Key Takeaways:
- Ford CEO Jim Farley says AI could replace “literally half” of white-collar jobs in the U.S.
- He emphasized that the shift is already underway and will fundamentally change corporate decision-making.
- Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has also called on employees to actively engage in continuous learning, including attending training programs and tech conferences.
- Both leaders stress that embracing AI—and learning how to work with it—is critical to staying competitive in the workforce.
Speaking recently at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ford CEO Jim Farley said he believes AI could eventually replace “literally half of all white-collar workers in the U.S.” He pointed to the growing use of AI in decision-making and administrative functions across departments, from finance and engineering to project management.
“This is happening now,” Farley said during the event. While he acknowledged the productivity gains AI can deliver, his comments underscored the risks for employees who don’t adapt. In his view, those who actively engage with the technology—and learn to work alongside it—will remain valuable. Others may be left behind.
Shift Already Underway
AI is no longer confined to predictive analytics or chatbot support. Today, it’s being used to assist engineers with design, help finance teams with forecasts, and support HR in screening applicants. These tools are increasingly embedded into enterprise systems, often functioning as always-on “co-pilots” for decision support.
Farley didn’t offer a specific timeline for the predicted job losses, but his framing was unambiguous: this isn’t theoretical, and it won’t be confined to back-office roles. “AI will replace literally half” of white-collar jobs, he said. For employees, the challenge isn’t just whether they’ll be replaced—it’s whether they’ll evolve their skillsets fast enough to remain useful in redefined roles.
Amazon CEO: Training and Conferences Are Essential
That view is echoed by Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who has repeatedly emphasized the importance of upskilling in an AI-first world. In both internal memos and public appearances, Jassy has urged workers to take a proactive approach to professional development, including attending training programs and industry conferences to stay current on emerging tools.
According to Jassy, learning how to use AI isn’t a bonus—it’s a baseline. The same applies to managers and executives. “The pace of change is fast enough that if you’re not investing in yourself regularly, you’re going to be left behind,” he said in a recent companywide communication.
Learning Is Now a Competitive Advantage
Both Farley and Jassy view adaptation as non-optional. In their framing, the ability to work with AI—whether by prompting large language models, interpreting outputs, or integrating tools into workflows—will soon be table stakes for white-collar professionals.
The takeaway is not that every worker needs to become a programmer. Rather, the skill that matters is learning how to integrate new tools into decision-making, communication, and execution. As AI evolves, so too must job descriptions and professional expectations.
Corporate Responsibility and Employee Readiness
Farley has also emphasized that companies have a role to play. That includes providing workers with access to the tools and guidance they need to succeed. At Ford, AI is being deployed not only in R&D and finance but also in supply chain operations—areas where accurate, real-time decisions can significantly affect profitability.
Amazon, similarly, is investing heavily in internal learning initiatives and AI-based productivity enhancements. But both leaders have warned that even with support, the responsibility to adapt falls on individuals as well.
Conclusion
The message from two of the world’s most prominent CEOs is clear: AI is accelerating changes in the workplace at a scale and speed that demand action. Those who embrace the shift—through training, experimentation, and learning—will likely find new opportunities. Those who ignore it risk being overtaken by automation and rendered obsolete.
As the technology continues to evolve, staying curious and up-to-date may be just as important as any technical skill.
Stay ahead of this curve – register to attend TMC’s AI Agent Event, Sept 29-30, 2025 in DC.
Rich Tehrani serves as CEO of TMC and chairman of ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW Feb 10-12, 2026 and is CEO of RT Advisors and is a Registered Representative (investment banker) with and offering securities through Four Points Capital Partners LLC (Four Points) (Member FINRA/SIPC). He handles capital/debt raises as well as M&A. RT Advisors is not owned by Four Points.
The above is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy/sell any security or sector mentioned. No companies mentioned above are current or past clients of RT Advisors.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the participants. While believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified for accuracy. Any broad, general statements made herein are provided for context only and should not be construed as exhaustive or universally applicable.
Portions of this article may have been developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence, which may have contributed to ideation, content generation, factual review, or editing.
