Source: Fortune
Summary
The author, who previously worked at a health-tech startup, shares their experience of being laid off due to AI transformation. They argue that companies are using AI as a justification for layoffs, rather than taking the harder path of reinvention. The author now works at Pearl, an AI company that has taken a different approach by upskilling employees and reshaping roles. They share the story of a technical writer who was able to adapt to AI changes and now operates like an entire department with the help of AI agents. The author believes that companies that truly transform with AI are those that retrain employees, redeploy them into new roles, and redefine what “good” work looks like in an AI-enabled environment.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Layoffs are often framed as a necessary step in becoming more “AI-native,” but the author recognizes this as a choice for efficiency over reinvention. Companies like Meta and Microsoft are laying off employees, while Pearl is taking a different path by upskilling employees and reshaping roles. The author’s experience shows that it’s possible to adapt to AI changes and thrive. The question is, what will happen to companies that choose the easier path?
Author: Evan Null
