As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms workplaces, many assume mastering coding, data science, or machine learning will be the golden ticket to career success. But Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman says otherwise — and the advice he gave his own son reveals what he believes will matter most in the years ahead.
Speaking to CNBC’s Closing Bell, Garman said that in an era where AI handles more and more technical tasks, soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking will define the winners of the future workforce.
Why Critical Thinking Tops the List
Garman’s guidance to his son, a rising high school senior, was simple: focus on building critical thinking skills in college, regardless of your major.
“I think part of going to college is building your critical thinking,” he said. “It’s less about the development of specific skills and more about how you become a critical thinker. In some ways, I think that’s actually going to be the most important skill going forward.”
Research supports this. A 2023 study in Heliyon found that even in highly technical sectors, over 40% of in-demand skills were human-centric — including problem-solving, flexibility, and strategic decision-making — areas where AI still falls short.
The Skills AI Can’t Replace
Garman stressed that while AI can generate ideas, humans remain essential for judging which ones have real-world value. This sentiment echoes remarks by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who said at a Howard University event that AI’s output still needs human curation, creativity, and nuance to meet actual needs.
“AI can generate lots of great ideas,” Altman said, “but you still need a human there to say, ‘This is the thing other people want.’”
Beyond critical thinking, Garman highlighted adaptability — the ability to embrace new technologies without resistance — and communication skills as equally vital. These are areas where humans’ emotional intelligence, empathy, and ability to read social cues still give them a competitive edge.
Why Soft Skills Are Becoming the New Power Skills
As USA Today recently reported, while AI may excel at processing data or automating tasks, it can’t replicate the trust, empathy, and interpersonal finesse required to lead teams or navigate complex human relationships. Career strategist Madeline Mann calls these “highly transferable skills” that influence how others experience and value you in the workplace.
In fields as diverse as medicine, logistics, and engineering, soft skills have proven to be directly tied to promotions, job satisfaction, and long-term career growth. The 2025 LinkedIn Workplace Trends Report even placed communication at the top of its most in-demand skills list.
The Takeaway for Workers and Students
For current workers, honing these skills doesn’t require a classroom. Strategic board games, asking insightful questions, and actively seeking feedback can all improve critical thinking and adaptability. For students, any discipline — from history to physics — can be a playground for sharpening the mind.
As Garman put it, the real advantage will belong to those who can learn quickly, think independently, and connect meaningfully with others. “Those people skills are going to continue to be super important for a long time,” he said.
In an AI-driven world, your most valuable career asset may not be a technical certification. It may be the very thing AI still struggles to grasp — your human ability to think, adapt, and connect.
Speaking to CNBC’s Closing Bell, Garman said that in an era where AI handles more and more technical tasks, soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking will define the winners of the future workforce.
Why Critical Thinking Tops the List
Garman’s guidance to his son, a rising high school senior, was simple: focus on building critical thinking skills in college, regardless of your major.
“I think part of going to college is building your critical thinking,” he said. “It’s less about the development of specific skills and more about how you become a critical thinker. In some ways, I think that’s actually going to be the most important skill going forward.”
Research supports this. A 2023 study in Heliyon found that even in highly technical sectors, over 40% of in-demand skills were human-centric — including problem-solving, flexibility, and strategic decision-making — areas where AI still falls short.
The Skills AI Can’t Replace
Garman stressed that while AI can generate ideas, humans remain essential for judging which ones have real-world value. This sentiment echoes remarks by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who said at a Howard University event that AI’s output still needs human curation, creativity, and nuance to meet actual needs.
“AI can generate lots of great ideas,” Altman said, “but you still need a human there to say, ‘This is the thing other people want.’”
Beyond critical thinking, Garman highlighted adaptability — the ability to embrace new technologies without resistance — and communication skills as equally vital. These are areas where humans’ emotional intelligence, empathy, and ability to read social cues still give them a competitive edge.
Why Soft Skills Are Becoming the New Power Skills
As USA Today recently reported, while AI may excel at processing data or automating tasks, it can’t replicate the trust, empathy, and interpersonal finesse required to lead teams or navigate complex human relationships. Career strategist Madeline Mann calls these “highly transferable skills” that influence how others experience and value you in the workplace.
In fields as diverse as medicine, logistics, and engineering, soft skills have proven to be directly tied to promotions, job satisfaction, and long-term career growth. The 2025 LinkedIn Workplace Trends Report even placed communication at the top of its most in-demand skills list.
The Takeaway for Workers and Students
For current workers, honing these skills doesn’t require a classroom. Strategic board games, asking insightful questions, and actively seeking feedback can all improve critical thinking and adaptability. For students, any discipline — from history to physics — can be a playground for sharpening the mind.
As Garman put it, the real advantage will belong to those who can learn quickly, think independently, and connect meaningfully with others. “Those people skills are going to continue to be super important for a long time,” he said.
In an AI-driven world, your most valuable career asset may not be a technical certification. It may be the very thing AI still struggles to grasp — your human ability to think, adapt, and connect.
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