How Leadership Connects Mission, Vision, and Values Muddy Boots

A Paper by David Griffith

I have been thinking lately about the connection between an organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values, and its Leadership. One reads and hears a variety of views on the subject these days, and the current political environment in the country only sharpens the discussions. Muddy Boots has always been about these topics, and what does it look like when it is “right,” and how does one practice and participate in and on the best practices of Mission, Vision, Values, and the corresponding leadership?

Mission, as I define it, is what an organization does. At its core, what is it that you do? For all your stakeholders. I view stakeholders as customers, employees, employee families, alumni, vendors, suppliers, the community, and shareholders.

Vision, as I define it, is what it looks like when it is right, as in right for all your stakeholders.

What are the three to five core values that every decision and strategy is filtered through? Do all your stakeholders know your values and where you stand?

At ECS, a nonprofit that I led for 10 years in Philadelphia, we serve as an example. Our mission is to challenge poverty. Our vision is a world where access to opportunity is available for all. Our values are Dignity, Justice, Community, and Impact.

The critical link between Mission, Vision, and Values is the organization’s leadership. Not just the CEO, but also the board and senior management.

Where I have seen leaders excel is when the focus and behavior are on the following:

  • A clear understanding and agreement with Mission, Vision, and Values. Connection with all the stakeholders.
  • A commitment to Muddy Boots, as in they go into the field and listen to customers, employees, stakeholders, and industry leaders.
  • The creation of a 3–5-year strategy to move the organization forward and a toolbox that looks at data and adjusts the plan in the face of change. Adjust the strategy, but not the mission, vision, or values.
  • Is relentless on talent.
  • Is a coach with their team. Asks great questions, gives credit, and listens. Speaks last in meetings. Creates accountabilities for all.
  • Represents the organization.
  • Give credit when it goes well and own it when it does not.
  • Lives by the Values of the organization.
  • Understands that the real skill is to see ahead and react, what I call Radar.
  • Have a board/advisor/stakeholder group that can problem-solve and bring value to any challenge.

The link is where the magic happens. An organization I now work with, Delaware Valley Family Business Center, focuses on family businesses, and they describe that link using a 5 MOUNTAIN® model.

The mountains are comprised of Family, Management, Advisors, Board, and Shareholders. The leadership team and senior leaders must serve as the link between the organization, its stakeholders, and its mission, vision, and values.

When I see it work, the links are clear. Conditions can change, strategies can be adjusted, but the relentless focus on what we do, how we do it, and what lines we won’t cross, combined with building a talented team that can execute and respond, is both the simple and complex work of any successful organization.

So, look in the mirror. This is what good organizations and good leaders do every day. Is their clarity linked to all that you do? What is your purpose? What is your strategy? What is your mission, vision, and values? Do you have the talent? How do you stack up to an honest and transparent scorecard?

Be the link.

The Value of Cybersecurity Risk Assessments in Dealerships

Guest writer Kenny Molitor joins this week with a post on the value of cybersecurity risk assessments. Read on to learn why dealerships can’t afford to overlook their digital health.

For equipment dealerships, the service department has always been the engine of profitability. A well-run shop not only delivers customer satisfaction but also drives millions of dollars in revenue each year. Every minute of downtime translates into lost productivity, missed opportunities, and frustrated customers.

While dealers focus heavily on machine uptime, one hidden vulnerability is often overlooked:

The health of their IT systems.

Cybersecurity risks and untested systems can bring operations to a halt just as quickly as a machine breakdown on a jobsite.

The Hidden Cyber Risks in Dealerships

Modern dealerships rely on technology across every department, from service scheduling to financial applications. Yet many operate without a clear picture of their risk exposure. Cybersecurity risk assessments often uncover issues like these:

  • Outdated Configurations: Dealer Management Systems (DMS) and Microsoft 365 tenants often run with weak settings or missing updates, making them easy targets.
  • Unsecured Remote Access: With mobile service techs and multiple branches, unsecured VPNs or remote desktops can open the door to attackers.
  • Neglected Endpoints: Field laptops and shop computers without proper patching or monitoring create invisible weak points.
  • Vendor Risks: OEM tools, third-party apps, and outside contractors all connect to dealership systems, sometimes without security checks.
  • Admin Passwords That Never Expire: Old administrator accounts are often left active with passwords that haven’t changed in years. Once stolen, they provide indefinite access to sensitive systems.
  • Shared or Weak Admin Credentials: In some dealerships, multiple employees still share one “master” login. This practice eliminates accountability and makes it impossible to trace activity in the event of a breach.
  • No Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Administrator and finance accounts without MFA remain one of the easiest entry points for attackers.
  • Lack of Hard Drive Encryption: Laptops and desktops used in service bays or by field technicians often store sensitive data. Without full-disk encryption, a lost or stolen device could expose thousands of customer records.
  • Unsecured Removable Media: USB drives and external hard drives without encryption or access controls introduce the risk of both accidental data loss and intentional theft.

