Are you ready for a world where your knowledge job could disappear overnight?
In this explosive conversation, Matt Stewart and Sean Phelps dive in with Jerome Stewart and Darius Mirshahzadeh to uncover the pace, risks, and surprising opportunities behind the AI upheaval transforming every industry. These world-recognized AI experts cut through the hype to reveal who wins, who gets left behind, and the essential skillsets you need right now.
This episode delivers the raw, practical playbook for adapting and thriving in the new AI-first era. Miss this, and you risk getting locked out of tomorrow’s job market or watching your business fade away. Catch it now for exclusive strategies you won’t hear anywhere else, and get the jump on everyone still waiting for things to settle.
Timestamped Highlights
00:48 – Why 2026 is a shock year for AI advances and productivity
04:04 – The jaw-dropping moment AI replaced work in seconds
06:08 – Brutal reality: Should most knowledge work even be done by humans?
09:45 – Handshake skills and the surprising future of sales in an AI world
12:19 – The new knowledge work that 20-somethings must master to stand out
14:06 – How hiring has flipped: Entry-level jobs and unemployment decoded
18:13 – Why anyone can become an AI builder in just months
27:12 – Physical jobs, digital robots, and training tomorrow’s workforce
45:25 – The Internet moment: Why even a small AI adoption triggers wipeout
About The Guest
Jerome Stewart is a recognized expert in artificial intelligence and business process optimization, known for his hands-on approach to leveraging AI for 2x and even 3x productivity gains. As a leader with the White Feathers Group, Jerome Stewart dives deep into marketing, workflow automation, and the transformative power of large language models like Claude. He has a knack for demystifying emerging technology, training teams, and encouraging young professionals to lean into AI-driven change. Jerome Stewart also champions the importance of human connection, emphasizing skills like discernment and relationship-building that AI can’t replace.
🔗 LinkedIn | Website
Darius Mirshahzadeh is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and business leader. He is the chairman of AI It and the host of The Greatness Machine podcast. Featured by Fortune magazine as an AI expert, he specializes in helping organizations automate knowledge work and redefine their tech stacks using AI-first strategies. He is known for his candid assessments of the job market, his ability to break down complex trends, and his passion for building teams skilled in automation platforms and agent-building. With a focus on practical implementation, Darius Mirshahzadeh is a leading voice at the intersection of leadership, automation, and future-of-work innovation.
🔗 LinkedIn | Podcast
Mentioned Resources
Important Links
The Edge of Excellence is an original podcast hosted by Matthew Stewart. Brought to you by College Works. Production and editing by Podcast Your Brand.
