The AI Layoffs Are Here

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About the Episode:

Duolingo shifts to AI-first model, cutting contractor roles
CrowdStrike lays off 500 in latest example of AI costing people their jobs
IBM CEO Says AI Has Replaced Hundreds of Workers but Created New Programming, Sales Jobs

‘The frog is boiling’: is 2025 when AI finally comes for your job?

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Mallory Willsea sits down with Jackie Davis—strategic program leader and former global employee experience head at Salesforce—to unpack the new wave of AI-driven workforce shifts. From hiring freezes to job displacement, the conversation explores how higher ed leaders can maintain trust and reframe their strategies in the age of automation. With over 300 proposals submitted for the 2025 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Ed, the AI conversation is heating up fast—and this episode is your pulse check on what’s coming next.

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Key Takeaways

• AI is actively reshaping the workforce, not just hypothetically—it’s already behind layoffs and hiring freezes at major companies like Salesforce, Meta, and Duolingo.
• Higher ed professionals are increasingly feeling vulnerable, especially in roles that focus on data synthesis and operational reporting—functions where AI excels.
• Re-skilling and up-skilling are essential strategies for navigating AI disruption. Institutions need to create space for professional growth and curiosity.
• Culture, communication, and connection matter more than ever. Leaders must increase transparency and communication frequency to maintain trust during organizational shifts.
• The AMA Symposium for Higher Ed will spotlight AI and revenue-generating strategies, including enrollment, retention, and alumni engagement—highlighting the industry's shift toward strategic, AI-informed operations.
• AI won’t eliminate all jobs—but it will transform how work is done. Smart teams will lean into their human strengths, like ethical reasoning, empathy, and critical thinking.

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Why Are AI Layoffs Happening—and Why Now?

The episode opens with a stark reminder that AI layoffs are no longer theoretical. IBM, Meta, Salesforce, Duolingo, and CrowdStrike have all made staffing changes citing AI efficiencies. Mallory Willsea notes the irony in previous headlines promoting AI as a productivity booster—now replaced with news of workforce reductions. The discussion reflects a turning point: organizations aren't just experimenting with AI—they're using it as justification for changing how (and who) they hire.

Jackie Davis, drawing from her time at Salesforce, explains that transformation is now non-negotiable. Companies must innovate while also supporting their people. "It’s not just about automation," she says. "It’s about evolution." This is especially resonant in higher education, where teams are already stretched thin. Leaders must now confront how AI could simultaneously support their mission—and reduce their headcount.

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What Does AI Mean for Higher Ed Roles?

As Mallory highlights, higher education is no longer immune to the workforce disruptions caused by AI. From cabinet-level roles to mid-level managers synthesizing data, many staff are starting to question their long-term value. Jackie points out that even at Salesforce, where AI is central to the company’s DNA, the best way to lead through uncertainty was with transparency and trust.

That means more listening sessions, more frequent updates, and clearer communication—especially when answers aren't yet available. Jackie urges leaders not to “go dark” or over-polish reality. Instead, they should say what they know, admit what they don’t, and stay connected with their people. In higher ed, where change tends to be slow, embracing this kind of agile communication could be a cultural game-changer.

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How Should Higher Ed Leaders Talk About AI?

The episode delivers a powerful message: language matters now more than ever. When organizational shifts are looming, the tone leaders take can make or break trust. Jackie and Mallory reflect on the fine line leaders must walk between creating urgency and avoiding panic. Especially in higher ed, where teams thrive on mission-driven work, trust can erode quickly when people feel left in the dark.

For leaders trying to talk to their teams about AI—especially when they don’t have all the answers—Jackie offers a crisis-communications-style playbook: protect your people and communicate early and often. Transparency, she says, is a protective act. And empathy isn’t a soft skill—it’s a survival strategy. This episode calls on higher ed leadership to treat internal communication with as much care as they treat external messaging.

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What Role Will AI Play at the AMA Symposium?

Jackie shares that nearly 300 proposals were submitted for the 2025 AMA Symposium, signaling that the higher ed community is hungry to talk about transformation. She anticipates that AI, enrollment, retention, and fundraising will be dominant themes this fall. There's also a growing presence from advancement professionals—indicating a stronger alignment between marketing and alumni engagement.

Mallory sees this as proof that the sector is beginning to recognize AI not just as a tech issue, but a strategic imperative. As AI adoption accelerates, higher ed professionals must rethink everything from job descriptions to training practices to how they define success. The symposium will offer a platform to crowdsource solutions and spotlight leaders who are already navigating these waters with intention.

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Connect With Our Host:

Mallory Willsea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/
https://twitter.com/mallorywillsea

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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