A Real-World Example

One dealership learned this the hard way when a field technician’s laptop was stolen out of a service truck. Because the device had no encryption, the thief gained immediate access to customer credit applications, loan documents, and vendor contracts. The fallout included notifying hundreds of customers, purchasing credit monitoring for affected individuals, and a strained relationship with their OEM partner who demanded proof of stronger security controls.

Each of these issues may seem small in isolation, but together they create vulnerabilities that can disrupt dealership operations, expose customer data, and erode trust with OEMs and clients.

The Strategic Importance of Cybersecurity Risk Assessments

Each of these risks — from outdated admin passwords to unencrypted laptops — might seem like small cracks in the system. But left unaddressed, they can combine into dealership-wide outages, lost revenue, and damaged customer trust.

That’s why cybersecurity risk assessments are so important. They function like a comprehensive inspection for IT, giving dealers the same kind of visibility into their digital environment that they expect from a thorough machine inspection in the shop. Instead of guessing, leadership gains a clear, prioritized view of where they stand and what to do next.

For example, one dealer discovered during an assessment that a former employee’s administrator account was still active months after they left the company. That single oversight meant anyone who obtained those credentials could have accessed financial records, parts systems, and OEM portals without detection. Closing that gap immediately reduced their risk and reassured their OEM partner that security was being taken seriously.

The value lies in:

  • Identifying Weak Points: Pinpoint gaps before attackers exploit them.
  • Reducing Downtime: Prevent outages of critical systems like parts ordering or service scheduling.
  • Protecting Customer Trust: Safeguard financing and insurance data your clients expect you to protect.
  • Guiding Investments: Provide leadership with a prioritized roadmap for IT spending instead of relying on guesswork.
  • Aligning with OEMs: More manufacturers, including Kubota, Case, John Deere, and New Holland, are requiring stronger dealer-level security practices.

 

Real-World Implications of Ignoring Assessments

Skipping regular cybersecurity risk assessments often feels harmless — until a problem surfaces. The challenge is that most dealerships don’t realize how fragile their IT foundation is until downtime, data loss, or a breach brings it to light.

One dealership learned this the hard way when their departments were locked out of the DMS for nearly two days following a ransomware incident. Because no prior assessment had flagged weak remote access settings, attackers slipped in through a forgotten VPN account. The outage cost thousands in missed sales and delayed service jobs — and worse, it shook customer confidence.

The consequences of ignoring assessments are clear:

  • Revenue Loss: Service and sales downtime quickly translate into lost dollars.
  • Operational Bottlenecks: Workflows stall when systems fail, causing cascading delays across departments.
  • Customer Distrust: Clients expect their data to be secure. A single incident can drive them toward a competitor.
  • OEM Pressure: As manufacturers raise security expectations, failing to assess and address risks could jeopardize dealer relationships.

 

The Path Forward: Proactive Digital Health Checks

The dealerships that stay resilient are the ones that treat cybersecurity like preventive maintenance — a regular, intentional process, not a one-time project. Just as no one would send a machine into the field without routine service, IT systems need the same discipline.

Here’s what proactive dealerships are doing:

  • Regular Assessments: Conducting annual or quarterly reviews to keep pace with evolving threats. One dealer we worked with set up quarterly assessments after discovering during an initial review that several old admin accounts were still active. Within six months, their audit passed with zero findings — a complete turnaround from the year prior.
  • Executive Involvement: Treating cyber risk as a board-level issue, not just an IT concern. Leadership that reviews assessment results is better positioned to prioritize investments.
  • Actionable Roadmaps: Turning assessment findings into a clear plan with timelines, costs, and responsibilities — instead of leaving them as a list of technical problems.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Pairing assessments with 24/7 monitoring ensure that gaps closed today don’t reopen tomorrow.
  • Culture of Awareness: Training employees to recognize phishing attempts, use MFA, and protect customer data so the “human layer” of IT is just as resilient as the technical layer.

The dealerships embracing this approach don’t just avoid downtime — they gain stronger customer trust, smoother OEM relationships, and more predictable IT spending.

The Bottom Line
Cybersecurity risk assessments aren’t about checking a compliance box or satisfying an auditor. They’re about protecting what matters most to equipment dealerships: uptime, customer trust, and profitability.

Just as service managers rely on inspections to keep machines reliable, dealership leaders should rely on assessments to keep their digital infrastructure resilient.

Dealerships that make risk assessments a regular habit see clear benefits:

  • Fewer unexpected outages.
  • More predictable IT costs.
  • Stronger alignment with OEM requirements.
  • Greater confidence from customers who trust them with sensitive data.

In today’s environment, ignoring cyber risks isn’t an option. The dealerships that take a proactive approach will not only avoid costly incidents — they’ll turn IT into a true business asset.

Leadership, training, and strategy keep a dealership competitive. Cybersecurity risk assessments make sure nothing undermines that success.

Ready to See Where You Stand?

Cybersecurity risk assessments are the first step to protecting your dealership’s uptime, customer trust, and OEM relationships.

