According to Ian Pearson, Futurologist at BT Group Chief Technology Office (BTGTCO), the future could be female for many reasons: over the next 10-15 years Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to be incorporated in several products to make users’ lives easier, but also cause male-dominated industries requiring muscle power to disappear. However, it cannot be depended on to replace human intelligence and softer communication skills fully.

Women, therefore, will no longer be disadvantaged because they are unable to tote the barge and shift the bale. Together with their strong social interpersonal skills, females will be better equipped than men to succeed in the workplace of the future creating a new 'Women's Economy'.

Ian Pearson, Futurologist commented, "'The Women's Economy' will mean that technology can replace the elements that women lack – she can drive a JCB without having to be as strong as Arnold Schwarzeneger, and we will see similar automation of intellect, but the social and emotional skills normally associated with women are harder to automate… As a man I am worried about this!"

Because of changes in the needs of business coupled with an increase in AI, we are entering an era where the female may be better suited to leadership and governance roles. She will therefore become increasingly more prevalent in both management and the boardroom.

Pearson adds, "We are seeing an evolution towards a new business model, driven by a higher demand from the customer for softer communication skills. In the future, companies will have to work smarter to retain their competitive edge. For many businesses, AI will streamline the business in areas such as strategy, invention, design but moving forward the focus will be more on co-ordination between the different teams and keeping communication channels open and fluid, an area that women tend to excel in."