserving knowledge, personality, and wisdom beyond your lifetime.

He also envisions AI agents acting as personal assistants that can handle scheduling, reminders, and even urgent calls in your stead—essentially extending your presence and productivity.

Wrapping It Up: AI Is Here to Enhance, Not Replace

After this deep dive with Reid Hoffman, I walked away feeling a lot less like the robot apocalypse is nipping at our heels and a lot more like we’re entering a new era of human-AI collaboration. Yes, the transition will have its bumps, and yes, there will be challenges. But the key takeaway is hope, curiosity, and action.

Reid’s perspective is a refreshing antidote to the fear-based narratives that dominate AI conversations. Instead of worrying about what AI will take away, focus on what it can add—creativity, productivity, new ways to learn and connect.

So, if you’re wondering how to get ahead while others are losing jobs to AI, here’s the secret: don’t run from AI, learn to dance with it. Play with the tools, develop your creativity, and think differently about problems. The future isn’t about man versus machine—it’s about man plus machine.

FAQ

Will AI replace all jobs soon?

No, not anytime soon. While AI will automate many tasks, human creativity, judgment, and social skills remain irreplaceable. The transition will be gradual, and many jobs will evolve rather than disappear.

What skills should I learn to stay relevant in an AI-driven world?

Start by learning how to use AI tools effectively. Basic coding knowledge and a coding mindset will be valuable, but equally important are creativity, critical thinking, and social skills.

Is it worth creating an AI version of myself?

Yes, especially for those who want to preserve their knowledge and personality for future generations or enhance their productivity with AI personal assistants.

Which industries will AI impact the most?

Healthcare and education are two major sectors poised for transformation, with AI enabling better access to expert knowledge and personalized services.

How can entrepreneurs build successful AI startups?

Focus on finding new angles and unmet needs rather than competing directly with established AI giants. Look for opportunities in marketplaces, networks, and human-centered applications.

This article was created from the video LinkedIn founder: how to get ahead while others lose their jobs | Reid Hoffman @reidhoffman with the help of AI.