The future of work is being reimagined in the most exciting ways, according to industry leaders who gathered at CES 2026 to discuss the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company, and Hemant Taneja, CEO of General Catalyst, painted an inspiring picture of unprecedented opportunity during a live taping of the All-In podcast.

The numbers tell a remarkable story of innovation accelerating at breathtaking speed. While it took successful company Stripe about 12 years to reach a $100 billion valuation, AI company Anthropic has soared from $60 billion to hundreds of billions in just one year. Taneja enthusiastically predicts we're on the verge of witnessing a new wave of trillion-dollar companies, with Anthropic and OpenAI leading the charge. This isn't just speculation—it's a tangible glimpse into an era of extraordinary technological advancement.

What makes this moment particularly thrilling is how AI is democratizing capabilities that once required massive infrastructure and resources. Companies across every sector now have access to tools that can amplify human potential in ways previously unimaginable. While some enterprises are still weighing their options, the conversation has shifted from "if" to "when" regarding AI adoption.

The transformation extends beyond technology into how we approach our careers and personal development. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, forward-thinking leaders are recognizing it as an invitation to evolve. Taneja offers an empowering reframe: the traditional model of spending 22 years in education followed by 40 years of static work is giving way to something far more dynamic and engaging—lifelong learning.

This shift opens incredible possibilities for continuous growth and reinvention. People now have the opportunity to develop new skills, explore different interests, and pivot throughout their careers in ways that previous generations could only dream about. The emphasis on "skilling and re-skilling" isn't a burden—it's a pathway to staying energized, relevant, and fulfilled throughout one's working life.

Sternfels highlighted the uniquely human qualities that will become even more valuable in an AI-enhanced world: sound judgment, creativity, drive, and passion. These are the characteristics that machines cannot replicate, and they represent the competitive advantage that every person naturally possesses and can cultivate.

The practical application of this vision is already taking shape at McKinsey, where Sternfels expects to have personalized AI agents for every employee by the end of 2026. Rather than reducing headcount, the firm is strategically reallocating talent, increasing client-facing roles by 25 percent. This demonstrates how AI can eliminate mundane tasks and free people to do more meaningful, relationship-driven work.

Calacanis summed it up perfectly: showing chutzpah, drive, and passion will help people stand out and thrive. The message is clear and hopeful—we're entering an era where human creativity and judgment matter more than ever, continuous learning keeps work exciting, and the opportunities for innovation and growth are limitless. The future isn't something to fear; it's something to embrace with enthusiasm and confidence.