Future Ready Leadership With Jacob Morgan The Corporate Reset: Amazon's AI Mandate, UPS Job Cuts, Gen Z Reality Check, and the Return of Performance Culture
Oct 28, 2025
Companies are making drastic shifts in the workplace landscape. After 14,000 layoffs, Amazon emphasizes a strong shift towards AI integration. UPS plans to cut 48,000 jobs due to rising automation, highlighting the need for reskilling. Gen Z's ideal work expectations face reality checks amid stricter corporate standards. CEOs are pushing for a return to performance culture, raising output expectations. Meanwhile, ultra-lean organizations thrive as they focus on efficiency and productivity. It's a brave new world of work where adaptability is key.
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AI As The New Operating System
- Amazon told employees to "lean in on AI" after 14,000 layoffs, signaling AI as the operating system of business units.
- Winners will be those who partner with AI and emphasize judgment, creativity, and trust over repeatable tasks.
Automation Forces Workforce Evolution
- UPS plans to cut 48,000 jobs as automation and AI replace manual sorting and clerical work.
- HR should treat automation as workforce evolution and focus on reskilling before replacement.
Musk Cuts Influenced Corporate Playbooks
- Jacob Morgan recounts how Elon Musk's deep cuts at X inspired other leaders to consider massive headcount reductions.
- He notes Musk cut roughly 80% of staff and the company continued operating, influencing a broader managerial playbook.
