The Joe Reis Show Freestyle Fridays - Big AI, Bigger Layoffs, Same Old Problems?
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Jul 25, 2025 The podcast dives into the surprising link between massive AI investments and recent layoffs in Big Tech. It examines why many AI projects are failing, citing issues like bad data and organizational problems. The societal implications of these shifts highlight the struggle workers face amid corporate cutbacks and AI hype. Listeners are encouraged to navigate the evolving data landscape and upgrade their skills to stay relevant in a changing job market.
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Legacy of Early Computing Stories
- Joe Reis shares his visit with Bill Inman, an industry legend who created an early printer and knew Steve Jobs and Wozniak.
- Bill's stories from the early computer industry highlight how foundational those early innovations were.
Data Evolution and Industry Hype
- The evolution of data warehousing led to today's complex data infrastructures supporting web scale needs and machine learning.
- Industry hype cycles such as 'data scientists are essential' and 'vibe coding' show both fear of missing out and early failures.
AI Investment Spurs Layoffs
- Massive AI investments in big tech justify widespread layoffs as companies aim to lower costs and please shareholders.
- AI projects currently suffer an 80% failure rate, often due to poor data quality and organizational problems.