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What happens when a workforce futurist and a conversational AI expert have an honest, no-nonsense conversation about the future of AI? At Kore.ai’s re:imagine 2025 event, Tiarne Hawkins from Optica Labs and Kore.ai’s own Cobus Greyling did exactly that—cutting through the noise to explore real challenges, risks, and opportunities as AI reshapes work and society.
The conversation wasn’t about flashy demos or sales pitches. Instead, it focused on what truly matters: how AI will change jobs, the importance of keeping humans involved, the ethical risks beyond business, and the often-overlooked complexities of language and culture in AI systems.
“If an AI agent took your job tomorrow…”
Early in the discussion, Tiarne was asked what she’d say in her goodbye email if AI replaced her role tomorrow. Her answer was equal parts witty and thought-provoking:
“Best of luck, God speed… but also hi from Hawaii!”
While humorous, this response underscored a critical insight: AI isn’t just about replacing people. It’s forcing everyone to rethink how and where humans add unique value. The future of work is not dystopian obsolescence; it’s redefinition and adaptation.
Keeping humans in the loop
Looking ahead to 2030, Tiarne emphasized a non-negotiable priority for leaders: the human-in-the-loop.
“Hyperautomation sounds exciting, but we need to step back and revisit the processes we already automated. Did we get it right? Are humans still needed to provide oversight, checks, and balances?”
Her point drives home a common but often overlooked truth: automation isn’t just about doing more with less. It’s about doing it better—with intention, empathy, and accountability.
Ethical risks beyond the office
Cobus expanded the lens from operational to geopolitical:
“I want to borrow an idea Tiarne shared—the concept of nation-states using AI models as Trojan horses. AI isn’t just a tool for business; it’s increasingly a weapon in geopolitical conflicts. That’s a real and present risk.”
Tiarne added perspective on balancing innovation with responsibility:
“This isn’t about slowing down innovation. It’s about ensuring safety, ethics, and robust company guardrails come first. Regulation, policy, and ethical frameworks can’t be afterthoughts.”
Together, they highlighted that AI’s impact isn’t confined to the enterprise—it reverberates across society and borders.
Language, culture, and AI’s global challenge
One of the conversation’s most eye-opening moments focused on language—the AI frontier we often ignore.
“There are over 7,500 languages spoken globally,” Tiarne noted. “Most AI models are trained in English, Japanese, Chinese, or the language of origin. What about the rest?”
She illustrated the challenge with a simple example of English nuance:
“If you ask for a ‘hamper,’ most Americans think of a laundry basket. But in my country, it’s a basket full of cheese, wine, and picnic treats.”
This anecdote highlights how AI’s assumptions can misfire without cultural context, risking miscommunication at scale as AI systems roll out globally.
Empathy - more than skin deep
Both agreed on the need for AI interfaces to be empathetic. But Cobus sounded a cautionary note:
“Just because AI interfaces appear empathetic doesn’t mean the underlying system truly is. There’s still an unseen risk beneath the surface.”
Designing AI with true empathy requires more than user-friendly interfaces; it demands human oversight, ethical rigor, and continuous vigilance.
Why these Conversations matter
re:imagine 2025 wasn’t just about showing what’s next in AI. It was a platform for honest conversations that matter—between experts who understand that the future of AI is about much more than technology. It’s about people, ethics, and thoughtful leadership.
The dialogue between Tiarne and Cobus reminds us that as AI transforms work and society, we have a shared responsibility to shape it with care, wisdom, and humanity.
