AI is changing what makes us valuable at work

For years, we've been told to get really good at what we do, work hard, build experience and let the results speak for themselves.

But what happens when AI can suddenly do more of the execution? And if we outsource more of the difficult work to AI, how do we make sure we're still developing the expertise and judgment our careers depend on?

I'm Amber Shand a former Software Engineer, founder of She Bytes Back and speaker exploring what it takes to build a valuable career in the age of AI.

My talks explore the question of how do we use AI to become more capable without outsourcing the very skills that make us valuable?

Get in touch
2.png
5.png
4.png
1.png
3.png
6.png

WHEN EVERYONE CAN EXECUTE, WHAT MAKES YOU VALUABLE?

For decades, one of the safest pieces of career advice has been: become really good at something valuable. But what happens when capabilities that once took years to develop suddenly become dramatically easier to access?

This keynote explores how the value of our skills changes when technology changes what is scarce and why the answer isn't simply “technical skills are dead, soft skills win.”

Your audience will explore:

  • The difference between using AI to extend your expertise and using it to substitute for expertise you haven't developed yet

  • Why judgment becomes difficult to outsource if you're ultimately accountable for the result

  • How to identify the capabilities in your career that could become more valuable as AI improves

Book this talk

DON'T OUTSOURCE YOUR CAREER TO AI

We're obsessed with one question: What can I get AI to do for me?

There's another question we should be asking: What do I still need to learn to do for myself?

This keynote explores the tension between productivity and capability and asks how we can take advantage of AI without accidentally automating away some of the experiences through which expertise is built.

Your audience will explore:

  • The difference between productive friction and pointless friction

  • When AI can accelerate learning and when it can replace the thinking we needed to practise

  • Why being able to evaluate AI output requires knowledge of your own

Book this talk

YOUR WORK DOESN'T SPEAK FOR ITSELF (ESPECIALLY NOW)

Doing great work matters, we know that already. But great work that nobody knows about has always had limited reach and in a world where AI makes competent output easier to produce, understanding what someone uniquely contributes becomes even more important.

This isn't a talk about becoming a LinkedIn influencer, it's about reputation.

Your audience will explore:

  • How to communicate your contribution when AI is increasingly part of how work gets produced

  • How relationships and networks create opportunities that performance alone can't guarantee

  • How to build visibility in a way that actually feels like you

Book this talk

WATCH AMBER IN ACTION

TESTIMONIALS

  • “I've had the pleasure of having Amber speak at multiple codebar events, and she stands out as one of my all-time favourites. Her ability to connect with the audience on a personal level through warmth and honesty is truly exceptional. Amber effortlessly builds rapport, making everyone feel valued and understood. Her authenticity not only captivates but also earns trust and credibility. I couldn't recommend her enough!”

    Kimberley Cook, codebar

  • “Amber joined our conference as one of eight speakers and opened the event in 2023. Her talk was exactly what everyone wanted, presented professionally and with care and character. Amber is a wonderfully smiley and positive person and it was a pleasure to get to know her briefly over the days of the event.”

    Remy Sharp, ffconf

  • “What can you say about Amber that isn’t self-evident the first moment you meet her? She is a whirlwind of positivity – smart, energetic, charismatic – and, boy, can she present / perform. I know it’s not always been easy for her but she knows her stuff, and is a shining example to all young people of what you can achieve when you pursue your goals with passion, dedication and genuine generosity of spirit. Go Amber!”

    Pete Martin, Always Be Content

  • “A really engaging presentation demonstrating to those in your previous shoes what they can achieve. Personal stories are always really engaging, that together with insight on what you learnt, and your hints and tips were highly valuable to those on the WiT programme, and also to those like me hiring early careers apprentices and career changers. A super insightful and engaging presentation, with an added dash of spark and humour along the way!”

    Rob Mettler, PA Consulting

  • “Having Amber as a speaker at our recent The Tech Sisterhood “Leading Women in Tech” panel was an absolute pleasure. Her insights and experiences within the tech industry, particularly her advocacy for women, were inspiring & deeply resonant with our audience. Amber’s capability to articulate complex concepts in an approachable manner was exceptionally impressive. And her commitment to empowering women in the industry, through her initiatives like ‘Own Your Wins,’ stands as a testament to her leadership and dedication to making a substantial difference in what DEI looks like within tech.”

    Hannah Fisayo, Outbrain

  • “Amber spoke at the Triangirls 'Personal Retrospective' event about how to make personal goals and stick to them. Throughout the planning and build up to the event Amber was super responsive and proactive in her comms, and took on board our feedback to tweak her talk to have the biggest impact with our audience. On the night itself Amber's presence on stage was incredible. She is a NATURAL public speaker and had the room in the palm of her hand; we laughed and we learned tonnes! If you're considering booking Amber to speak at your event do it!!! She's a pro and I hope that I can collab with her again asap!”

    Rachael Grocott, Graphy

IS YOUR EVENT CRYING OUT FOR A BURST OF ENERGY?

Let Amber inspire and educate your audience in a refreshingly different way to make your event one to remember.

Complete booking form

SHE BYTES BACK

Amber founded She Bytes Back which hosts regular in-person events for women in technology to build connections, break down barriers and create opportunities.

Come to an event

SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTS

  • Click Start Campaign

    Worked to produce an advert with the Institute of Coding for their nationwide digital skills training programme.

  • BBC Radio 1Xtra

    Amber was invited to speak on Richie Brave’s 1Xtra Talks on “should we be scared of Artificial Intelligence?”

  • Talks & workshops

    Amber delivers motivational talks and workshops on a range of topics for companies, conferences, and community events.

  • PwC's Black Tech Talent

    Amber was invited to PwC’s Black Tech Talent series on LinkedIn where she spoke about her experience being a black woman in tech and more.