At rocketwise, we specialize in assessments built specifically for multi-location equipment dealerships.

Let’s schedule your Cybersecurity Risk Assessment today — and give you a clear, prioritized roadmap for protecting your operations.

Why Conduct an Industry Analysis

Top Reasons to Conduct an Industry Analysis for Your Business

Heavy equipment dealers have limited resources at their disposal. In order to achieve consistent growth, they have to use those resources as effectively as possible. Success comes down to making the best decisions they can about where to focus their efforts, particularly when it comes to marketing and sales. The key is to target potential customers who are most likely to work with you. An industry analysis from our partner company Zintoro will tell you who those people are.

What is an industry analysis?

Zintoro completes your industry analysis by analyzing which industries are most common in your customer list. Using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, you can understand which industries your different customers are in and which industries you do business with most often. The analysis looks at your customer count, sales volume, revenue, number of potential customers, and a variety of other key metrics for every SIC code found associated with your list of customers.

How an industry analysis helps you grow

 

  1. Identify your most valuable customer segments

An industry analysis helps you know which industries your current customers represent, which sectors you serve most frequently, and where the most value lies for your business. That way, you will recognize which industries offer the greatest opportunities for growth moving forward.

  1. Effectively prioritize limited sales and marketing resources

With a clear understanding of which customer segments are valuable to your business, you can focus your time, budget, and sales outreach on industries that want and need your products in order to drive more revenue. The result is that your resources are used more efficiently, and you are targeting those prospects that are most likely to convert into customers.

  1. Tailor messaging and offers to specific markets

The insights offered by a Zintoro industry analysis assist you with refining your marketing and sales strategies. For example, if most of your customers use equipment for demolition, rather than excavation, you can adjust your messaging to highlight machine features that are valuable for demolition jobs. This tailored approach improves engagement with your marketing materials and boosts sales.

  1. Make more informed business decisions

An industry analysis provides a solid, data driven foundation for decisions about product inventory, sales promotions, and market expansion. It gives you the confidence to pursue new opportunities in sectors where you already have a strong presence or high growth potential.

Unlock new opportunities through Zintoro

A Zintoro industry analysis gives you the clarity required to grow your market share and maximize the value of you current and potential customer base. If you want to have a better understanding of your customers and know where to focus your limited resources, then contact Zintoro for an industry analysis today!

 Click here to contact Zintoro.

Did you enjoy this blog? Read more great blog posts here.

The Most Important Key Metrics for Equipment Dealers

The Four of the MOST Important Key Metrics for Equipment Dealers

Operating a successful equipment dealership requires understanding your customers and how they interact with your business. Several core metrics can reveal what’s working—and where you might be at risk of losing revenue. By focusing on these metrics, you will be able to make clear, data driven decisions that drive long term growth and success.

  • Customer retention
  • At risk customers
  • Types of purchases
  • Geographic market

Customer retention

What it is and why it matters:

 Customer retention measures the percentage of customers that purchased within the last 12 months and also purchased within the prior 12 months. It’s an important metric, because retaining a customer is far less expensive—and often more profitable—than acquiring a new one. Long term retention is crucial for your business’s profitability. For example, when it comes to equipment dealers, the revenue that each customer generates skyrockets when they go from year two to year three while working with you. Customers purchase 2.9X more equipment, 9.1X more rentals, 4.1X more service, and 5.6X more parts in the third year, compared to their purchases during their second year as a customer.

How to improve it:

The easiest method for boosting retention is to find out why customers are leaving. The best way to do that is through customer satisfaction surveys conducted by an outside third party. Using a third party will elicit candid comments that customers may not want to share with an employee of your company, and the surveys will provide specific feedback, so you can solve any issues quickly.

Our partner company, Winsby, regularly conducts customer satisfaction surveys for their clients. They see an average increase in retention rates of 20% or more when customers are routinely surveyed about their experience with a company. For one group of equipment dealers who work with them, the ROI of conducting customer satisfaction surveys is 2,395X. The average customer surveyed spends $74,823 more each year and makes 13 more transactions, compared to the customers who aren’t surveyed.

At risk customers

What it is and why it matters:

At risk customers are those whose purchasing behavior indicates they may be preparing to leave you for the competition. A drop in purchase frequency or longer intervals between transactions is the clearest warning sign. If they’re still in business but buying elsewhere, your revenue and customer base are both in jeopardy. Recognizing these signs early is key to keeping your customers from switching to a competitor.

How to improve it:

Similar to increasing customer retention, the best way to keep at risk customers is to implement regular customer satisfaction surveys. By asking customers what issues they are having, and solving those issues as quickly as possible, at-risk customers will be more likely to stay with you and even become more loyal than they were before.

Types of purchases

What it is and why it matters:

Understanding what your customers are buying is essential to developing successful marketing and sales strategies. Are they coming to you for emergency rentals, regular service, or parts? Knowing the common triggers for purchases can help you promote the right products at the right time, ultimately boosting customer retention and revenue.

