1. AI Is Replacing Entry-Level Workers

A new study shows a sharp decline in junior hires in AI-exposed roles like customer support and software development. Since 2022, employment among 22 to 25-year-olds in these positions has dropped 13 percent, while hiring of older, more experienced professionals has held steady or increased.

Why?

AI tools are now capable of doing the "book learning" tasks that entry-level employees typically handle, while seasoned staff bring real-world experience that models can't replicate.

The takeaway

Leaders should rethink early-career roles

Instead of cutting junior positions, consider evolving them. Shift younger talent into roles that emphasize human judgment, collaboration, and creativity (the kinds of capabilities that AI hasn’t mastered yet).

2. Big Companies Pump the Brakes on AI Adoption

Despite the buzz, new data shows that large enterprises are slowing their AI rollouts. A recent U.S. Census Bureau survey found a dip in AI use among companies with more than 250 employees. Similarly, a BCG study revealed only 26 percent of executives have seen measurable ROI from AI so far.

The biggest barriers? People. Over 90 percent of leaders cite cultural resistance and change-management issues as top challenges.

Employees are hesitant, confused, or fearful of job loss, which slows momentum.

The takeaway

Leaders should stop pushing AI just for the sake of it. Focus on high-impact use cases, invest in employee training, and treat AI implementation like any other major organizational change: methodical, inclusive, and rooted in trust.

3. Next week: a new book about AI Change Management

Next week, I'm publishing a new book called “AI Change Management Made Simple.”

It’s about an easy-to-follow, 9-step framework that helps business leaders lead generative AI transformations successfully.

If you're interested in receiving a FREE copy in exchange for an honest review on Amazon, then fill in your information below and I'll email you when it's published for early reviewers.

Click here to get a free early-review copy of the “AI Change Management Made Simple” book when it’s published.

4. Quick AI Updates for Leaders

• Microsoft mixes Claude with Copilot. Microsoft is blending Anthropic's Claude with OpenAI in Office 365. Claude outperformed GPT on tasks like Excel and PowerPoint, prompting Microsoft to run both models side by side. It's a sign even OpenAI's biggest partner is looking for the best tool for the job.

• OpenAI signs a $300 billion cloud deal. OpenAI locked in a massive five-year contract with Oracle to power its future models. The scale of the investment underscores how much infrastructure is needed to train and deploy cutting-edge AI tools.

• Google goes full-stack on generative media. At its Next 2025 event, Google launched Lyria, a model that powers text, image, video, speech, and music generation in one place. Its Vertex AI platform now offers a comprehensive suite for enterprises to build agents and custom content across formats.

5. One Prompt You Can Use at Work Today

Here’s a practical ChatGPT Prompt you can use at work:

For example,