109. The Future Belongs to Adaptive Expertise

As AI transforms how knowledge workers operate, the challenge isn’t just adopting new tools—it’s rethinking how we learn, adapt, and thrive. In this episode of TECHtonic, TSIA’s Thomas Lah sits down with Dr. Chris Dede, Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Together, they explore the profound shifts AI brings to workplace learning, from immersive simulations that measure real-world skills to the importance of adaptive expertise and unlearning outdated mental models. Chris shares insights from decades of research on technology-enabled learning, highlighting why companies rank so low in workforce reskilling, what exemplars are doing differently, and how organizations can avoid “shiny object syndrome” when embracing AI. If you’re a leader navigating the future of work, or a professional rethinking your own skills, this conversation offers essential guidance for succeeding in an AI-enabled world.