How to improve it:

Identify “trigger products” that lead to larger transactions or ongoing relationships. For instance, frequent parts like filters and fluids often lead to bigger service engagements or equipment sales. Make sure your dealership captures those easy wins instead of losing them to general supply houses. Analyze purchase patterns by category and adjust your promotions and messaging to highlight these high-opportunity areas.

Distance for geographic market performance

What it is and why it matters:

Distance for geographic market measures the number of miles that customers will travel to do business with you. If distance matters, it will be exceedingly difficult to retain customers beyond the range that is comfortable for them to travel. For example, most heavy equipment dealers have a service area that is usually a maximum of 60 miles. The primary reason is that beyond that distance the dealer won’t be able to reach a customer who needs emergency service quickly enough.

When you have difficulty gaining and keeping customers beyond a certain distance, it’s not worth trying to sell your products and services to customers beyond that maximum range. For that reason, it’s critical to know how far the reach is for your company.

How to improve it:

If your business seems to be affected by the distance from your location to the customer, it’s important to conduct a market analysis of potential customers to determine how large your potential market is and exactly what the distance is for your maximum reach. This analysis will help guide your marketing strategy and prevent you from wasting resources on leads and prospects that are unlikely to work with you anyway.

We work with two partner companies, Zintoro and Winsby. Zintoro, provides equipment dealers with comprehensive business analytics reporting, helping them track key business metrics like types of purchases, purchase frequency, customer retention, and more. Winsby helps dealers improve those numbers through effective marketing programs that include customer satisfaction surveys, email campaigns, and more.

As a first step towards improving your dealership’s revenue, schedule a Zintoro demo today to uncover valuable insights and start making data driven decisions!

Did you enjoy this blog? Read more great blog posts here.

Recovery and Our Minds.

Guest writer David Griffith returns with another post for his Muddy Boots Blog, this time talking about “Recovery and Our Minds.”

I am sitting in the cardiac care wing of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in my fashionable  hospital gown, looking out the 9th floor window, reflecting. Last Thursday I had open heart surgery to repair two valves. While I have a several month recovery, it went well. 

I find in the quiet of the night laying in a hospital bed with more electronics than a NASA mission, post surgery the mind dreams near the surface of consciousness. 

In surgery you are on devices that pump your blood and breathe for you. 

As a generator guy my last thought was about back up power. You have put total trust in the entire medical team. They are amazing. 

You think of family and the woman you love. 

You search your faith. 

You think about many things, and you realize the great value of what is important, essentials to the things that make life a life. 

Why is it that we need to lose control to understand what matters? 

Lying in bed, unable to sit or  go to the head without help. 

Trusting people, you really don’t know to stop and start your heart, but you will appreciate forever. 

You think about what you will change in version 2.0. And that I think is the lesson in all this. 

I have been blessed, no question, but were values, deeds, and actions aligned as well as they could?

  • Can I use time differently?
  • Can I value things differently? 
  • Can I coach better?
  • As I wrote prior, can I give and receive gratitude differently? 

There are many with deep challenges and needs. Can we answer their call as well as our own?

Thank you all, Jacqui, family, friends, community and especially the stranger.

The Professional Service Tech: Grit Over Gloss

Guest writer Jim Dettore returns this week with his blog post, “The Professional Service Tech: Grit Over Gloss.”

Being a professional service technician isn’t about a shiny shirt with your name stitched on the chest. It’s about showing up early, not “on time.” It’s about walking into a job site where the machine outweighs you by 40,000 pounds, the oil is hot, and the customer is already frustrated, and still having the confidence to say: “We’ll get it handled.”

 

It’s knowing that the way you carry yourself matters. You don’t drag in late, you don’t track mud through the control room, and you sure don’t leave a job site looking like a scrapyard exploded. A pro cleans up after himself, not because the boss says so, but because pride doesn’t let him do otherwise.

 

A professional service tech works clean, but he doesn’t stay clean. Grease under the fingernails, diesel in the blood, a service truck that runs tighter than some offices I’ve been in. The toolbox isn’t just organized, it’s an autobiography. Every wrench has a scar; every socket tells a story.

And when the last bolt is torqued, the last fluid topped off, the pro doesn’t disappear. He grabs the paperwork, fills out the report before climbing in the truck. Not tomorrow, not “when I get around to it.” Right there, right then. Because communication is part of the repair, maybe the most important part.

 

This isn’t a job for clock-punchers. It’s for men and women who take pride in machines that aren’t theirs, for customers who may never say thank you, on days when the weather makes you question your sanity.

 

It’s blue-collar professionalism, the kind nobody brags about on Instagram, but the kind that keeps engines running, boats moving, and gas flowing.

 

If you’re a service tech and you do all that? You’re not just making a living. You’re upholding a standard. And that standard says: we don’t quit until the work is done, and we sign our name to it when it is.

Competing with AI in the Workforce Part 3

Guest writer Ron Wilson returns this week with part 3 of his series on competing with AI in the workforce.

