‘Grok 4 is the first time, in my experience, that an AI has been able to solve difficult, real-world engineering questions where the answers cannot be found anywhere on the Internet or in books.’

Elon Musk on X, describing the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing its ideas and concepts.

AI is becoming integral to our project management profession. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing the hyperbole that future artificial intelligence is a threat to our jobs and feeling like there’s nothing we can do to stop it.

I believe synchronisation with AI is a huge benefit that will help project managers and ultimately lead to a better customer experience. The future demands that more project managers be critical thinkers at a world-class level, to solve problems for ourselves and the projects we’re working on. These skills can be learnt in the classroom and the workplace – and with a bit of help from our robot friends.

According to the recent World Economic Forum report, AI and big data, technology literacy, and critical thinking are the top skills to be learned and re-learned.

Core skills 2030 – from the World Economic Forum

This was presented during our June 2025 Volunteering session at the Association for Project Management in the UK.

The main challenges are how we can benefit from AI and empower project managers:

• Enhanced decision-making through data-driven insights
  Data is the new oil. AI tools can quickly analyse vast contracts, graphics, and data files, identifying trends and suggesting optimal actions. For project managers, this means better forecasting, risk management, and resource allocation, reducing uncertainty and supporting informed choices.

Efficient and prompt data analysis provides an advantage, not only ensuring error-proof operations but also enhancing the customer experience, which in turn improves collaboration and customer satisfaction.

• Automation of routine tasks
  Routine tasks take an excessive amount of time and require precious resources. AI can automate repetitive administrative tasks such as scheduling, reporting and documentation. The project manager can now focus on strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement and creative problem-solving – the work that truly drives project success.

Using our skills and inputs will always be essential. Still, the innovative use of AI to automate these routine tasks will improve the quality of deliverables and optimise our time usage.

• Improved collaboration and communication
  Communication and meetings are now monitored and controlled using various AI tools.

AI-powered collaboration platforms can streamline communication across dispersed teams. Features such as intelligent assistants, language translation and smart notifications help to ensure everyone stays aligned, reducing misunderstandings and delays.

In addition, AI can summarise emails, prepare replies in various tones, measure participation and engagement, and support all project managers to assess the emotions of all attendees for an enhanced project experience.

Far from being a threat, AI is an opportunity for project managers to elevate their role. By embracing AI as a partner, we can shift our focus to value-added activities, improve decision-making, assess emotions, and deliver exceptional results for our clients and teams.

The future belongs to project managers who are willing and ready to learn, adapt and work hand in hand with these powerful new tools. Let’s not fear our “robot friends” – let’s work with them to build a better, smarter project management profession.