Shows
AI Replaced MeEp. 34 - The AI Layoff ParadoxIn this Episode, Koby Ofek dissects the conflicting narratives surrounding AI's impact on the workforce as of January 2026. He challenges the Oxford Economics report that calls AI layoffs "corporate fiction", arguing that companies use AI as a scapegoat for poor management and cost-cutting. Simultaneously, he presents the paradoxical case of Tailwind Labs, where the success and popularity of their open-source framework, accelerated by AI coding tools, led to an 80% revenue drop and 75% of engineers losing their jobs because developers no longer need to visit their documentation site to learn how to use the product. The episode highlights a massive gap...
2026-01-1726 minAI Replaced MeEp. 33 - Entry Level ExtinctionIn this New Year kickoff episode, Koby Ofek tracks the first big labor-market pattern of 2026: the career ladder itself is starting to lose its bottom step. Geoffrey Hinton warns that automation is about to speed up, investors openly predict companies will swap headcount for AI budgets, and young workers respond by fleeing “first-rung” office jobs toward trades where reality still fights back. The result is not one clean wave of layoffs, but a quieter crisis: fewer on-ramps, fewer apprenticeships, and a workforce forced to prove value earlier, faster, and more publicly. Koby connects the dots, shares the core logic behi...
2026-01-0230 minAI Replaced MeEp. 32 - The AI Layoff Era BeginsIn this Episode, Koby Ofek discusses how late 2025 marked a shift from AI as a productivity story to AI as a staffing strategy, as companies increasingly cite “AI efficiency” to justify layoffs, reorganizations, and leaner org charts. He explores what record AI linked layoff figures really mean, how Big Tech is “replumbing” work by compressing middle layers and automating internal service functions, and why the most consequential battleground may be entry level roles, the training ground that turns juniors into future experts. Along the way, Koby connects the dots between corporate incentives, talent pipelines, and the emerging barbell shaped company...
2025-12-2732 minAI Replaced MeEp. 31 - Banks leading the way to AI led terminationsIn this episode, Koby Ofek explores how AI is quietly erasing the “first rung” of the career ladder, moving from abstract debates to concrete headcount decisions in banking, hiring, and seasonal work, and asks what happens when the entry-level path into good jobs starts to wobble. He connects candid remarks from major banks about “doing more with less people” to a broader shift where AI targets junior, repetitive tasks and reshapes traditional apprenticeship-style pipelines. Koby then examines a new federal push to standardize AI-in-hiring rules, showing how automated screening can narrow access and turn hiring into a black-box gatekeeping system j...
2025-12-1331 minAI Replaced MeEp. 30 - Do you believe in the AI Bubble?In this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the week's major shift in Big Tech, which signals the end of the "Moonshot Era" and the start of the "Extraction Era," starting with Meta's move to slash the metaverse budget and reallocate those billions toward AI, effectively changing the "Aleph" from a physical destination to a computational tool. He then breaks down how Amazon's new Trainium 3 chip is directly assaulting the "cost of cognition," making automation accessible to mid-sized companies, and how Mistral's edge AI models are decentralizing this intelligence, removing "latency protection" for field workers. Finally, he examines HP's multi-year layoff...
2025-12-0619 minAI Replaced MeEp. 29 - Moneyball For Your Jobn this Episode, Koby Ofek explores a week where companies quietly admit that they can do more with fewer people once artificial intelligence becomes part of the workflow. HP maps out thousands of cuts over three years as it leans into AI PCs, Baidu turns work on AI and cloud into a protected class while legacy ad teams absorb the shock, and Amazon employees push back with an unusually sharp internal letter that links AI to jobs, democracy and climate risk. Alongside those stories, new research from MIT and McKinsey shows how much of the economy is already technically...
