AI Won’t Take Your Job—But Someone Using It Might
What really happened when Netflix beat Blockbuster? Was it just about streaming technology—or something deeper? Why did Blockbuster, with thousands of stores and billions in revenue, fail to see the future? Why did Netflix, a scrappy DVD-by-mail startup, become a global entertainment empire? And more importantly: what does this story teach us about the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs, leadership, and survival?
Scott Galloway, NYU professor and tech commentator, famously said:
“AI is not going to take your job. Someone using AI will.”
It’s a quote that demands reflection. Are you the kind of leader who adapts—or one who clings to what worked yesterday? Will your team be empowered by AI, or replaced by those who know how to wield it? These aren’t theoretical questions. They’re the same ones Blockbuster executives ignored while Netflix quietly rewrote the rules.
The Tech Didn’t Kill Blockbuster—Netflix’s Use of It Did
In 2000, Netflix offered to sell itself to Blockbuster for $50 million. Blockbuster laughed them out of the room. They believed their dominance was permanent. But Netflix wasn’t just using new technology—they were using it better. They understood the shift in consumer behavior, the power of data, and the scalability of digital platforms. Blockbuster, meanwhile, doubled down on late fees and physical stores.
By the time Blockbuster tried to catch up, it was too late. Netflix had already built a loyal user base, refined its recommendation engine, and begun producing original content. Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in 2010. Netflix became a household name.
The lesson? Technology doesn’t destroy industries. Refusing to adapt does. And in today’s world, AI is the new streaming. It’s the tool that will separate the next Netflix from the next Blockbuster.
AI Is Already Reshaping San Antonio’s Workforce
In San Antonio, AI isn’t a distant threat—it’s already here. Healthcare systems are using AI for diagnostics and billing. Financial firms rely on it for fraud detection and customer engagement. Sales teams using AI tools are outperforming their peers by up to 40%. Even city government is investing in AI-driven cybersecurity and public services.
Yet many businesses still treat AI like Blockbuster treated streaming: as a novelty, not a necessity. They wait. They hesitate. They hope the old ways will hold. But the numbers say otherwise. AI adoption among Texas businesses jumped from 20% to 36% in just one year. The gap between those who use AI and those who don’t is widening—and fast.
Pop Culture Has Been Warning Us for Years
From Hidden Figures to Iron Man, pop culture has long shown us the power of mastering technology. Dorothy Vaughan didn’t fight the IBM machine—she learned to program it. Tony Stark didn’t fear J.A.R.V.I.S.—he built it to amplify his genius. Even The King’s Speech reminds us that new tech (radio, in that case) creates new expectations—and new skill barriers.
These stories aren’t just entertainment. They’re metaphors for the moment we’re in. AI is the next leap. And the question isn’t whether it will change your job—it’s whether you’ll be the one using it, or the one replaced by someone who does.
The Warrior and the Weapon
Scott Galloway puts it plainly:
“You’re the warrior. This is a weapon.”
AI is not a threat—it’s a tool. But like any tool, its value depends on who’s holding it. Leaders who embrace AI will unlock new levels of productivity, creativity, and insight. Those who ignore it will find themselves outpaced, outmaneuvered, and eventually—out of business.
Take Copilot, for example. It’s not here to replace writers, strategists, or business leaders—it’s here to amplify them. Whether you're drafting an article, analyzing data, or brainstorming a campaign, Copilot is the kind of AI that turns ideas into execution. But only if you use it. The real risk isn’t AI—it’s not using it while your competitors do.
This isn’t just about survival. It’s about leadership. It’s about being the kind of CEO, manager, or entrepreneur who sees the future and moves toward it. In San Antonio, where industries are evolving and competition is fierce, the winners will be those who act now.
Conclusion: Adapt or Be Replaced
Netflix didn’t kill Blockbuster. Blockbuster killed Blockbuster.
AI won’t take your job. But someone using AI will.
The choice is yours. Will you be the company that waits too long, clinging to comfort while the world changes around you? Or will you be the one who sees the shift, embraces the tools, and leads your team into the future?
Start small. Train your team. Experiment daily.
Because in the age of AI, the only thing more dangerous than change—is standing still.
And if your IT support team isn’t helping you explore AI tools, it might be time to find one that does.
