21 Hats Podcast Dashboard: Don’t Believe the AI Hype (Yet)
Jun 23, 2025
Gene Marks, a CPA and seasoned small business commentator, shares his skepticism about AI-driven layoffs in corporate America, arguing that CEOs are often diverting attention from poor management. He emphasizes the folly of replacing human workers with AI and encourages a more balanced approach to integration. Marks discusses practical ways he's incorporating AI into his own business, revealing opportunities for productivity and efficiency without succumbing to fear. His insights prompt a critical examination of AI's true role in the workplace.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI as Layoff Cover-Up
- Large tech companies lay off employees citing AI but mostly cut excess and underperformers.
- AI is blamed as a cover for management decisions, not the direct cause of layoffs yet.
AI Can't Replace Employees Yet
- It's foolish to replace employees with AI at present; AI is unreliable, inaccurate, and incomplete.
- AI technology will improve but is not yet capable of fully substituting human workers.
Use AI to Boost Productivity
- Embrace AI chatbots to boost productivity in small businesses.
- Use AI to draft tasks like policies and job descriptions, then have employees review and refine them.