Amid growing fears that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace millions of jobs, the real challenge for professionals is not technology itself but how people choose to respond to it, said Mridula Ramesh, Founder, Sundaram Climate Institute & Executive Director, Sundaram Textiles Ltd.
Anxiety around AI today mirrors earlier fears about automation in industries such as textiles, she said while addressing at the MMA Women Managers’ Convention 2026 on the topic Women Leading with Purpose, Power & Generosity, on Saturday. businessline is the media partner for the event.
Ten years ago, many in the textile industry worried that robots would take away jobs and shift manufacturing back to countries like the US. However, the industry did not vanish. It evolved. Companies gradually integrated automation into production while workers adapted by developing new skills. The same pattern is likely with AI, she said.
Mridula Ramesh argued that several core capabilities that define effective managers cannot be replicated by machines. These include the ability to handle difficult people, motivate teams, build trust and navigate uncertainty.
For instance, in a company, there will always be challenging personalities and unexpected situations. The ability to manage people and build trust is something AI cannot take away, she said.
In uncertain environments — particularly after the disruptions seen globally over the last few years — human judgement and adaptability remain critical, she said.
“AI systems are not infallible. Sometimes you ask a chatbot a question and it gives you a completely wrong answer. At that moment, you realise why human judgement still matters,” she she added.
For professionals worried about technological disruption, she said the key lies in shifting mindset — from seeing oneself as a victim of change to recognising one’s ability to adapt.
“Instead of asking, why is this happening to me? the more powerful question is’ Given that this is happening, what can I do?’, she said.
Published on March 14, 2026
