It’s impossible to ignore the dramatic rise of artificial intelligence and how it’s changing the way we work. There’s a kind of thrill in watching these seismic shifts play out in real time. AI is making information more accessible than ever, and it feels like anyone can become an expert overnight. But as someone who’s spent her career championing the stories and successes of women in tech, I’m seeing another side of this story: the mounting pressure to keep up, to understand, and to perform, even when we’re not sure we have all the answers.
Let’s be honest, AI is everywhere, and the expectation to be “AI-savvy” is growing, especially for working women juggling already-packed schedules. The reality? Not everyone feels comfortable admitting what they don’t know. A new LinkedIn report shows that one in three Aussies (37%) believe the current pace of technological change isn’t sustainable for their wellbeing. Even more telling, our younger generations, like Gen Z and Millennials, are twice as likely to exaggerate or even fib about their AI skills at work, compared to their older colleagues. If you’ve ever felt that twinge of impostor syndrome or worried that you should know more about AI than you do, you’re definitely not alone.
We’re also seeing this conversation bubble up in unique ways online. Globally, there’s been a 60% increase on LinkedIn alone in posts about feeling overwhelmed and navigating the relentless pace of change. Add to that a 29% surge in AI-related posts, and you have a workforce that’s both excited by opportunity and quietly battling anxiety about staying relevant.
So, what’s the antidote to this pressure cooker of expectations and the myth that we have to go it alone? For me, and for so many women I speak to, the answer is simple: look to your network. There’s something beautifully “Aussie” about how we tackle challenges, when things get tough, we lean on our mates. We value collaboration, honesty, and a willingness to lift each other up.
LinkedIn Career Expert tips on how to grow confidence through your network
1. Be Honest About What You Don’t Know
We gain so much more when we admit what we’re still learning. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those in your circle and ask, “How did you get comfortable using AI tools in your work?” or, “Which resources did you find most helpful?” Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it’s the doorway to authentic growth and useful support.
2. Expand Beyond Your Immediate Circle
Don’t limit your learning to the people you already know. The digital age makes it easier than ever to connect with creators, industry leaders, and fellow professionals who are generously sharing their advice on AI, career strategy, entrepreneurship, and more. New LinkedIn Shows, like AI in Action, Founder’s Blueprint, Small Business Builders, or The CEO Playbook, are brimming with insights that make learning less overwhelming and more actionable for your goals.
3. Take the Wheel of Your Own Upskilling
Yes, networking and community matter but you’re in the driver’s seat of your own growth. Take advantage of free LinkedIn Learning courses like Nano Tips for Effective Networking at Work or Super Connecting: The Secret of Professional Networking. And keep your eyes peeled for live events like LinkedIn’s AI in Work Day on September 30, which promises a practical roadmap for integrating AI into your everyday. To sign up for more information, click here.
4. Protect Your Wellbeing While You Grow
It’s easy to forget that upskilling should empower, not exhaust. Set boundaries around your learning, take breaks, and remember that you don’t have to master everything at once. It’s okay to say “not yet” instead of “not ever.”
The Bottom Line
AI may be reshaping the world at breakneck speed, but the wisdom to navigate it comes from each other. As information becomes a commodity, it’s our communities, our colleagues, mentors, and friends, who help us filter the noise and make confident choices. So next time you feel pressure to know it all, remember: the secret to thriving isn’t just in algorithms or upskilling, but in the uniquely Aussie instinct to lean on your network and grow together.
Here’s to making space for honesty, support, and that unbeatable sense of “we’ve got this” because we’re stronger, and smarter, together.