Should AI be used to reduce or increase headcount in your business? That's surely a subjective question. It's something I've been thinking about in light of what I've been observing in the workplaces I'm connected to. For the part of me that enjoys efficiency, it makes sense to cut costs anywhere you can. And if AI is enabling you to do the same (or better) work, it's almost a no-brainer to enact layoffs. But, why do we do business in the first place? The motivations behind the business—and ultimately people—are what will tilt your scale to either side of the question.

Take marketing, for example. It's an area that can be pretty heavily automated with the use of LLMs. Naivety is at play in me somewhat here, for sure. But, I'd like to think I'm not too far off base. I've seen it done before. However, something in me just doesn't like it. I'm not saying I wouldn't do it. In fact, I probably will do it. But, if you have the resources, my idealistic heart says that there should be a human on staff to use AI, not be replaced by it.

These are just some raw thoughts. As I step further into business, I'll learn more about myself with every victory and defeat, and see which side I stand on.

Jacob Brokaw
jacobbrokaw.com