KPMG's AI Strategy Starts With Human Skills, Not Technology
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- Leadership Strategies KPMG's AI Strategy Starts With Human Skills, Not Technology By Dr.
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- KPMG's AI Strategy Starts With Human Skills, Not TechnologyGetty ImagesAs organizations race to adopt AI, many leaders are focusing on investing in technology.
Leadership Strategies KPMG's AI Strategy Starts With Human Skills, Not Technology By Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Curiosity expert improving engagement, innovation, and productivity.Follow Author Jul 02, 2026, 03:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary KPMG's Rema Serafi advises organizations adopting AI to "lead with people, not technology." She argues that while many invest in software, AI's true value hinges on human capabilities like judgment, curiosity, and communication. Competitive advantage now stems from developing human skills to use AI wisely, rather than just tech access. As AI handles routine tasks, critical thinking, relationship building, and strategic advice become paramount. KPMG fosters these through tools like TaxSIM for realistic simulations and a "Think, Prompt, Check" framework, empowering professionals to critically engage with AI. Investing in human skills is crucial for future leadership and leveraging AI's full potential.
KPMG's AI Strategy Starts With Human Skills, Not TechnologyGetty ImagesAs organizations race to adopt AI, many leaders are focusing on investing in technology. I recently interviewed KPMG U.S. Vice Chair of Tax Rema Serafi, who suggested they may be starting in the wrong place. Her advice was something I believe many leaders have heard but have not fully embraced. She said, "Don't lead with technology. Lead with people." As organizations focus on software, platforms, and automation, many are overlooking the human capabilities that determine whether AI actually creates value. Organizations can invest millions of dollars in the latest tools, but those investments will have limited impact if employees lack the judgment, curiosity, communication skills, and confidence to use them effectively. Competitive advantage is becoming less about who has access to AI and more about who develops the human skills to use AI wisely. Technology may make work faster, but human skills determine whether organizations make better decisions, build stronger client relationships, and continue innovating as AI evolves. The future of work may depend less on which AI platform an organization chooses and more on how successfully it prepares people to work alongside technology.