NB57 - AI Job Loss: Truths and Hype
A discussion of how some corporations are using AI to replace human workers, including long-term impacts.
The impact of AI on jobs is back in the headlines. Our latest No Brainer podcast, recorded on LinkedIn Live, discussed the truth behind the hype. Greg and I discuss what’s really driving layoffs, how leaders should respond, and why reimagining work is the only path forward.
The podcast delves into the complex relationship between AI and job loss, exploring the economic pressures that lead to workforce reductions, and the impact of the AI hype cycle. We emphasize the need for organizations to reimagine work in the age of AI, highlighting the importance of leadership adaptation and the integration of human labor with technology. The conversation also touches on ethical considerations and the future of work as companies navigate these changes.
Listen and hear how we explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI and automation across various sectors. We discuss the impending difficulties in the workforce, particularly for entry-level jobs, the necessity for reskilling and upskilling, and the unique challenges faced by nonprofits. The conversation also covers the marketing sector’s adaptation to automation, the economic implications of AI, and the importance of scenario planning for future business strategies.
Note: This episode is a recording of a LinkedIn Live broadcast from 9am ET, May 28, 2025. Other than some minor audio clean-up, we’re presenting it as-is.
Chapters
02:47 The Impact of AI on Employment
06:01 Understanding the AI Hype Cycle
08:55 Economic Pressures and Workforce Reductions
11:53 Reimagining Work in the Age of AI
14:57 Leadership in the Age of AI
18:10 Integrating Humans and AI
20:55 Ethics and the Future of Work
24:34 Navigating the Storm: Challenges Ahead
27:04 The Horizontal Impact of AI
30:29 Reskilling and Upskilling in the Age of AI
31:44 The Nonprofit Sector: Opportunities and Challenges
32:15 Marketing in the Age of Automation
36:30 The Future of Entry-Level Jobs
39:27 The Economic Implications of AI
43:46 Scenario Planning for the Future
47:28 Cultural Impacts of AI Adoption
Relevant Links
Here’s just a sampling of recent coverage (positive, negative, reasonable, hyperbolic) about the real and potential impact of AI on jobs. As we touch on during the show, it’s important to be up to speed on this topic and prepared for a range of possibilities – but that it’s essential that you always consider the source (who benefits most from this narrative?) and think critically about whatever you read.
Telstra expects to shrink workforce as it leans in ‘hard’ on AI https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/27/telstra-ai-job-cuts-investors-workforce
The age of AI layoffs is already here – https://qz.com/ai-layoffs-jobs-microsoft-walmart-tech-workers-1851782194
IBM is cutting 8,000 jobs due to AI – https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/ibm-is-cutting-around-8000-jobs-likely-because-of-ai-major-losses-in-hr-department-2731131-2025-05-27
PWC: Your workforce could double thanks to AI agents (hint: they’re counting AI agents as “workers”) – https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/ai-analytics/ai-predictions.html#your-workforce-could-double–thanks-to-ai-agents
Microsoft is dogfooding AI dev tools’ future –
AI is breaking entry level jobs – https://fortune.com/2025/05/25/ai-entry-level-jobs-gen-z-careers-young-workers-linkedin/
A white-collar bloodbath – https://www.yahoo.com/news/white-collar-bloodbath-ai-could-113113291.html?
AI is replacing women’s jobs specifically – https://futurism.com/ai-labor-gender-equity
People are worried AI will take everyone’s jobs. We’ve been here before – https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/01/27/1087041/technological-unemployment-elon-musk-jobs-ai/
Klarna’s AI replaced 700 workers. Now it wants some of them back – https://www.the-independent.com/news/business/klarna-ceo-sebastian-siemiatkowski-ai-job-cuts-hiring-b2755580.html
Amid backlash, Duolingo backtracks on plans for AI pivot – https://www.pcmag.com/news/amid-backlash-duolingo-backtracks-on-plans-for-ai-pivot