Why CEOs are using AI to scare workers

AXIOS June 20, 2025
Emily Peck

Chief executives are giving employees an AI fright — warning them the new technology could make many workers obsolete, while at the same time urging them to start using it right away.

Why it matters: That’s a scary and mixed message, and fear is generally considered to have a bad track record as a management technique. At the extremes, managers could actually wind up inhibiting workers from adapting to AI.

Catch up quick: In a post earlier this week, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy offered his thoughts on generative AI. In paragraph 15, he gets to the scary bit:

• The transformation will likely “reduce our total corporate workforce.”
• Jassy is echoing the message of many other leaders. JPMorgan’s consumer chief...

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