August 15, 2025

As artificial intelligence zooms ahead and changes workplaces fast, many think mastering coding or machine learning is the key to success. But Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman offers a spicy twist in this tech tale. In a chat with CNBC’s Closing Bell, he revealed the secret sauce to thriving careers in the AI era isn’t only about tech skills—it’s about sharpening your brain and your people skills! Garman gave his own son a golden piece of advice: "focus on building critical thinking skills in college, no matter your major." He said, "I think part of going to college is building your critical thinking. It’s less about the development of specific skills and more about how you become a critical thinker. In some ways, I think that’s actually going to be the most important skill going forward." Why? Because while AI can spit out great ideas by the bucketload, it’s humans who decide which ideas truly matter. This echoes what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said at Howard University: "AI can generate lots of great ideas, but you still need a human there to say, ‘This is the thing other people want.’" But wait, there’s more! Garman also threw the spotlight on adaptability—the superpower of accepting new tech without fear—and communication skills as equally dazzling tools. Human traits like emotional intelligence and empathy help us connect in ways AI can’t touch. A 2023 Heliyon study backs this up, showing over 40% of top skills in technical fields are those human magic skills like problem-solving, flexibility, and strategic decision-making. USA Today reports that AI may crunch data well, but it can’t build trust or lead teams with heart. Career expert Madeline Mann calls soft skills "highly transferable" and key to climbing the promotion ladder and job happiness. Even LinkedIn agrees—their 2025 Workplace Trends Report names communication as the top must-have skill! So, what’s the big takeaway? For workers and students alike, the best upgrades aren’t just in textbooks or coding bootcamps. Playing strategy games, asking smart questions, and actively looking for feedback sharpen the mind and the spirit. Garman sums it up perfectly: "Those people skills are going to continue to be super important for a long time." In a world where AI is king, your real crown is the human spark—your ability to think deeply, adapt swiftly, and bond warmly. That’s the career magic no machine can match.

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Tags: Amazon web services, Matt garman, Ai, Soft skills, Critical thinking, Career advice,