Adopt an “AI-Augmented” Mindset

Stop thinking, “Will AI take my job?” Start thinking, “How can AI make me better at my job?”

  • Be curious, not fearful
  • View AI as a tool, not a threat
  • Focus on learning how to use AI, not competing with it

Evaluate Your Current Role

Ask yourself:

  • Which tasks in my job are repetitive, rule-based, or data-heavy?
    ➤ AI can help here.
  • Which tasks require creativity, empathy, judgment, or leadership?
    ➤ This is where you shine.

Example: If you’re in marketing, AI can author draft emails or analyze campaign data, freeing you to focus on creative strategy and client relationships.

Learn the AI Tools Relevant to Your Field

Start with free or low-cost tools and platforms to get comfortable using AI.

General Tools (all fields):

  • ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini – writing, idea generation, planning
  • Notion AI – summarizing, organizing, task automation
  • Excel + AI – use Copilot to enhance spreadsheet analysis

Industry-Specific Examples:

  • Design: Canva AI, Adobe Firefly
  • Customer service: Zendesk AI, Intercom AI
  • Education: Khanmigo, Quizlet AI
  • Healthcare: Aidoc, Glass AI (diagnostics support)

Develop Key AI-Era Skills

Focus on skills that pair well with AI:

Complementary Skills

 

Skill Type Why It Matters
Critical thinking     Evaluating AI-generated output
Digital literacy     Comfort with tech tools and platforms
Prompt engineering     Asking AI the right questions
Project management     Orchestrating AI-human workflows
Communication     Translating AI insights into action

 

Experiment with AI in Your Current Role

Start small:

  • Use ChatGPT to summarize reports
  • Use image generation tools for visual content
  • Automate meeting notes and scheduling

Then build up:

  • Create custom workflows (e.g., use Zapier + ChatGPT)
  • Draft proposals, outreach, or scripts with AI support
  • Analyze trends in your work using AI-based insights

Plan Your Career Path with AI in Mind

Ask:

  • Is my field being disrupted, augmented, or reshaped by AI?
  • Where is the opportunity to lead AI adoption in my field?
  • What new AI-related roles are emerging (e.g., AI ethicist, AI trainer, automation strategist)?

Consider:

  • Cross-training: Pair your industry knowledge with basic AI skills
  • Certifications: Google AI, Microsoft Copilot, Coursera AI courses
  • New roles: AI product manager, prompt engineer, AI consultant

Join Communities and Learn from Others

Stay plugged in:

  • Follow experts: LinkedIn, YouTube (e.g., Allie Miller, Ethan Mollick)
  • Communities: Reddit/Artificial Intelligence, Discord AI groups
  • Webinars/Workshops: Local meetups or online events

Build a Portfolio of AI-Enhanced Work

Start documenting how you’ve used AI:

  • Before/after examples
  • Time saved or results improved
  • Case studies of automation or insights

This will make you stand out when seeking promotions or new roles.

Final Thought:

The best way to stay ahead is to stop trying to “catch up” to AI — and start running alongside it. Those who understand both their craft and AI tools will shape the future of work.

Looking back, when a field service technician carried paper service manuals and a micro fiche reader to look up parts and service information and we transitioned to having laptop computers assigned to every service truck. We had some very experienced technicians leave their roles due to the disruption of the laptop computer. We must not be surprised the same impact can/will happen with the introduction of AI within the dealership and the various roles across the company.

The Interview

The Interview is part of guest writer David Griffith’s Muddy Boots blogs series.

When I graduated from college and started interviewing for my first job, I was fortunate to get an interview with IBM. One of the meetings was with a branch manager in New York City. I walked into his office, and he was sitting behind his desk. I sat in front. Early on in the interview, he pulled out of his desk a set of wooden-handled, rubber-tubed stretching exercisers called a pull-apart. While he asked questions, he pulled the handles apart, perhaps 30 or 40 times. Near the end of the interview, he tossed them into his desk drawer.

“I have one more question.”

“OK”

“Can you use these?” Tossing me the pull-apart.

“Sure”

As much as I pulled and tugged, I could not get them apart. Not an inch. I asked him what I was missing.

“Nothing, thank you for coming in. We will call you.”

I was sure I had blown the interview.

Two days later, I was hired.

Fast forward 20 years, and I’m sitting down with my family at our new church as I start a new job at Modern. In the back, a familiar voice asks, “Dave, good to see you, what brings you here?” My retired branch manager was now a fellow member of our new church. We became good friends and collaborated on several volunteer projects together.

One day over coffee, I asked him about the pull-apart interview. He laughed.

You did fine. I had two pairs in my desk — one with rubber that stretched, and one made out of a fan belt. You couldn’t have pulled those apart with a pull-along.

I must have looked confused. He went on, and I wanted to see how you handled the pull-apart. Most folks busted a gut trying to pull it apart. Most people get frustrated. What I look for is how people dealt with adversity. Almost no one asks for help. We wanted folks who would try, make an assessment, and not be afraid to ask for help. Our work is intricate, and we wanted people who would be willing to ask for the how and keep moving forward. The background is essential, chemistry even more.

