Are You Ready for the AI Career Shake-Up? Conversation with Nikki Smith
Sun Dec 07 2025
Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but what's actually happening out there for real people in real workplaces? In this episode, I'm chatting with career coach Nikki Smith, who works with people at career crossroads every single day.
And here's the thing - the conversation went in directions I totally wasn't expecting!
We dive into why burnout is still lingering post-COVID, how portfolio careers are becoming the new normal, and why your "people strengths" might actually be your superpower in an AI-dominated world. Plus, Nikki shares the absolute game-changer approach she's teaching her teenage daughters about work that none of us learnt at school!
If you're feeling exhausted at the thought of learning yet another new technology, frustrated with return-to-office mandates, or secretly wondering if it's time to explore something completely different - this conversation is for you. It's practical, hopeful, and refreshingly honest about the messiness of modern work life.
What You'll Learn:
Why people are still running on a deficit from COVID (hint: it's not just in your head!)The portfolio career revolution - and why Nikki's coaching almost everyone towards this nowHow to make AI work for you instead of replacing you (spoiler: start with the tasks you hate!)Why "outcomes over hours" might be the key to reclaiming your lifeThe human strengths that AI can't touch (empathy, connection, creativity - your time to shine!)Strategic effort: teaching our kids (and ourselves) that we don't need to excel at everythingHow to find the good in a "bridge role" when your industry gets disruptedResources Mentioned:
I’ve recommend Nikki to loads of friends, and family and members in my programs over the years. She’s brilliant at what she does. And I love that she’s doubling down on helping people uncover their strengths and design a role or portfolio career that works for them.
This is her FREE portfolio career masterclass
And a link to have a FREE 15 minute chat with Nikki to explore what is possible for you.
If you want the strengths code for $44 that she mentioned on our chat, just email nikki@nikkismithcoach.com
Connect With Lisa:
Website: https://lisacorduff.com/
Instagram: @lisacorduff
Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack
Know someone who would love this episode?
Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)
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Everyone's talking about AI replacing jobs, but what's actually happening out there for real people in real workplaces? In this episode, I'm chatting with career coach Nikki Smith, who works with people at career crossroads every single day. And here's the thing - the conversation went in directions I totally wasn't expecting! We dive into why burnout is still lingering post-COVID, how portfolio careers are becoming the new normal, and why your "people strengths" might actually be your superpower in an AI-dominated world. Plus, Nikki shares the absolute game-changer approach she's teaching her teenage daughters about work that none of us learnt at school! If you're feeling exhausted at the thought of learning yet another new technology, frustrated with return-to-office mandates, or secretly wondering if it's time to explore something completely different - this conversation is for you. It's practical, hopeful, and refreshingly honest about the messiness of modern work life. What You'll Learn: Why people are still running on a deficit from COVID (hint: it's not just in your head!)The portfolio career revolution - and why Nikki's coaching almost everyone towards this nowHow to make AI work for you instead of replacing you (spoiler: start with the tasks you hate!)Why "outcomes over hours" might be the key to reclaiming your lifeThe human strengths that AI can't touch (empathy, connection, creativity - your time to shine!)Strategic effort: teaching our kids (and ourselves) that we don't need to excel at everythingHow to find the good in a "bridge role" when your industry gets disruptedResources Mentioned: I’ve recommend Nikki to loads of friends, and family and members in my programs over the years. She’s brilliant at what she does. And I love that she’s doubling down on helping people uncover their strengths and design a role or portfolio career that works for them. This is her FREE portfolio career masterclass And a link to have a FREE 15 minute chat with Nikki to explore what is possible for you. If you want the strengths code for $44 that she mentioned on our chat, just email nikki@nikkismithcoach.com Connect With Lisa: Website: https://lisacorduff.com/ Instagram: @lisacorduff Continue your conversation with Lisa on Substack Know someone who would love this episode? Share it with them here (um, and a hefty handful of stars would be greatly appreciated!)