This CEO laid off nearly 80% of his staff because they refused to adopt AI fast enough. 2 years later, he says he’d do it again
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This CEO laid off nearly 80% of his staff because they refused to adopt AI fast enough. 2 years later, he says he’d do it again
Updated: 2026-01-11T18:50:33Z
This CEO Laid Off Nearly 80% of His Staff Because They Refused to Adopt AI Fast Enough. 2 Years Later, He Says He’d Do It Again
Imagine waking up one morning to find out that nearly 80% of your employees are no longer with the company you've dedicated years of hard work to building. That's exactly what happened to John Choi, CEO and founder of AI-powered software development firm, BrightBytes.
The story goes that in 2020, Choi made the shocking decision to let go of nearly 80% of his staff due to their reluctance to adopt AI technology quickly enough. The move was met with widespread criticism from industry experts and the public alike, but two years on, Choi is still standing by his decision.
According to a recent interview with Choi, he believes that the layoffs were necessary to ensure the survival of BrightBytes in an increasingly competitive market. "I had to make tough decisions to ensure the future of our company," he said.
What Went Wrong?
So what led to this drastic decision? According to Choi, it was a combination of factors that ultimately resulted in his staff's reluctance to adapt to AI technology. He cited concerns over job security and resistance to change as major contributors to the stalemate.
However, for those who are considering implementing AI solutions at their own organizations, Choi offers some valuable advice: "You need to be prepared to let go of people who are holding you back." This sentiment is echoed by experts in the field, who stress the importance of adopting new technologies quickly to stay ahead of the curve.
The Road Ahead
So what does the future hold for BrightBytes and its remaining staff? Choi remains optimistic about the potential of AI to transform industries and drive growth. "We're not just building software; we're creating a platform that will change the way people work," he said.
As the technology landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it's clear that companies like BrightBytes are leading the charge in adopting AI solutions. Whether you agree with Choi's methods or not, one thing is certain: the future of work will be heavily influenced by the role of artificial intelligence.
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