Shopify COO calls for "X-shaped" talent to thrive in AI era
Shopify’s chief operating officer says employees who combine several areas of expertise, which she labels “X-shaped,” will succeed as AI reshapes work.
During a Rapid Response podcast interview, Shopify’s chief operating officer Jess Hertz argued that the rise of artificial intelligence is prompting a new employee archetype she calls “X-shaped.” Unlike the earlier “T-shaped” model, which valued depth in a single discipline, the X-shaped profile features several distinct areas of expertise that can be acquired rapidly. Hertz said such individuals can absorb complex concepts, learn new skills quickly, and perform adequately in varied roles, such as design.
She added that team composition will become increasingly critical as companies integrate AI into daily workflows. Hertz, who joined Shopify in 2021 after serving in the Biden administration, became COO in 2025. Her remarks echo CEO Tobi Lütke’s recent directive for teams to demonstrate the necessity of additional resources before seeking them, underscoring the firm’s AI-first strategy. Other tech leaders, including Anthropic president Daniela Amodei and JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, have similarly highlighted the growing value of broad, human-centric skills alongside AI.
Why it matters
Understanding the X-shaped skill set helps workers and employers adapt to AI-driven changes in job requirements.
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