2025-11-2938 minAI Replaced MeEp. 28 - The Week Drafting DiedIn this Episode, Koby Ofek explores how a single fortnight in late twenty twenty five quietly rewired the modern workplace, from Google tools that erase the drafting phase in design and code to corporate restructurings that carve out a thin new layer of high leverage roles while shedding thousands of traditional jobs. He walks through the rise of Nano Banana Pro and Antigravity, the Verizon and Synopsys cuts, and the advance of accounting and office agents like Numeric and Copilot, showing how they hollow out the old apprenticeship ladder and replace it with a kite shaped organization where judgment...
2025-11-2234 minAI Replaced Mep. 27 – One Million Laid Off (and Counting)In this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the staggering milestone the job market crossed this week: over one million layoffs in 2025—many directly linked to AI integration. We unpack the Challenger report's bombshell data, Adecco’s cautious optimism, and what Amazon and Walmart’s latest workforce strategies reveal about the future of corporate hiring. Koby also breaks down a new bipartisan bill that could force companies to publicly report how many jobs AI is really killing, and highlights the UK’s national push to upskill 7.5 million workers before automation leaves them behind.From white-collar jobs vanishing at Amazon, to law f...
2025-11-0828 minAI Replaced MeEp. 26 - The Quiet ReorgIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses how a week of headlines turned into a blueprint for the future of white collar work. He unpacks Amazon’s corporate layoffs as a watershed moment for agent assisted operations, where routine drafting and reconciliation shift to systems and human judgment moves upstream. The conversation explores what this means for manager to IC ratios, the missing rung for early career talent, and the practical ways teams can rebuild apprenticeships around exception handling, evaluation, and ownership of guardrails.
2025-11-0125 minAI Replaced MeEp. 25 - Your browser is now an employeehis week, Koby Ofek explores OpenAI Atlas, the web browser with ChatGPT built in, and what it means when your tabs start doing the clicking for you. Atlas can summarize pages, fill forms, and run multi step errands that stretch from research to checkout. We also look at ChatGPT company knowledge, the feature that turns messy internal wikis, Slack threads, and buried decks into answers with citations, and we unpack Project Mercury, OpenAI effort to learn the grunt work of junior bankers so machines can build the models that once built careers.From the shop floor to...
2025-10-2527 minAI Replaced MeEp. 24 - Front Door StrategyThis week, Koby Ofek walks through a pivotal shift in how work gets done: Google’s Gemini Enterprise as a single front door for AI at work, Zendesk’s push to let software shoulder most customer support, and the widening gap between calm macro labor data and firm‑level job moves. Expect a narrative tour—from banks and design teams to cruise lines—of how agent ensembles change ladders, reshape apprenticeships, and reward clarity over volume.You’ll hear why the next edge isn’t the biggest model but the clearest playbook, how “flight‑ops” for service can turn chaos into...
2025-10-1828 minAI Replaced MeEp. 23 - Google's New AI AtriumThis week, Koby Ofek explores a pivotal shift in how work gets done. Google’s Gemini Enterprise serves as a single front door for AI at work, while Zendesk is making moves to let software handle most customer support. There is a widening gap between calm macro labor data and changes in jobs at individual companies. You can expect a narrative journey through banks, design teams, and cruise lines, showing how agent ensembles transform career paths, reshape apprenticeships, and put clarity above volume.You’ll learn why the next big advantage is not the largest model but the...
2025-10-1130 minAI Replaced MeEp. 22 - Priced In: Judgment in AI TimesAI is changing how creative work gets done, making instant first drafts and rapid iterations the new normal. In this episode, Koby Ofek discusses why human judgment, curation, and accountability are now the skills that matter most. As automation handles the easy parts, true value shifts to those who can make tough calls, uphold standards, and shape outcomes.Koby explores how creative teams are evolving, which roles are becoming more important, and what it takes to stay relevant in a landscape flooded with AI-generated content. If you want to safeguard your career and stand out, it’s ti...
