Source: Fortune
Summary
WeWork CEO John Santora and Upwork CEO Hayden Brown discuss the impact of AI on Gen Z’s job prospects. Santora emphasizes the importance of senior leaders in educating and mentoring young talent, while Brown notes that companies are “AI-washing” their need to downsize. A recent study found that 90% of C-suite executives say AI has had no impact on employment. The CEOs also discuss the rise of freelance work and the need for flexibility in the modern workplace.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. WeWork and Upwork CEOs are optimistic about the future of work, despite AI disruption. Santora thinks older workers can help train new talent, while Brown sees freelancing as a way to weather AI uncertainty. The era of workers having multiple jobs is here, and freelancers are well-positioned to adapt. Companies are turning to freelance workers who already have AI skills, which are in high demand.
As Santora says, “AI is not going to provide empathy and leadership and mentoring and all those skills that you need to lead a company to be successful.” This sounds familiar. The future of work is uncertain, but one thing is clear: companies are rebranding layoffs as “AI-washing” and “efficiency.”
Author: Evan Null
