Listen to the audio version: https://manchestermbavoices.transistor.fm/episodes/ai-strategy-and-the-future-of-work-dr-reza-salehnajad-on-what-future-leaders-need-to-know This episode, past guest Armaan takes over from co-host Riya to sit down with Professor Reza, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, to explore the big ideas that shape business, leadership and economic progress. Drawing on nearly two decades of teaching, Reza shares how his fascination with economics began, why questions of growth and prosperity continue to inspire him, and how strategy helps leaders make sense of an increasingly complex world. The conversation explores the future of work in the age of AI, why technology automates tasks rather than jobs, and what business leaders need to understand about managing through technological change. Reza also discusses the role of strategic thinking, the importance of managerial attention, and why frameworks remain essential tools for navigating uncertainty. For anyone considering an MBA, Reza then offers his perspective on what separates exceptional MBA students from the rest, how business education develops strategic thinkers, and why learning to combine experience with theory can transform the way leaders see the world. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Meet Dr Reza Salehnajad 01:46 From philosophy to economics 03:16 The question economists can’t stop thinking about 06:11 Why economic development still matters 07:48 Looking beyond competition in strategy 09:29 The secret to great teaching 12:25 Creating passion, not just teaching content 14:18 What AI can’t replace in education 16:21 Which strategy frameworks still matter? 21:10 Why managerial attention is your most valuable asset 24:25 AI, strategy and the future of business 25:08 Why AI is the new electricity 29:23 Open-world problems and strategic thinking 35:10 Will AI replace jobs? 39:35 Why AI automates tasks, not jobs 44:25 What separates great MBA students? 48:13 Should you do an MBA? 49:08 How an MBA changes the way you think 53:08 Experience, theory and conceptual thinking 55:47 How to develop strategic thinking 57:21 Learning strategy through real companies 01:00:39 Customer-led versus technology-led innovation 01:02:19 Final thoughts Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/alliancemanchesterbusinessschool Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alliancembs TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@alliancembs LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/school/alliancembs