2025-10-0626 minAI Replaced MeEp. 21 - The Quiet Room:As AI systems sweep through the workplace, the entry-level “first-line” has shifted: Junior reps now face complex puzzles, not simple tickets. In this episode, Koby Ofek explores how AI is recoding everyday jobs: why the hiring pipeline is thinning, why soft skills matter more than ever, and why companies must build real bridges for newcomers, not just automate old routines. From controversial “job loss” headlines and corporate retrenchments to the new dynamics in support, healthcare, and tech, discover how skills, not titles, have become the currency of career survival. Koby unpacks the paradoxes behind workforce transformation, the emerging “AI dividend,”...
2025-09-2723 minAI Replaced MeEp. 20 - The Fog ClearsIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses a pivotal week where the theoretical impact of AI on jobs snapped into sharp, unforgiving focus. He analyzes significant layoffs of entry-level AI tutors at xAI, the strategic rebuilding of freelance platform Fiverr around an 'AI-first' model, and a stunningly direct timeline for driver displacement from Uber's CEO. The conversation explores the closing of on-ramps for new workers, the reorganization of capital toward AI infrastructure, and the emerging operational reality of AI's effect on the labor market. Ofek connects these developments to show how the 'if' of AI job loss is being replaced...
2025-09-2019 minAI Replaced MeEp. 19 - The great relocation of laborIn Episode 19 of "AI Replaced Me," Koby Ofek explores the tangible impact of AI on the physical world and the workforce. From the massive data centers reshaping landscapes to Airbnb's vision of a human-centric gig economy, this episode delves into the relocation of labor, blame, and opportunity. Discover how AI is not just a digital phenomenon but a force driving new geographies of work, and learn what this means for your career. Tune in to understand the shifting map of job creation and the skills needed to navigate it.Chapters
2025-09-1316 minAI Replaced MeEp. 18 - The Rise of AI in the Job MarketIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the evolving landscape of the job market influenced by AI advancements. He highlights the introduction of AI certifications, their potential impact on hiring practices, and the implications for job seekers. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the workplace, including the need for new roles and skills. Ofek emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes to ensure career sustainability and success in an AI-driven world.Chapters00:00 The Rise of AI in the Job Market02:58 Certification...
2025-09-0620 minAI Replaced MeEp. 17 - The Vanishing LadderIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the profound impact of AI on the job market, particularly focusing on the erosion of entry-level positions and the changing landscape of hiring processes. He highlights a Stanford study revealing a significant decline in employment for early career workers in AI-exposed fields, while experienced workers see stable or improved job prospects. The conversation also covers the effectiveness of AI in recruitment, the strategic shifts in corporate hiring practices, and the rise of shadow AI usage among employees. Ultimately, Koby emphasizes the need for individuals to adapt to these changes by building unique skill...
2025-08-3020 minAI Replaced MeEp. 16 - Google brought it homeIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the recent phase transition in artificial intelligence, marking a shift from AI as a passive tool to a proactive agent. He explores the implications of this transition on productivity, workplace dynamics, corporate strategies, and public perception. The conversation highlights the need for a coherent strategy for human-AI collaboration and addresses the growing anxiety surrounding job displacement and the future of work.Chapters00:00 The Phase Transition of AI02:56 The Agentic Shift in Technology05:52 Transforming Workplaces with AI08:45 Corporate...
2025-08-2319 minAI Replaced MeEp. 15 - We don’t believe in work-life balanceIn this episode of AI Replaced Me, Koby Ofek discusses the shift in corporate culture from employee coddling to a demand for intensity and productivity in the face of AI advancements. He explores the implications of a Goldman Sachs report on job market disruption, the impact of geopolitical tensions on AI adoption, and the future of work in a volatile climate. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in the workforce.Chapters00:00 The End of Employee Coddling01:28...
