IBM talent exec says it's better to be a specialist, not a generalist, in the AI era

Aparna Nair said that "the world of generalists is long gone." : Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images "The world of generalists is long gone," said IBM's chief talent, leadership, and culture officer. Aparna Nair said IBM's clients aren't expecting general advice; they're looking for deep expertise. She said even if workers wear many hats, they still need extensive knowledge about their specialty. It's a hotly debated question: Is it better to be an expert or a generalist in the AI era? For Aparna Nair, IBM's chief talent, leadership, and culture officer, there's no debate. She said she doesn't think generalists alone "will cut it" in the workforce in the AI era. "The world of generalists is long gone," Nair said. Aparna Nair is IBM's chief talent, leadership, and culture officer.