BECOME AN INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR Over the past few months, I've seen several friends and ex-colleagues proactively move from leadership (manager or managers-of-managers) roles at non-AI companies to IC (individual contributo) roles at AI-native companies. While this might seem counter-intuitive and maybe even a career negative, I believe it's the right career move for leaders who want to move into AI. Every AI-native company is looking for leaders with AI native experience. If someone stays a mid-level manager in a non-AI role, they will not build the hands-on AI experience they need to become an effective AI leader. Even a couple years of IC work in an AI native environment will give them confidence and the optionality to either continue down the IC route or go back down the managerial path, now armed with real AI building experience and so a much better manager. Many AI companies are growing so fast that you might even get a "battlefield" promotion to people manager sooner than later, esp if you have prior management experience. Leaders / people managers in non-AI roles: If you're feeling stuck, please consider interviewing for and moving into an IC role at an AI company. It'll be lots of fun, plus you'll build durable skills you will use for the next several decades.