AI Disruption to Replace 19 Million Jobs, But 39 Million New Ones Are Coming
Guylaine Saint Juste, CEO of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), is calling on Black professionals to fully embrace the rise of artificial intelligence. Speaking at the 2025 NABA Convention in Las Vegas, she highlighted that over 19 million jobs are expected to be disrupted by AI.
However, she emphasized the opportunity ahead. “There are 39 million new jobs coming,” she said. “Why fight for the 19 million when we can prepare for the 39?” Her message was clear — AI is not just replacing work; it’s also creating it.
Black Professionals Must Not Miss the AI Revolution
Saint Juste compared today’s shift to past industrial revolutions, where Black communities were often left behind. “We missed the first two revolutions,” she said. “But this time, I want us to be in it, learning and adapting before it passes us by.”
She believes the key is adopting new mindsets. Owning the moment, staying curious, and accepting change are critical. “We can’t sit in one place and say, ‘This is what I know, and I’ll just stick with it.’ The future is coming whether we like it or not.”
New Skills Are the Future — Not Just Technical Expertise
According to Saint Juste, today’s job market isn’t just about technical skills. She pointed out that many industries, including finance, now prioritize skills like critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and AI understanding.
“True collaboration and the ability to work with machines are what the future demands,” she said. “That’s what companies are looking for — not just accountants, but thinkers who adapt.”
Demystifying AI for the Black Community
Saint Juste noted that fear of new technology has often kept people from progress. She recalled being afraid to use ATMs when they first came out. Now, she says, people use them without a second thought. The same, she believes, must happen with AI.
“We need to be in it, be curious, learn, adopt, adapt,” she said. “It will create fortunes if we go with it. But it could also eliminate us if we ignore it.”
The Future Belongs to Those Who Move with Culture, Innovation, and Talent
She wrapped her message around three ideas — culture, innovation, and talent. Companies need workers who understand technology and who are ready to engage and evolve with it. For her, this is where NABA belongs — helping Black professionals stay at the center of global change.
“This is our moment,” Saint Juste said. “As Black people, we are bold and beautiful. Let’s lead.”
