How Does Humanity Fit into an AI World?
Nov 5, 2025
How Does Humanity Fit into an AI World?
Reflections from a Real Estate Convention and Beyond
Introduction: An Unexpected Encounter in Nashville
Last week . I found myself at a bustling real estate convention in Nashville, eager to learn about the latest trends shaping the industry. The keynote presenter, a well-known sales trainer showed up on two big screens with an energetic stride and a mischievous glint in his eye. “Let me introduce my team,” he said, gesturing toward a large screen. Suddenly, faces appeared: an administrator, a sales manager, and an entire multilingual sales force. But there was something curious about them. Their smiles were just a bit too perfect, their accents seamless, their responses instant. It dawned on us—these were not real people. The presenter had assembled his team entirely from AI-created avatars, each programmed to interact with customers around the globe in different languages, manage paperwork, and even negotiate deals.
Spotting AI: Can You Tell Who’s Human?
As the audience watched the demonstration, a quiet sense of awe—and a touch of discomfort—settled in. The avatars fielded questions with uncanny precision. Some attendees leaned closer, trying to spot a glitch or an unnatural pause. Yet, with each answer, it became harder to distinguish the AI figures from genuine humans. The line between reality and simulation blurred. I overheard someone whisper, “I wouldn’t know the difference if I got a call from one of them.” The experience left many of us wondering: In a world where AI can mimic human behavior so convincingly, how do we know who (or what) we’re really interacting with?
The Presenter’s Perspective: AI as the ‘Wild Wild West’
After the demonstration, the presenter chuckled and called the current AI landscape “the wild wild west.” He described a world full of opportunity, unpredictability, and rapid change—where rules are still being written and pioneers can make their mark. His advice was clear: “Don’t fear AI. Embrace it, explore it, and let it work for you.” He encouraged us to experiment, automate repetitive tasks, and free ourselves for more creative and strategic work. There was optimism in his voice, but also an acknowledgment that the transition wouldn’t be easy for everyone.
Personal Reflection: Wrestling with Relevance
As I walked out of the convention hall, the excitement lingered, but so did a knot of unease. If AI avatars can replace entire teams, where does that leave me—and millions of others whose jobs hinge on personal connection, expertise, and experience? I found myself reflecting on recent conversations with retired colleagues and senior mentors. Many expressed relief at having left the workforce before these seismic changes, while others voiced worries about becoming obsolete. One friend joked, “Maybe it’s time to teach my grandchildren how to reboot a robot instead of how to shake hands.”
The sense of relevance—of mattering in a rapidly changing world—has always been a deeply human concern. Now, with AI’s rise, it feels particularly urgent. Is there still a place for empathy, intuition, and the subtle art of reading between the lines when machines can perform so much with such ease?
Humanity’s Place: Opportunity or Challenge?
The broader question, then, is not just about jobs, but about identity and purpose. Avatars and robots can handle transactions, organize schedules, and communicate in any language. But can they comfort a nervous first-time homebuyer or offer ethical guidance in complex situations? AI opens doors to efficiency and global reach, but it also challenges us to redefine what truly makes us valuable. For professionals, embracing AI might mean shifting focus from routine tasks to building deeper relationships and providing nuanced expertise that machines can’t replicate—at least, not yet.
Science Fiction Becomes Reality: Existential Questions
Walking through the convention, it struck me that what felt like science fiction a decade ago is now everyday reality. Avatars and robots aren’t just tools; they’re colleagues, competitors, and sometimes even replacements. This raises existential questions: If machines can do our jobs, what’s left for us? Should we fear being replaced, or reinvent ourselves to work alongside technology? The challenge is real, but so is the chance to evolve. Perhaps the future will belong to those who blend human strengths—creativity, empathy, critical thinking—with the power of AI.
Conclusion: Balancing Optimism and Caution
The Nashville convention offered a glimpse into a future where AI is not just a distant possibility, but a present reality. The presenter’s avatars may have blurred the line between human and machine, but they also reminded us of the importance of adaptation. To remain relevant, we must be willing to learn, collaborate, and leverage technology—without losing sight of our humanity. The road ahead is both exciting and uncertain, but by balancing optimism with thoughtful caution, we can carve out meaningful roles in an AI world. After all, the human touch may be more vital than ever.
Written by: Hans Hansson
Hans Hansson is the President of Starboard Commercial Real Estate. Hans has been an active broker for over 35 years in the San Francisco Bay Area and specializes in office leasing and investments. If you have any questions or comments please email [email protected] or call him at (415) 765-6897. You may also check out his website, https://www.hanshansson.com