How Early Adopters Can Win Big in the AI Revolution

Microsoft’s decision to lay off 7,000 employees in May 2025 was shocking enough. But what really shook the corporate world was their next move. They announced an $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure within just one year (according to an official press release).

According to Ankur Warikoo, this is not just a business decision, but a clear signal of what the next five to 10 years will look like.

Ankur Warikoo is an Indian entrepreneur, educator, author, and content creator recognized for helping individuals make informed decisions about their lives and careers. He has founded and led startups, published multiple bestselling books, and built a large following across social media by sharing personal stories, lessons from failures, and practical advice for young professionals.

Warikoo’s latest video explores how we are entering what may be the most significant technological transformation of our generation: the era of Generative AI and Machine Learning.

While there’s fear that AI could potentially replace 300 million jobs worldwide (per Goldman Sachs economists), he argues that this is not the end of work but the beginning of a new opportunity.

History has shown that every significant technological advancement, such as computers, the internet, or smartphones, has created more jobs than it has eliminated. The same will happen with AI, but only for those who are ready to adapt.

He highlights data from the World Economic Forum’s 2023 report, which predicts a 40% increase in AI and ML job demand by 2027. The U.S. alone is expected to see 1.3 million AI-related job openings, while India is projected to face a shortage of 1 million skilled professionals by 2027. This means there will be enormous opportunities for those who skill up early.

Warikoo compares the AI wave to previous revolutions, such as the ITES boom and the smartphone era, moments when early adopters built exceptional careers because they acted before everyone else.

He categorizes people into three groups: early adopters, who embrace change; followers, who join late; and naysayers, who deny change and risk being left behind. His message is clear: if you want to be in the first category, you need to skill yourself now.

AI is already changing the world around us. As Warikoo suggests, the sooner you embrace and master the technology, the better prepared you’ll be for future opportunities.