2025-08-1622 minAI Replaced MeEp. 14 - GPT-5: A Game Changer for WorkIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the transformative impact of GPT-5, highlighting its capabilities as a cognitive partner that redefines work dynamics. The conversation explores the implications of AI on job displacement, particularly in the context of economic downturns, and emphasizes the need for professionals to adapt and collaborate with AI to thrive in the evolving landscape.Chapters00:00 The Dawn of Cognitive Partners05:49 The Impact of GPT-5 on Work Dynamics12:05 AI's Role in Economic Shifts and Job Displacement14:01 Navigating the Future of Work...
2025-08-0915 minAI Replaced MeEp. 13 - Study, Learn, and Replace the Teachers?In this episode, Koby Ofek explores the transformative impact of AI on education and the job market, particularly focusing on the launch of ChatGPT's study and learn mode. He discusses how this tool democratizes access to personalized learning, challenges traditional educational models, and raises questions about the future of jobs in an AI-driven economy. The conversation also delves into the implications of AI on corporate layoffs and the necessity for adaptability in the workforce, emphasizing the importance of questioning and critical thinking in navigating this new landscape.Chapters00:00 The...
2025-08-0216 minAI Replaced MeEp. 12 - Brutal Downsizing is coming?In this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the shifting dynamics of corporate balance sheets in the age of AI, focusing on Intel's drastic workforce reduction and the implications for the tech industry. He explores the concept of 'the great reallocation' where human capital is sacrificed for digital capital, and highlights the quieter crisis of job displacement seen in companies like ServiceNow. The episode concludes with a call to action for individuals to assert their value in an economy increasingly driven by automation.Chapters00:00 The Corporate Balance Sheet: A Historical Perspective
2025-07-2621 minAI Replaced MeEp. 11 - The Master KeyIn this episode, Koby Ofek explores the profound implications of AI's recent advancements, particularly the unveiling of OpenAI's ChatGPT agent, which acts as a master key to our digital lives. The conversation delves into the risks associated with this technology, the human response exemplified by the SAG-AFTRA victory in protecting digital rights, and the political ramifications of AI's impact on the workforce. The episode concludes with a discussion on the negotiation of agency in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking in adapting to these changes.
2025-07-1921 minAI Replaced MeEp. 10 - Can artificial intelligence truly be conscious?in this special episode of "AI Replaced Me" we plunge headfirst into one of the most compelling and maybe consequential questions of our time: Can artificial intelligence truly be conscious? Today, Koby Ofek is discussing with Scott Levi-Ross, a researcher of Mind theories of AI and the host of the up and coming "AI Philosophy: Beyond the Mirror" Podcast. This conversation will explore philosophical, ethical, and practical implications of AI consciousness. The discussion highlights the distinction between the 'easy' and 'hard' problems of consciousness, examines various philosophical perspectives, and addresses the ethical responsibilities of AI...
2025-07-1255 minAI Replaced MeEp. 9 - The Split-Brain EconomySummaryIn this episode, Koby Ofek explores the duality of AI, comparing it to the characters of Charlie and Donald from a film. He discusses the corporate perspective on AI's impact on the workforce, revealing a stark reality of job displacement driven by economic calculations. The conversation shifts to real-world applications of AI, highlighting both its successes and failures. Ofek emphasizes the importance of human skills that AI struggles to replicate, advocating for a proactive adaptation to the evolving landscape of work.Chapters00:00 The...
2025-07-0523 minAI Replaced MeEp. 8 - The Broken BridgeIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the alarming breakdown of the promise that a college degree guarantees a stable career. He highlights the rising unemployment rates among recent graduates, the erosion of entry-level jobs due to AI automation, and the experience paradox that leaves graduates without the necessary experience to secure jobs. The conversation also touches on the systemic risks posed by AI, the complexities of job market changes, and the disconnect between corporate management and employee realities. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for a new approach to career development in a rapidly changing landscape.
