Protected Are the Owners Who Care

Not many things can be predicted about what an AI-assisted world will do to the software industry.

That’s because few statements are robust in the face of the new uncertain terrain we’ve just entered. But some statements will prove to have been robust, like this one:

There’s a structural asymmetry: most are at risk to lose, except those who have the option to delegate, who stand to gain.

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We can’t say that employees with taste and skill will be protected. It’s wishful thinking, and structurally, there’s a possibility that that might not even matter soon. Who knows?

We can’t say that companies who, even if they do reduce their costs by delegating to AI assistants for building and maintaining their software, will be here by this time next year.

We can’t say that a particular programming language will continue employing programmers, either through jobs or consulting, in any number.

The new structure, however, benefits the founder, the inventor, the innovator, who now can create with the new tools. The new structure benefits the owner.

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An owner deals in risks. An employee, as risk-taking or well-intentioned as they decide to be, is financially and reputationally in a different relationship with the business than the owner, who bears the consequences.

“Will pushing this AI-assisted work culture cost my business’s reputation? Maybe not in general, but for this specific decision, probably. I better think twice about this one.”

“Other businesses in my domain have been cutting costs, I better not be left stranded at sea with the tide coming in.”

“I decided to play with AI, but I see it’s having an effect on me and my employees. Better pull things back a bit, and make things clear. I wouldn’t want to risk my staff developing anxiety and stress. They depend on my leadership.”

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Many of us can become owners. We own our content, we own the reputation we created, we own the relationships we’ve nurtured, we own our ideas for new businesses.

We also inhabit communities, are recognized for our unique mix of skills, and if we kept our word all along, we will be sought out for our integrity.

An owner who cares for the well-being of others will have new ideas. New business ideas to help and serve people who want progress.

Of all the bets that might pay off, the one to exercise ownership is the easiest one to predict. If you give ownership a shot in this moment of change, something is bound to work out.