Sam Altman on the Future of AI: Agentic AI to Revolutionize Jobs and the Economy
Sam Altman discusses how agentic AI will redefine the workforce.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape the global economy and redefine the workforce, says OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Speaking on the January 6 episode of the Re:Thinking podcast hosted by Adam Grant, Altman discussed the profound changes driven by AI, particularly agentic AI—a groundbreaking stage where AI autonomously performs tasks for users.
The Economic Shift Brought by AI
“Eventually, I think the whole economy transforms,” Altman stated in the interview. He explained how technological advances, including AI, often lead to fears of job loss but ultimately create better opportunities. While some roles may disappear, new and more meaningful jobs are expected to emerge.
Altman highlighted a shift in human value within the workforce, where human agility and problem-solving will take precedence over raw intellectual ability. He remarked, “Figuring out what questions to ask will be more important than figuring out the answer.”
What Is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI, a new phase of AI development, enables systems to handle complex, autonomous tasks. OpenAI recently launched its first agentic feature, “Tasks,” on ChatGPT. This tool helps users manage reminders and generate summaries.
Later this month, OpenAI plans to introduce “Operator,” a more advanced AI capable of tasks like writing code and booking travel. Bloomberg reports that Operator will expand the potential of agentic AI, offering greater autonomy for both individuals and businesses.
Industry leaders like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have emphasized the transformative power of agentic AI. During his CES 2025 keynote, Huang described agentic AI as “the new digital workforce,” predicting it will generate a multitrillion-dollar industry.
The Role of Humans in an AI World
Altman shared personal insights, noting the changes future generations will experience in an AI-driven world. “My kid is never gonna grow up being smarter than AI,” Altman said. “And that’ll be natural… Of course, it can do things we can’t, but also who really cares?”
As AI progresses, Altman envisions systems capable of completing intricate tasks that previously required years of organizational effort. “We’re moving toward a future where we can assign AI tasks that are deeply complex and time-intensive,” he explained.
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