Are companies using AI to innovate, or simply to cut people out of the equation?
In this episode of The Jim Stroud Podcast, Jim sits down with Kelly Monahan, future-of-work researcher, founder of Beyond the Desk, and author of the forthcoming book Reclaim the Plot. Together, they unpack the growing tension between AI adoption, layoffs, leadership decisions, and the long-term health of the labor market.
Kelly challenges the idea that replacing entry-level talent with AI is a smart business strategy, arguing that many leaders are “playing checkers instead of chess.” She and Jim explore why AI ROI is falling short for some companies, how fear and mistrust around AI are shaping employee behavior, and why businesses may be risking their future leadership pipelines in pursuit of short-term savings.
The conversation also looks ahead to a possible future of smaller, AI-powered companies, the rise of entrepreneurship, the value of human skills in an automated workplace, and why organizations may soon need something Jim calls “charm school” for workers: training in empathy, communication, conflict resolution, and human connection.
A provocative, timely conversation for leaders, recruiters, HR professionals, workers, and anyone wondering what AI really means for the future of work.
Learn more about Kelly Monahan on LinkedIn and visit https://reclaimtheplotbook.com for updates on her upcoming book.
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