It is not individual talent, but the talent of the team. Those of you who read muddy boots will recognize the message: talent matters. Every time I interview, I look for that chemistry.

Years later, I visited with him days before he passed away from cancer. We talked, remembered, and laughed.

The day after he died, a package arrived in my mailbox. It was the pull-apart with a note.

He was still being my mentor.

They sit in my office.

Competing with AI in the Workforce

Competing with AI in the Workforce is the 2nd installment of Ron Wilson’s blog posts on how our technological advances directly impact our day-to-day.

Careers Most Likely to be Impacted by AI

 

Another question I asked AI was to identify 10 careers most likely to be replaced or heavily disrupted by AI in the coming years. As can be seen these roles especially reliant on involve repetitive, rule-based, or digital tasks:

 

Data Entry Clerks

 

  • Why at risk: Repetitive and structured tasks are ideal for automation.
  • AI alternative: OCR (optical character recognition) + machine learning systems can process massive volumes of data instantly.

 

Telemarketers

 

  • Why at risk: Scripted phone calls and customer engagement can be mimicked by AI voice agents.
  • AI alternative: AI-powered call bots with natural language processing.

 

I have been on calls as shown in the TikTok video. Having been on calls like I am curious if it was person or AI I was visiting with?

 

Retail Cashiers

 

  • Why at risk: Self-checkout systems and AI-powered kiosks are increasingly common.
  • AI alternative: Computer vision + payment automation.

 

We are seeing retailers needing to modify the self-checkout process and provide a personal touch to handle issues that arise during check out. The customer skills needed by the employee is empathy for the frustration the customer is experiencing and potential theft vs an error in the scanning process.

 

Fast Food Workers (Certain Roles)

 

  • Why at risk: Order-taking, basic food assembly, and payment are being automated.
  • AI alternative: Kiosks + kitchen robots (e.g., Flippy the burger-flipping robot).

 

Proofreaders and Copy Editors (Basic Editing)

 

  • Why at risk: AI grammar checkers (e.g., Grammarly, ChatGPT) handle grammar and style with high accuracy.
  • AI alternative: Language models trained on style, tone, and grammar rules.

 

Important roles are needed to address industry and generational language models.

 

Basic Legal Assistants / Paralegals

 

  • Why at risk: Document review, legal research, and contract analysis can be automated.
  • AI alternative: Legal AI platforms like Harvey AI, Casetext, or DoNotPay.

 

Routine Accounting / Bookkeeping

 

  • Why at risk: Data entry, reconciliations, and reports can be handled by AI-integrated platforms.
  • AI alternative: AI within QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting tools.

 

Basic Customer Support Representatives

 

  • Why at risk: Tier 1 support (FAQ-type questions) is now handled by chatbots and voice agents.
  • AI alternative: AI-powered customer service platforms like Zendesk AI or Intercom.

 

Transport Dispatchers / Schedulers

 

  • Why at risk: AI can optimize logistics, routes, and schedules in real-time better than humans.
  • AI alternative: AI logistics platforms with real-time optimization algorithms.

 

Market Research Analysts (Entry-Level)

 

  • Why at risk: AI can scan and synthesize market data, trends, and customer sentiment faster than humans.
  • AI alternative: Tools like ChatGPT for research summaries, or platforms like Crayon and Similarweb.

 

Important Note:

 

AI may replace tasks, not necessarily entire jobs. Many roles will evolve, not disappear — humans who can manage AI, interpret results, and make strategic decisions will remain highly valuable.

 

Careers Least Likely to be Replaced by AI

 

10 careers least likely to be replaced by AI — these rely heavily on human judgment, emotional intelligence, creativity, or physical presence:

 

Mental Health Professionals (Therapists, Counselors, Social Workers)

 

  • Why safe: Deep empathy, trust-building, and emotional nuance are difficult for AI to replicate.
  • Human edge: Relationship, listening, and emotional discernment.

AI support to the Mental Health Professionals:

  • Analyze patient mood/sentiment from voice/text patterns
  • Track therapy progress with AI-generated session summaries
  • Suggest evidence-based interventions based on client data

 

Example: An AI assistant could flag signs of depression based on journaling apps between therapy sessions.

 

Teachers and Educators

 

  • Why safe: Teaching is about more than knowledge delivery — it’s mentoring, adapting to student needs, and fostering growth.
  • Human edge: Engagement, encouragement, and personalization.

AI will support Teachers and Educators:

  • Customize lesson plans based on student performance
  • Automate grading and feedback on assignments
  • Offer tutoring/chatbots for homework help outside class

 

Example: A teacher uses AI to detect learning gaps and adjust curriculum per student.

 

Skilled Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters)

 

  • Why safe: On-site problem-solving and physical dexterity are hard to automate.
  • Human edge: Precision, adaptability, and hands-on troubleshooting.

