Coffee with Kim Leverage AI at Work with Ian Barkin
Mar 13, 2026
Ian Barkin, an AI product and automation expert and LinkedIn Learning instructor who helps organizations design AI-augmented workflows. He breaks down conversational AI versus agents. He discusses which human skills will matter most. He explains how to prepare workflows for AI and warns against shiny-tool syndrome. He shares practical ways to learn, prototype, and treat AI like a supervised intern.
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AI Threatens Entry Level Skill Development
- Entry-level roles that teach judgment and craft are most at risk of being reduced by AI.
- Ian notes firms cut intern headcount because remaining interns get supercharged, threatening career ladders and on-the-job learning.
Make Workflows AI Ready First
- Map and document workflows at an atomic level before adding AI so you don't just automate bad processes.
- Ian says most organizations are not AI ready and warns against 'paving cow paths' by replacing steps without redesigning flows.
Donāt Be Seduced By Shiny AI Tools
- Avoid chasing every shiny AI tool; focus on problem-first solutions not tool-first fixes.
- Ian uses the treadmill metaphor: buying a tool doesn't solve the problem without process and habit changes.