AI-Washing: When Companies Blame the Machine Artwork

Reflect w/ Ed Fassio

Welcome to "Reflect" with Ed Fassio. Get ready to experience one of the world's first 100% digitally generated podcasts where we take a step back, dive deep, and strive to learn new things. Join us as we unpack thought-provoking ideas, personal reflections, and inspiring stories to help you stay in the know. Reflect is brought to you by the minds at ByteBrain and powered by emerging technologies from Google, HeyGen, OpenAI and ElevenLabs. Thanks for tuning in. Now, relax and prepare to reflect...

About Ed Fassio (www.edfassio.com)

Ed Fassio is a global AI strategist who helps executive leaders and enterprises harness the Agentic Frontier of AI to transform business models, accelerate adoption, and unlock multimillion-dollar ROI. As a keynote speaker, educator, and advisor, he bridges visionary thinking with practical execution, empowering organizations to thrive in the age of intelligent automation. His experience includes roles at Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, Tata Consulting, Nextel Communications and Purdue University. (More info at: www.ejfassio.com)

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This podcast/video is designed to showcase the advanced concepts of AI and related technologies, and any curated content or digitally generated materials should be viewed as part of that demonstration. Always rely on your own discretion when applying or sharing this information.

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Reflect w/ Ed Fassio

AI-Washing: When Companies Blame the Machine

August 07, 2026 • Ed Fassio

0:00 | 9:01

Reflect w/ Ed Fassio — where AI tells the stories that matter. 87,714 AI-linked job cuts in the first five months of 2026 — more than all of 2025 combined. But even Sam Altman admits some companies are 'AI-washing' their layoffs, using AI as a convenient cover for cost-cutting. A Yale-Brookings study found AI hasn't actually reshaped most jobs yet. We unpack the gap between the layoff narrative and the data, what BCG's 50-55% job 'reshaping' forecast really means, and why the skills divide is real but the discourse is broken. Your Move: Separate the signal from the spin in your industry. Invest in skills that complement AI, not compete with it. And question the layoff narrative — not every 'AI did this' story holds up under scrutiny. — Reflect w/ Ed Fassio | reflectpodcast.com

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Ed Fassio

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