AI will support Skilled Trades:

  • AR/AI-powered glasses to overlay repair instructions in real time
  • Predictive maintenance alerts for clients via smart systems
  • Digital twins to simulate repairs before doing physical work

 

Example: A plumber uses AI to analyze smart sensor data from a home water system and spot hidden leaks. Remote diagnostics to determine severity of the event and skill level and resources needed to complete the repair, including ordering of parts.

 

Healthcare Providers (Doctors, Nurses, Surgeons)

 

  • Why safe: AI can assist with diagnostics, but humans are needed for procedures, patient care, and ethical decision-making.
  • Human edge: Touch, care, and accountability in life-or-death decisions.

AI will support Healthcare Providers:

  • Diagnoses faster with image recognition (e.g., radiology, dermatology)
  • Analyze patient history to recommend treatments
  • Predict health risks with AI-powered analytics

 

Example: A doctor uses AI to scan 10,000 patient records and identify early signs of diabetes trends.

 

Creative Professionals (Artists, Designers, Writers)

 

  • Why safe-ish: While AI can generate content, original vision, storytelling, and emotional connection remain uniquely human.
  • Human edge: Innovation, taste, and authentic voice.

AI will support Creative Professionals:

  • Generate rough drafts or design ideas to spark creativity
  • Suggest improvements based on audience data or engagement
  • Automate routine tasks (resizing images, SEO tagging)

 

Example: A designer uses AI to create 10 mockup variations, then customizes the best one.

 

Leadership Roles (Executives, Managers, Strategic Planners)

 

  • Why safe: AI can inform decisions, but leadership involves vision, inspiration, and accountability.
  • Human edge: Motivation, decision-making under uncertainty, and moral judgment.

AI will support Leadership Roles:

  • Analyze internal data to guide strategic decisions
  • Identify trends and risks before they emerge
  • Support communication with AI-written summaries or talking points

 

Example: A CEO uses AI to scan market shifts and adjust business strategy in real time.

 

 Clergy and Spiritual Leaders

 

  • Why safe: AI can reference scripture, but it can’t provide spiritual presence, guidance, or personal discernment.
  • Human edge: Compassion, faith leadership, and community building.

AI will support Clergy and Spiritual Leaders:

  • Organize sermon content and find relevant scripture instantly
  • Help manage community events and communication
  • Offer AI prayer or meditation prompts for congregants

 

Example: A pastor uses AI to pull biblical context, commentary, and sermon illustrations in minutes.

 

Emergency Responders (Firefighters, Police, Paramedics)

 

  • Why safe: Urgency, unpredictability, and hands-on rescue require real people.
  • Human edge: Courage, judgment under pressure, physical intervention. Emergency Responders

AI will support Emergency Responders:

  • AI-powered drones and robots to assess hazardous environments
  • Real-time GPS and dispatch optimization
  • Predictive analytics for crisis hotspots (e.g., fire risks, overdoses)

 

Example: A firefighter uses AI drone footage to locate trapped civilians before entering a building.

 

Childcare and Eldercare Workers

 

  • Why safe: Caring for the vulnerable requires human touch, empathy, and real-time responsiveness.
  • Human edge: Trust, comfort, and personal interaction.

AI will support Childcare and Eldercare Workers:

  • Smart monitoring for safety alerts (falls, irregular activity)
  • AI reminders for medication and schedule coordination
  • Learning tools personalized for child development stages

 

Example: A caregiver gets an AI alert that an elderly client hasn’t eaten in 10 hours.

 

Human Resources and Organizational Development

 

  • Why safe: Hiring, conflict resolution, and culture-building require deep human insight.
  • Human edge: Interpersonal dynamics, negotiation, and values alignment.

AI will support Human Resources and Organizational Development by:

  • Screen resumes for qualifications and cultural fit
  • Identify burnout or turnover risk via employee behavior data
  • Facilitate DEI goals by tracking equity in promotions and pay

 

Example: HR uses AI to generate personalized development plans for each employee.

 

Final Insight:

 

Careers that blend emotional intelligence, physical presence, creativity, and ethical judgment are the most AI-resistant. The future of work isn’t about beating machines — it’s about being more human than ever.

 

AI is a superpower for these roles — not a replacement. The best outcomes happen when humans do what machines can’t, and machines do what humans shouldn’t have to.

Preparing to apply and utilize AI in your current role — and planning your career path with AI in mind — means developing the right mindset, skills, and strategic habits.

Competing with AI in the Workforce

Recently there has been a lot of conversations about AI replacing entry level jobs, and in some cases roles that are well established within the organization.

This concept hit closer to home while attending a recent birthday party where two friends shared how their children (40 somethings) had recently been laid off due to AI. One worked the film industry in the Los Angeles area, and another worked in Oregon developing virtual material for various companies.

We know it’s coming (it’s here); AI is going to have a direct impact on many jobs in the near future. We can’t avoid it; it’s going to happen. So, my question to those in the workforce is how do we compete with AI in the workforce and career fields we are employed?