2025-06-2824 minAI Replaced MeEp. 7 - The Great DiffusionIn this episode, Koby Ofek explores the profound impact of AI on the workforce, contrasting the immediate effects of layoffs (earthquakes) with the gradual, pervasive changes (tectonic drift) that are reshaping the nature of work. He discusses recent layoffs at Microsoft and Amazon, the gender disparities in job susceptibility to AI, and the broader implications of AI's integration into various roles. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability in a constantly evolving job market.00:00 Earthquakes vs. Tectonic Drift: Understanding AI's Impact01:29 The Tremors of Layoffs: Microsoft and Amazon's Moves05:25 The...
2025-06-2115 minAI Replaced MeEp. 6 - The Great RebalancingSummaryIn this episode of AI Replaced Me, Koby Ofek explores the complex dynamics of the current economy shaped by AI. He draws parallels to The Truman Show, highlighting the unexpected shifts in the economic narrative, particularly the stark contrasts between job creation and deepening inequality. The discussion delves into historical lessons from the dot-com boom, the global disparities in job displacement, and the emerging trend of skills-based hiring, particularly in India. Ofek also examines corporate strategies regarding AI, the two-speed economy of work, and the urgent need for public policy to address the...
2025-06-1421 minAI Replaced MeEp. 5 - The Insider's WarningIn this episode of AI Replaced Me, Koby Ofek discusses the rapid advancements in AI technology and its impending impact on the job market. He highlights alarming predictions from industry leaders about job displacement, particularly in entry-level positions, and the potential for significant unemployment rates. The conversation also touches on the gender disparities in job susceptibility to AI, the economic implications of rapid automation, and contrasting forecasts about the future of work. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for proactive strategies to adapt to the changing landscape of labor and the importance of preserving human agency in an AI-driven...
2025-06-0717 minAI Replaced MeEp. 4 - Code, Cuts, and the New CalculusIn this episode, Koby Ofek discusses the rapid integration of AI into the workplace, highlighting its impact on job roles, particularly in software development and white-collar jobs. He emphasizes the shift from traditional coding to AI-driven development processes and the need for new skills in the job market. The conversation also touches on the potential for mass displacement of jobs due to AI, the importance of human skills that AI cannot replicate, and the necessity for continuous learning and adaptation in the evolving landscape of work.TakeawaysAI is reshaping the job market at an unprecedented...
2025-05-3117 minAI Replaced MeEp. 3 - The $75 Billion Bet & The Silent ReshuffleSummaryIn this episode, Koby Ofek explores the evolving relationship between AI and the workforce, highlighting significant developments from Google's recent I.O. conference and the implications for job markets, particularly regarding gender inequality. He discusses the potential for AI to transform roles, the unequal impact on jobs predominantly held by women, and the need for proactive strategies to adapt to these changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of shaping the future of work to ensure equitable outcomes as AI becomes increasingly integrated into various industries.Takeaways
2025-05-2217 minAI Replaced MeEp. 2 - The Algorithmic Arms Race & The Bureaucratic BotIs your CV obsolete? This week on "AI Replaced Me," host Koby Ofek dives into the escalating "algorithmic arms race" in recruitment. We explore the hypocrisy of employers using AI to screen candidates while frowning on applicants doing the same, and ask if skills-based assessments are the great equalizer or a new way to tilt the playing field.Then, we dissect the job market paradox: why software developer roles are booming thanks to AI, while claims adjusters face decline, and how even 40,000 U.S. federal government jobs are on the AI chopping block. What happens when the...
2025-05-1520 minAI Replaced MeEpisode 1 - The Ghost in the Machine & The Intern Who Knew Too MuchWelcome to the premiere of "AI Replaced Me"! Host Koby Ofek (author, "Keep Your Day Job") pulls back the curtain on AI's real-world impact. This week: Is your next star candidate a deepfake? (17% of managers say yes!). And while some AIs fake it, others are genuinely gunning for a promotion, with Meta's AI nearing mid-level engineer status. We explore the uncanny valley of hiring, the AI arms race, and what happens when the algorithm is already redecorating its corner office. Plus, "Future Forward Flashes" on tech layoffs and surprising AI skill demands. Tune...
2025-05-0818 min