Future Focus | The AI Tipping Point: Layoffs, Power, and Why “Agency” Is the Most Important Skill We’re Not Teaching | Week of February 23, 2026

About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of AI developments on agency and skill development in education.

This episode explores three major AI developments—from massive tech layoffs to Pentagon AI contracts—and asks a critical question: Who has agency in an AI-driven world? Dr. Sabba Quidwai reframes the conversation from “AI vs. humans” to a new model of collaboration where success depends on how well people can work with and direct AI systems. The episode challenges educators and leaders to rethink skill development for a future where humans orchestrate intelligent tools rather than compete against them. Timestamps 00:00 — A 4,000-Person Layoff That Shocked the Tech World Jack Dorsey’s company Block cuts 40% of its workforce despite record profits, citing AI-driven productivity and smaller, highly skilled teams. 00:03 — What “Agency” Means to Students and Educators A workshop with students, teachers, and administrators reveals how people still define agency as purely human decision-making—without considering AI collaborators. 00:08 — The Rise of AI-Powered Workplaces Companies like Shopify, Salesforce, and Amazon begin restructuring teams around AI tools, signaling a major shift in how organizations measure talent and productivity. 00:19 — The Missing Piece in Today’s Skills…

People in this episode

Host: Sabba Quidwai

Topics covered

• AI
• agency
• education
• collaboration
• skill development

Keywords

• AI-driven world
• tech layoffs
• Pentagon AI contracts
• human decision-making
• AI collaboration

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Shopify, Salesforce, Amazon

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