Artificial Death of a Career
A tale of professional obsolescence and how to avoid it
Dr. Helmut Schuster
Dr. David Oxley
Description
Business Book Awards 2026 Shortlisted in Business Self Development category
How do you advance your career when AI is rewriting the rules of success?
As AI and automation revolutionize the global workforce, professionals everywhere are asking the same urgent question: How can I stay relevant in the age of AI?
Artificial Death of a Career: A Tale of Professional Obsolescence and Reinvention blends storytelling and strategy to explore the human side of technological disruption. When Shey Sinope’s world collapses under the weight of the AI revolution, his personal fight to adapt becomes a roadmap for every professional determined to stay valuable, visible, and future-ready.
Award-winning authors, Drs. Schuster and Oxley, combine their behavioural science expertise with decades of experience as HR leaders and advisors to entrepreneurs and start-ups around the world, all delivered with their trademark wry sense of humour.
Inside, you’ll discover how to:
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Stay relevant in the age of AI by mastering adaptability and continuous learning
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Reinvent your career before technology or automation forces the change
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Build a leadership mindset for the AI revolution and beyond
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Recognize early signs of professional obsolescence—and counter them fast
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Develop resilience and confidence that withstand economic and technological shifts
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Transform your work identity from outdated to indispensable
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Career and professional life advice rooted in authenticity, respect, and inclusion—championing a world where being true to yourself is the foundation for realizing your fullest potential.
Equal parts insightful and entertaining, this book helps readers future-proof their skills, reimagine success, and thrive through change rather than fear it. The future of work isn’t coming—it’s here. Learn how to adapt, evolve, and lead in the age of AI. Your career reinvention starts now.
Endorsements
You may be tempted to speed through this text, as its contents are shared in a rakishly humorous and engaging way. Don’t. This book is filled with useful wisdom built upon years of experience, worth slowing down to ponder and reflect upon. Among other takeaways, the book reminds us that it’s all too human to seek to reduce uncertainty, and in so doing create a ‘cocoon’ that – while comfortable – is limiting and ultimately energy-sapping. On the other hand, when we find a meaningful pursuit that requires us to stretch ourselves – to learn, to expand our horizons, and to tackle the unknown, we can become highly energized to release our full potential. The choice is always ours!
Cynthia J. (CJ) Warner
Sr. Operating Partner, GVP Climate LP
Contents
INTRODUCTION
Part I – Artificial Death of a Career
- Hey El… Write me a Bio
- Artificial Outrage
- Stoicheion Deduction
- It’s Only Business
- Barking up the Wrong Tree
- A Plan and Partner Emerge From The Chaos
- The Making of a Pack
- Sheylock in Shanghai
- The Cookie Crumbles
- Turing Point
- The Singularity
- CTL-ALT-Delete
- Epilogue
Part II – Avoiding Career Obsolescence
- Artificial Death of a Career – Introduction to Part II
- Professional Drift
- Reinvention
- Business 101
- Surfing the Complexity of Adult Life
- So Long and Thanks For All The Fish
Authors’ notes
Acknowledgements
Supplementary Notes
Editions
FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP
Audiobook / 9781805760436 / June 10, 2026 / £8.99
Paperback / 9781788608060 / November 4, 2025 / £14.99
Hardback / 9781788608053 / November 4, 2025 / £24.99
Ebook / 9781788608077 / November 3, 2025 / £7.99
Paperback and eBook Bundle / £16.99
Authors
Dr. Helmut Schuster
Dr Helmut Schuster is a dual Austrian/British citizen who lives in London, UK. He is the former Group HR Director of BP PLC and Chairman of the Board for Ivocar Vivadent. He currently serves on the board of several dynamic start-up businesses including ExpectAI, a Greentech enterprise. Helmut is an active entrepreneur, investor, and frequent contributor to leadership and AFS Cultural programs. He completed his PhD in Economics from the University of Vienna.
Dr. David Oxley
Dr David Oxley is a dual UK/US citizen based in Austin, Texas. David started his career as a management consultant before leading major people and corporate restructuring projects for BP PLC across Europe, USA, India, and the Middle East. He worked closely with Reliance Industries in India, one of BP’s partners, as they embarked on their big corporate restructuring. He currently spends his time researching and writing on future career trends for publications around the world including Fast Company, Forbes, Big Think, Reader’s Digest, and HR Today where he also serves as a member of the global advisory board. David was awarded his doctorate in Organizational Change at Cranfield University and his MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
