Work has never stood still. From rocks to wheels, engines to machines, and now to all things AI—every leap has rewritten what it means to produce, create, and compete.
Work in Progress, by General Assembly, is a new e-magazine (plus limited copies in print at select events) about the people and skills building what’s next. It’s a magazine in motion—revealing how talent and technology shape each other, and what organizations must do to stay current and competitive.
Each article within Work in Progress brings together members of our Future Skills Boards—field experts from six rapidly evolving disciplines: AI, data, design, engineering, marketing, and cybersecurity. Together, they explore how to separate hype from reality, keep teams adaptable, and build workplaces where humans and technology thrive, side by side.
The inaugural issue tackles the question no leader can afford to ignore:
How do we build skills—and cultures—that keep pace with AI?
Have a look inside…
Article #1: Marketing in the age of AI
Marketers are at a crossroads: Will AI erase the human touch—or finally free it?
Catherine Toms (AI Growth Academy) sees automation as a way to trade busywork for big ideas. Kimberly Hatton (Databricks) calls it an “upgrade,” not a takeover. And Kim Tran (Tines) reminds us that trust—not technology—is the real competitive edge in the age of AI.
Together, these leaders argue for a tomorrow where marketers use machines for scale—but rely on empathy, creativity, and trust to create messages that resonate.
Article #2: Leading with data in a world punctuated by AI
How do you build intelligence on a foundation you can’t fully trust?
AI’s revolutionizing data science—but also revealing its cracks. Christopher Wells (General Assembly) cautions, “Almost zero AI applications work without getting your data ducks in a row.” Rodney Puplampu (ML engineer) maps the field’s evolution. And Kim Tran (Tines) envisions data analysts as “information chaos pilots.”
From ethical minefields to governance guardrails, these pros expose how wiser teams turn AI’s vulnerabilities into superpowers.
Article #3: Paving the way for better user experiences
When does personalization cross the line from intuitive to intrusive?
AI is pushing personalization into hyperdrive—anticipating needs, adapting in real time, and shaping experiences unique to each individual. UX leaders like David Schell and Alexis Britez (Microsoft) argue that this evolution isn’t about shiny tech, but smarter empathy: translating data into design that feels intuitive, not invasive.
The challenge for today’s UX teams is to balance prediction with permission, and ensure that in the age of intelligent design, fostering positive and productive human experiences remains the ultimate benchmark.
Article #4: Securing systems from automated attacks
What happens when the same tool defending your network is also powering the attack?
AI is reshaping cybersecurity at every layer—accelerating both threats and defenses. Fractional CISO Douglas Brush warns that “AI could change everything we know about vulnerabilities,” while Dr. Andy Igonor (Microsoft) calls fluency in prompt engineering and model evaluation “the new TCP/IP.” Tech manager Quintana Patterson adds that fear of AI is itself a liability.
The next generation of defenders won’t just secure systems—they’ll govern intelligence, bridge silos, and master the fine line between innovation and protection.
Article #5: Rewriting the role of the software engineer
How do you stay relevant when the tools you build start building themselves?
AI is transforming software engineering from the ground up—automating syntax, accelerating prototyping, and changing which skills matter most. Karn Jeet Singh (Vramha Talent Solutions) notes that memorizing languages is fading fast, while AI orchestration, data engineering, and system architecture are on the rise. But some things never change: timeless foundations like security, design thinking, and domain expertise still anchor great engineers.
If the last decade was about learning new languages, the next is about rewiring how we build systems, teams, and skills for constant change.
Article #6: Building tomorrow’s AI roles
Who should you add to the headcount when everyone claims to be “AI talent?”
As companies rush to staff up, leaders like Tashina Charagi (Tripadvisor) and Mark Polyak (MINT) warn that pedigree chasing and pilot-project theater are common traps. The strongest AI teams balance experimentation with execution—mixing builders, translators, and enablers who can carry projects from prototype to production.
While some are focusing on scale, the real advantage lies in structure. The strongest AI teams act as connective tissue between innovation and execution, translating possibility into practice.
Article #7: Restructuring responsibly to preserve talent
How do leaders build teams prepared to meet the challenges of today—and tomorrow?
Across disciplines, one truth holds: AI scales efficiency, but humans scale meaning. The companies that thrive won’t treat AI as a threat or a shortcut, but as a catalyst to rebuild roles, skills, and trust.
The future of work will be won not by those who automate the fastest, but by those who adapt the smartest—restructuring, reskilling, and reinventing along the way.
Download now for articles, infographics, quizzes, and more
Beyond articles, Work in Progress also includes bonus features—including a:
- Checklist detailing next steps for leaders who want to harness AI potential in their org
- Share-worthy infographic on tech skills that are timeless, rising, and fading
- Quiz to find your AI leadership superpower
A magazine for the moment
Work in Progress isn’t just about what’s changing—it’s about what’s enduring: curiosity, creativity, and the drive to build something better.
Published annually, each new issue will bring together the voices shaping the skills needed to advance—leaders who are proving that progress, done right, is always human at its core.
Download Work in Progress to see how organizations around the world are building tomorrow’s workforce—today.