Amazon Web Services CEO Urges Critical Thinking Skills for AI Age Success

Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman believes that contrary to popular belief, workers don't need machine learning degrees or technical skills to succeed in the AI age. Instead, employers will prioritize hiring workers with "soft skills" like creativity and adaptability. Garman advises his own child to develop critical thinking skills in college, which he believes will be the most important skill in the age of AI. Critical thinking skills will allow workers to generate new ideas and make nuanced judgments, making them valuable assets in the workplace.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman recently shared his perspective on the future of work in the AI age, emphasizing the importance of soft skills over technical degrees. Garman advises prioritizing critical thinking skills, which he believes will be essential for workers to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. This shift in focus underscores a broader trend in the job market, where employers are increasingly seeking adaptability and creativity alongside technical proficiency.

According to a report by Flexa, 52% of Generation Z job seekers are prioritizing "growth mindset" roles that offer personal development opportunities [1]. This trend is driven by the changing nature of work due to AI, which is automating low-level, repetitive tasks and altering the skill requirements for new roles. Flexa found a 240% increase in job searches for roles offering learning and development benefits since the start of 2025, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptability [1].

Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, CEO of Cambridge Spark, agrees that the most in-demand AI skills go beyond coding. He emphasizes the critical role of human intelligence in shaping the future of technology, particularly skills like entrepreneurial mindset, learning agility, critical thinking, data and AI fluency, and systems thinking [2]. These skills are not only teachable but also essential for employees to navigate the AI-integrated workplace effectively.

In a 2025 article, Timothy E. Reed highlights the foundational role of debate skills in AI adoption. Debate-trained professionals excel at crafting precise queries, navigating biases, and bridging the gap between technical outputs and strategic objectives [3]. This perspective aligns with Garman's view that critical thinking skills will be crucial for workers to refine AI outputs, address inherent biases, and drive more informed decision-making.

As AI continues to reshape job roles and workflows, organizations are recognizing the need to upskill their workforce. Employers who invest in training will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent amid these changes [1]. The focus on critical thinking and adaptability reflects a broader shift in the job market, where employers are seeking employees who can generate new ideas, make nuanced judgments, and thrive in a dynamic environment.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/half-gen-z-workers-want-101500512.html
[2] https://www.cambridgespark.com/blog/why-the-most-important-ai-skills-combine-technical-mastery-and-human-intelligence
[3] https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2025/08/debate-skills-for-ai/