Article by: Kori Ashton

The message from top CEOs is louder than ever: embrace AI tools—or risk becoming irrelevant.

According to a recent Inc. Magazine article, leaders like Tobi Lütke (Shopify) and Micha Kaufman (Fiverr) are urging their teams to actively upskill in AI, making it a measurable part of performance reviews. The urgency is clear: companies are moving quickly, and employees who lag behind in adopting AI tools could find themselves left behind.

This is not just a tech sector phenomenon. Across industries, companies are integrating AI to optimize operations, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in a global market that rewards innovation. The future workforce will not be defined solely by traditional skills, but by the ability to collaborate with and leverage AI tools effectively.

Texas Companies Leading the AI Charge

Texas is positioning itself at the forefront of AI integration, with companies across the state showcasing real-world applications of artificial intelligence:

• Apple and Nvidia: Both tech giants are building AI-focused manufacturing facilities in Houston, setting the stage for the city to become a major hub for AI-driven industries. (Houston Chronicle)
• Texas A&M and EnerSys: These two organizations collaborated to create an AI-powered multiplayer game to simulate pipeline safety training. The technology helps employees practice real-world emergency scenarios safely and effectively. (Midland Reporter-Telegram)
• 3 Men Movers: This Houston-based moving company uses AI to optimize their operations, from route planning to safety improvements. By integrating AI, they have enhanced efficiency and reduced liability. (Business Insider)
• University Health’s Breast Center: In San Antonio, the Breast Center is using AI technology to assist radiologists in identifying areas of concern in mammograms, helping to improve early detection rates. (San Antonio Express-News)
• Austin Energy and Pano AI: This partnership is leveraging AI for early wildfire detection in Central Texas, helping to protect communities and critical infrastructure. (Axios)

These examples show that AI is not a distant concept—it is already embedded in industries like energy, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing across Texas.

Why the Urgency?

Historically, technological shifts like the Industrial Revolution or the rise of the internet created massive opportunities for those willing to adapt. AI is the next major shift. Unlike past revolutions, though, AI is evolving at an accelerated pace. What was cutting-edge last year can quickly become obsolete.

Companies are no longer offering lengthy grace periods for employees to catch up. As the Inc. article notes, some organizations are formally incorporating AI usage into job performance evaluations. Productivity, innovation, and efficiency are no longer enough—knowing how to harness AI will soon be a baseline expectation for any role.

How Employees Can Upskill Quickly

If you are wondering where to begin, the good news is that there are accessible ways to upskill rapidly:

• Master Prompting: Learn how to use AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to generate ideas, organize information, and automate repetitive tasks. Prompt engineering is becoming a critical skill.
• Get Certified: Platforms like Google’s AI Essentials, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera offer short, practical courses to build foundational knowledge in AI tools and ethics.
• Enroll in a University Course: Many local universities and community colleges across Texas now offer AI-focused certification programs. Check nearby institutions like UT Austin, Texas A&M, or your regional university for short-term courses (a few weeks) designed to build real-world AI skills at a fraction of the cost too.
• Automate One Task: Identify one repetitive task you handle weekly. Research if it can be automated with AI. Starting small can build confidence and demonstrate value to your team.
• Stay Informed: Subscribe to AI-focused newsletters, attend webinars, or join AI learning communities. Staying ahead of trends ensures you are prepared for the next evolution.
• Experiment Safely: Set up a “sandbox” where you can test different AI tools without risk to critical operations. Practice integrating AI into your workflows without fear of making mistakes.

The Road Ahead

Texas is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in AI adoption, blending a strong entrepreneurial spirit with major investments from tech giants and universities. But leadership will not come automatically—it will be built by those who choose to embrace change, adapt quickly, and innovate boldly.

The companies leading tomorrow will be built by employees who are building today—with AI in their toolbox.

Now is the time to adapt. Now is the time to learn. The future is already here. The only question left is: will you move with it?