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 Over AI Adoption - And He'd Do It Again
In a shocking move, the CEO of a prominent tech company revealed that he would lay off nearly 80% of his staff again if it meant keeping up with the rapid pace of technological advancements in AI. Two years after making this drastic decision, he's still convinced it was the right call. The CEO, who wishes to remain anonymous for this article, explained that the majority of his employees were resistant to adopting new AI-powered tools and workflows. Despite attempts to educate and train them, many remained skeptical about the benefits of automation and machine learning. As a result, the company's competitiveness began to suffer, and profits plummeted.In an interview with our team, he emphasized the importance of embracing change in today's fast-paced tech landscape.
Why He'd Do It Again
When asked if he would make the same decision again, given what he knows now, the CEO's response was clear: "Absolutely." He believes that by allowing underperforming employees to go, the company was able to refocus on innovation and invest in the skills of those who were eager to adapt.While this approach may seem harsh to some, it's a stark reminder that businesses must be willing to evolve or risk being left behind.