Executive Function in the Age of AI

I started my career in consulting in the days in Australia, when I had to jump on trains and trams to hand-deliver a USB containing the financial results of a large bank before they were publicly released.

Yes, we had email.

But we rarely had internet connection.

Looking back now, I shudder at the thought of my 22-year-old self, fresh out of university, walking around with market-moving, non-public information in my handbag.

It's safe to say I've had a front-row seat to how technology has transformed the workplace over the past 20+ years.

Now everyone is talking about AI replacing jobs.

Meanwhile, I've found myself focused on:

What skills become more valuable when information is no longer scarce?

I'm sure some of you think i'm about to say baking.

Personally, I'm hoping the day AI can perfectly bake one of my chiffon cakes is still a long way off.

The reality is, I'm thinking about executive function.

The ability to:
- Break a complex problem into smaller pieces
- Decide what to do first
- Stay focused when the answer isn't obvious
- Adapt when new information emerges
- Persist when the first solution doesn't work

AI can generate ideas. Summarize reports. Write a first draft.

What it can't do is decide which problem is worth solving, navigate ambiguity when sitting in a meeting room with your client, or build resilience when your client confronts you for things not going according to plan.

Those are deeply human skills.

As AI becomes more capable, I believe executive function skills become even more valuable.

Which brings me back to children.

If planning, judgement, focus, persistence, and problem-solving are going to be some of the most valuable skills int he future, shouldn't we be giving children more opportunity to practice them today?

That's why I created the Allegra Bakes series.

Not because I want every child to become a baker.

But because every recipe is an opportunity to plan, sequence, adapt, and persevere.