In 1986, I was hired as an underwriter for Farmers Insurance Group in California. Two years later, I was promoted to Personal Lines Underwriting leader, right when the insurance industry faced a monumental shift. Back then, we processed paper-based insurance applications—an often monotonous and repetitive task. That year, we introduced a system called APPS (Application Policy Processing System), which automated basic routines like ordering investigations, coding, and underwriting.
At first, employees were deeply concerned that their jobs would be eliminated. But what happened was the opposite: we upskilled employees, enabling them to take on more challenging and fulfilling work.
Today, as I reflect on those experiences and my journey in writing “The Quantum Leap: Transforming Commerce for the Future,” I see striking parallels with the way AI is reshaping industries now. Just like APPS, AI isn’t coming for your job—it’s coming for inefficiency. But there are things you should focus on to thrive in this new era.
A Lesson from the 1990’s: Automation as Opportunity
When we launched APPS, I and members of my team was responsible for parts of the system’s underwriting rules development and for training insurance agents to use it. By automating tedious processes, agents could focus on clients, and underwriters were freed to tackle complex cases requiring expertise.
The result? Employees adapted, grew, and discovered newfound purpose in their roles. Productivity soared, and the company thrived.
The same opportunity exists with AI today. Instead of replacing workers, AI replaces inefficiency. The key lies in how businesses and employees adapt to this change.
What Should You Be Worried About?
- Falling Behind in Skills The pace of change is faster now than it was in 2004. AI is transforming industries across the board, and those who don’t upskill risk being left behind.
Solution: Learn how AI can enhance your field. For instance, sales professionals are using AI-powered CRMs to predict trends, while in insurance, predictive analytics are reshaping risk assessment. My book, “The Quantum Leap,” explores how companies can stay ahead of these trends.
2. Focusing on Tasks, Not Strategy AI excels at repetitive tasks, but it cannot replace strategic thinking or human creativity.
Solution: Delegate routine work to AI tools and focus on problem-solving, building relationships, and driving innovation. In my book, I discuss how businesses that leverage AI to focus on strategy are leading the charge in transforming their industries.
3. Resisting AI Adoption Some businesses hesitate to adopt AI due to cost, complexity, or fear of disruption. But just like in 1994 with APPS, resistance only delays progress.
Solution: Start small. Tools like my AI Online Toolkit are designed to help businesses automate repetitive processes and enhance decision-making without significant investment or technical expertise.
AI’s True Impact: Empowering, Not Replacing
The story of APPS at Farmers Insurance is a testament to how technology can empower employees. Similarly, AI today:
- Eliminates repetitive tasks: Allowing teams to focus on creative, strategic work.
- Enhances decision-making: By providing real-time, data-driven insights.
- Creates new roles: From AI trainers to data analysts, the opportunities are growing.
The key is to embrace change, adapt, and leverage the tools at your disposal to transform your business and career.
How to Stay Ahead in the AI Era
- Upskill Regularly: Invest in learning AI tools relevant to your field.
- Embrace AI as a Partner: Use AI to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for strategic work.
- Experiment with AI Tools: Platforms like AI Online Toolkit make it easy to integrate AI without requiring deep technical skills.
- Focus on Strategy: Let AI handle routine work while you tackle the big-picture challenges.
In “The Quantum Leap: Transforming Commerce for the Future,” I emphasize that AI is not just a tool—it’s a shift in how we work, think, and innovate. Like APPS in the mid 1990’s, AI is not here to take your job. It’s here to create opportunities.
The real question is: Are you ready to seize them?
👉 Share your thoughts: How is AI impacting your industry? Are you using it to empower your team? Let’s discuss in the comments or connect directly—I’d love to hear from you!
About the Author Toby Reeves is a technology and business leader with over 20 years of experience in AI, SaaS, and information technology. As the CEO of Olympia Point Ventures, LLC and IndyLogic Technologies which recently launched the AI Online Toolkit, he helps businesses leverage AI to streamline operations and drive growth.
Toby’s expertise in AI implementation and security is grounded in a career spanning leadership roles at companies like Farmers Insurance Group and his education in business, information technology management, and AI. His work as legislative leader with the ITC’s AI Business Council seeks to advocate for safe, ethical approaches to AI. He is the author of “The Quantum Leap: Transforming Commerce for the Future,” where he explores the profound impact of AI on business and leadership.
