During an Interview for the Positon Digital Transformation, I was asked three questions about the EU AI Act.. I said: I don’t know – but I know how to ask Perplexity. That got me branded ‘too risky.’ So I withdrew my application. And sent my Custom GPT about the AI Act instead. That’s not insolence—it’s modern skill. We don’t need memorized consultants. We need navigators.
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Recently, I had an interview experience for a Digital Transformation Manager position that sparked some reflections on how we assess expertise in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
During the interview, I was unexpectedly asked detailed questions about the EU AI Act – information readily accessible through modern AI tools. While I understand the importance of awareness, my response highlighted a key principle of digital transformation: leveraging AI for rapid access to complex information. My suggestion to use tools like Perplexity for immediate answers was met with the opinion that AI wasn’t “necessary” for digital transformation.
This felt like a missed opportunity to discuss strategic application of AI, rather than rote memorization. As someone certified in Digital Transformation, Chief Digital Officer roles, and Digital Business Innovation, I believe true proficiency lies not in knowing every detail by heart, but in understanding how to effectively harness powerful tools, including AI, to achieve business objectives and drive change.
Here is the URL to the custom GPT: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-686d507b32b08191b385674fa0667034-eu-ai-act
Given the disconnect between my vision for digital transformation and the interview’s focus, I decided to withdraw from the interview process. My professional rejection letter wasn’t just a polite decline; it was a demonstration of this very principle. I shared a custom GPT I quickly developed on the EU AI Act, showcasing how AI can provide instant, accurate answers to complex regulatory questions.
Please note: This custom GPT is a prototype and has not been reviewed for accuracy or completeness. It is intended solely as a proof of concept to demonstrate the potential of AI, and should not be used in an active business environment or for making critical decisions. This prototype illustrates the immediate value and efficiency AI brings, especially in dynamic fields like digital transformation.
My message was clear: In the age of AI, interviews that test memorization of readily available information might be overlooking a more crucial skill – the ability to strategically integrate and leverage AI for efficiency, precision, and effective change management. Digital transformation is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about fundamentally rethinking processes and empowering teams with intelligent tools.
AI is not a luxury; it’s an essential enabler for any successful transformation or change initiative. It enhances efficiency, provides quick access to vast knowledge, and empowers decision-making, which is precisely what’s needed to navigate complex organizational shifts.
I remain confident that forward-thinking organizations will recognize that true digital transformation leadership embraces the strategic integration of AI to unlock new levels of performance and adaptability.
