Corn Story: Humanity in the Age of AI

Years ago, a friend shared a simple story with me that left a lasting impact—and in today’s world of AI disruptions and job uncertainty, its meaning feels more relevant than ever.

It’s about a farmer who won the state fair corn contest year after year. A reporter, curious about his consistent success, asked him his secret. The farmer surprised him by saying, “I share my best seed corn with my neighbors.”

The reporter, puzzled, asked, “Why would you share your top seed with your competition?”

The farmer replied, “The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and carries it from field to field. If my neighbors grow poor corn, the cross-pollination degrades my crop. To grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn too.”

This story has stuck with me for years. It’s a powerful reminder that our success is deeply intertwined with the success of those around us.

Now, fast forward to today. As a recruiter with nearly two decades in the industry, I’m seeing a shift like never before. AI and automation are transforming roles, displacing jobs, and creating anxiety across sectors. Brilliant, hardworking professionals—colleagues, friends, even top performers—are being impacted by forces beyond their control.

This is our moment to remember the farmer’s wisdom.

If we want to thrive in this new world, we can’t hoard opportunities, connections, or information. We must share our “best seed”—our knowledge, networks, leads, and time—with those around us, especially those who’ve been affected by job loss. Because just like the wind spreads pollen, our actions ripple across the professional landscape.

When we support someone in finding a new role, make a connection for a laid-off peer, or simply lend an ear to someone struggling—we’re not just helping them. We’re strengthening the entire ecosystem. Better opportunities for others lead to a stronger, more vibrant professional community for all.

This is what altruism looks like in the job market.

Altruism is action that benefits another person—helping, sharing, supporting—without expecting anything in return.

Some simple but powerful ways we can live this out today:

• Reach out to someone recently laid off and offer to review their resume or make an introduction

• Share open roles within your network

• Recommend someone deserving on LinkedIn

• Support peers in upskilling or learning about AI adaptation

• Invite a job seeker to a professional event or webinar

• Offer kind words or encouragement—often underestimated, but deeply valued

If we each choose to lift one person up, imagine the collective strength we build. In an age where machines are getting smarter, let’s make sure our humanity gets stronger. Let’s be the kind of professionals—and Peers! —who plant good seeds all around us.