National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) CEO Guylaine Saint Juste delivers a powerful message about AI’s impact on employment. She reveals that artificial intelligence will disrupt 19 million existing jobs across industries. However, the technology will simultaneously create 39 million new opportunities for skilled workers.
Speaking exclusively with Sandra Babu-Boateng after the 2025 NABA Convention in Las Vegas, Saint Juste challenged conventional thinking. “Why are we fighting to hold onto the 19 million when we should be preparing to take advantage of the 39 million?” she asked. Her bold perspective emphasizes opportunity over fear regarding AI transformation.
Black Community Must Embrace AI Revolution After Missing Previous Tech Waves
Saint Juste acknowledged the Black community’s historical challenges with technological adoption. She referenced missed opportunities during previous industrial revolutions that limited economic advancement. The first industrial revolution occurred during segregation, creating significant barriers to participation.
“We missed the first two industrial revolutions,” Saint Juste explained during the interview. “During the first major industrial revolution, we were still segregated, so we had very few opportunities.” Additionally, the community struggled with the dot-com boom despite its transformative potential.
Furthermore, she emphasized that this AI revolution presents a unique chance for redemption. “Yes, we were late to the game. But this time, I’m determined that, to the extent possible, Black people will embrace AI, generative AI, and agentic AI,” she declared. Her determination reflects a commitment to ensuring equitable participation in technological advancement.
NABA CEO Warns Traditional Skills No Longer Sufficient for Future Success
Saint Juste stressed that technical accounting and finance skills alone won’t guarantee career success. Modern professionals need critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and genuine collaboration skills. Most importantly, workers must understand and embrace artificial intelligence technologies.
“If you look at your content, you won’t see much focused purely on technical skills in accounting or finance,” she observed. “That’s not it anymore.” Instead, the focus shifts toward adaptable skills that complement AI capabilities. Workers who combine human creativity with machine efficiency will thrive.
Moreover, she emphasized the importance of demystifying AI for broader acceptance. “This is innovation. These are emerging technologies, and yes, we need to talk about them,” Saint Juste stated. Education and open dialogue remain crucial for successful AI integration across all professional sectors.
AI Technology Promises Wealth Creation for Early Adopters and Innovators
Drawing parallels to ATM adoption, Saint Juste illustrated how technology fear transforms into acceptance. She recalled her initial skepticism about automated banking machines decades ago. “I remember when ATMs first came out, and I thought, ‘I’m not putting my little $176.42 in that machine, I don’t trust it,'” she shared.
Today, ATM usage feels completely natural, demonstrating how quickly societies adapt to beneficial technologies. Similarly, AI adoption will follow predictable patterns of initial resistance followed by widespread acceptance. Early adopters consistently benefit most from technological transitions.
Additionally, Saint Juste warned about the consequences of technological resistance. “It will disrupt us, even eliminate us if we’re not in it. But it will create fortunes if we go with it,” she emphasized. Her message combines urgency with optimism about AI’s wealth-generation potential.
Owner Mentality Required for Success in AI-Driven Economic Future
Saint Juste praised entrepreneurial thinking and continuous innovation as essential survival strategies. She highlighted successful business owners who constantly evolve their platforms and services. “Every time I attend a BlackStar event, you’ve added something new, shifted something, you understand what it means to own and evolve,” she noted.
Conversely, she criticized complacency that prevents professional growth and adaptation. “We can’t sit in one place and say, ‘This is what I know, and I’ll just stick with it,'” Saint Juste warned. Static thinking becomes increasingly dangerous in rapidly changing technological environments.
Furthermore, she outlined three key pillars for future success: culture, innovation, and talent. Companies worldwide will need talented individuals who can effectively engage with machines. These professionals must understand AI systems, adapt to them, and potentially surpass their capabilities.
NABA Positions Black Professionals at Center of AI Transformation Conversation
Saint Juste positioned NABA as a crucial bridge between Black talent and AI opportunities. The organization aims to facilitate meaningful participation in technology discussions and implementation. “This is where NABA wants to be, right in the middle of that conversation,” she declared.
Her confidence in Black professional capabilities shines through her concluding remarks. “Because as Black people, we are bold and beautiful,” Saint Juste stated proudly. This affirmation combines cultural pride with professional ambition in the AI era.
Moreover, she believes this moment represents unprecedented opportunity for Black professionals. “I believe this is our moment,” she concluded optimistically. Her leadership seeks to ensure that historical technological exclusion doesn’t repeat during the AI revolution.
