Not to raise too many alarms, but…
Last week, Robert F. Smith, CEO of Vista Equity Partners, just told a crowd at the SuperReturn private capital conference in Berlin:
“Next year, 40% of the people at this conference will have an AI agent. The remaining 60% will be looking for work.”
And I’ve just got one question:
WTF, Rob?
In his defense, he also said:
“You will have hyperproductive people in organizations, and you will have people who will need to find other things to do.”
Find other things to do.
What is the end goal here?
Because AI is on track to wipe out half of all entry-level jobs in the next five years.
If we hollow out the bottom and middle while the top consolidates power like a dragon on its gold, we are racing toward collapse. Ludicrous speed.
If we’re investing in mass automation, we have to invest just as much in upskilling and equitable transition plans.
Otherwise? Get ready for job listings like:
“Human Battery Needed - Competitive salary.”
(It's not actually a competitive salary.)
I worry I’m too loud with these not-so-Business-friendly takes.
But maybe I’m not loud enough:
Big biz isn’t your friend.
But small biz might be.
Keep money in your community. Learn names. Use ChatGPT to organize your block party.
Because small and midsize businesses aren’t just the face of your town.
They are your town.
And I like my town.
You’ll see me tonight at What’s Happening RVA—where real humans talk about real struggles and real wins.
Let’s build something that doesn’t replace us next year.
Shout out to AI when it’s not being used for evil.
xoxo