Below is some information collected using AI to outline how those in the workforce can prepare themselves for the inevitable. 

The information is broken into five elements:

  • Understanding how to work with AI 
  • Careers Most Likely to be Impacted by AI
  • Careers Least Likely to be Replaced by AI
  • Adopt an “AI-Augmented” Mindset
  • Self-Assessment Worksheet of Your AI Adoption Readiness

I entered “How to compete with AI in the workforce” using a popular AI search engine. Some of the information is a result of the AI search,

Competing with AI in the workforce doesn’t mean working against it — it means learning to work differently and strategically.”

AI is not the first innovation that has/will disrupt the workforce. If we look back over time within our own work history, and back to our parents and grandparents we can identify how industrialization and technology has played a role in disrupting many jobs and careers over time. Those that recognized the challenge and began adjusting their purpose and skill set are much more likely to succeed in the changes coming to their careers/jobs.

There is also a responsibility for the government (federal, state, and local), educational institutions, and employers to be early adopters to provide transitional training and educational opportunities to assist in transitioning in the application of AI within the workforce.

Below are some examples AI recommends on how individuals can remain relevant and even thrive in a world increasingly shaped by AI (quoted from AI- I can’t explain it better than this):

Double Down on Human-Centered Skills

AI is fast and efficient — but it lacks emotion, creativity, and nuanced judgment. Humans excel at:

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ)
    “Empathy, communication, leadership, and the ability to build relationships still give people an edge, especially in customer service, sales, teaching, counseling, and management.”  This sounds simple, but we have all struggled and in many cases are providing training in these areas due to the current workforce lacking these important skills.
  • Critical thinking and ethics
    “Evaluating AI output, making tough decisions, and navigating moral gray areas are human strengths.”  Again, employers and training institutions (educational and consulting services) have provided training and education in this area to continue develop the workforce.
  • Creativity and innovation
    “While AI can generate content, the spark of originality and intuition is still uniquely human — especially in art, design, strategy, and storytelling.”  This is a great opportunity for us as individuals, teams, and leaders to continue developing the “spark” needed to continue growing our businesses, leading, and developing our employees.

Learn to Work With AI

“Become “AI-augmented” rather than “AI-replaced.” Learn how to use tools that enhance your productivity”:

  • Prompt engineering: Learn how to use AI (like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Copilot) effectively to accelerate tasks. We have some companies that are restricting employee access to the various AI tools. There are concerns that no doubt need to be worked through, but it is important to take a proactive approach and not a set and watch approach in how to blend these AI tools into our businesses. 
  • AI + human combo: In fields like law, medicine, marketing, and writing, humans who use AI wisely can outperform those who don’t. This is where the employee can excel. Using their expertise added to the tools of AI can provide a great combination and lead to job security and an avenue for career growth. 
  • Upskilling: Take courses on how to use AI in your specific field. A few years ago, I took on a role of using the various corporate data points within the marketing department. This was new role “Data Analytics Marketing Manager.”  I knew and understood the data but didn’t have the data analytics tool belt skills. After completing a certificate program through the local university, I was able to combine both skills to support my value added to the organization. This was a new offering at the university in 2015, now enters AI ten years later. If I were still in the workforce, it would be important for me to upgrade my skills to include AI.

Stay Adaptable and Continuously Learn

AI is evolving rapidly. Staying competitive means staying curious:

  • Learn new technologies
  • Stay up to date with trends in your industry
  • Stay up to date with trends outside of your industry
  • Embrace change rather than resist it

Examples: 

  • Bookkeepers who learn cloud-based accounting software and AI tools can manage more clients with deeper insights — those who didn’t are being outpaced.
  • Heavy Equipment Dealers that monitor what’s being introduced in the auto industry can gain an understanding of what’s coming in the equipment industry (OnStar and autonomous vehicles are examples).

Focus on Complex Problem-Solving

AI handles repetitive, rule-based work well. Humans still lead in complex, ambiguous situations. 

The sweet spot:

  • Cross-functional thinking
  • Systems design and improvement
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Visionary applications

Specialize in Roles Where Trust Matters

Certain jobs require a human touch:

  • Therapists
  • Teachers and mentors
  • Religious leaders
  • Managers and coaches
  • Analysist being able to interpret and identify gaps in the communication and understanding

People still value human presence when the stakes are emotional, deeply personal, and need additional clarification and understanding. 

Embrace Entrepreneurial Thinking

AI lowers the barrier to starting a business, creating content, or building products.

  • Leverage AI to prototype, market, and scale
  • Solve niche problems with unique value
  • Think like a problem-solver, not just an employee
  • Requires current businesses to be continually thinking ahead. There is less time available to spend on gathering the data and doing the analysis. AI can help close the gap.

Final Thought:

You don’t need to be better than AI at what it does best — you need to be better at being human. The future belongs to those who can use AI as a tool, keep learning, and lead with insight and empathy.