Up Next @ WorkTech! Returns to Take a Look Beyond the AI Smokescreen

About this episode

Kate Achille and George LaRocque return to discuss the complexities of the modern workplace, focusing on layoffs, AI, and industry funding trends.

Kate Achille and George LaRocque are back after taking time off for travel and industry events, ready to dissect the complex, often contradictory state of the modern workplace. This latest episode of Up Next @ Work Tech dives into April's "layoff season," considering the different strategies companies are taking; the rise of token maxing and AI leaderboards; the potential impact of recent changes at DOL; and an exclusive breakdown of the Q1 WorkTech funding and M&A report. Episode highlights include: Recent observations at industry events The "AI of it all" amid more tech layoffs George's "Market Squeeze" model Considerations for the balance of the year

People in this episode

Hosts: Kate Achille, George LaRocque

Topics covered

• AI in the workplace
• layoffs
• WorkTech funding
• market strategies
• industry events

Keywords

• AI
• layoffs
• WorkTech
• funding
• market strategies
• DOL
• industry events

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DOL

Books & works: Q1 WorkTech funding and M&A report

More episodes of Up Next @ Work

• Up Next @ WorkTech: Reading the Room on AI During Grad Season · May 19, 2026 · 45 min
• Up Next @ WorkTech! Lawsuits, Layoffs, and the AI Panic Button · March 19, 2026 · 33 min
• Up Next @ WorkTech! Reverse Recruiting, Security Risks, and the Rise of "AI Native" Everything · February 28, 2026 · 47 min
• Up Next @ WorkTech! Turbulence, Shakeups, Hype, and the Future of HR Tech · February 11, 2026 · 44 min
• Up Next @ Work Meets HR & Payroll 2.0 · February 3, 2026 · 48 min
• Up Next @ WorkTech! AI on Trial, Labor Power, and HR Tech’s Reckoning · January 27, 2026 · 35 min