By Vicky Sidler | Published 30 June 2025 at 19:30 GMT

Amazon’s CEO just told staff that AI isn’t just changing the company—it’s cutting headcount.

This wasn’t some leaked memo or vague forecast. Forbes reports that he said it plainly during a keynote address: AI is reducing the need for white-collar roles.

So if you’ve been treating AI like a passing trend—something that only affects coders or content creators—remember who else thought that way: the newspaper industry.

TL;DR

• Amazon’s CEO says AI will replace white-collar jobs

• Farm-ng launches a plug-and-play robot for smaller farms

• Vercepta launches a review management tool built for actual business owners—not just agencies

If your role or revenue depends on human hands and real trust, it’s time to skill up and tech-proof your business.

Amazon’s AI Memo Should Make Every Knowledge Worker Pay Attention:

In a company-wide message, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said AI is now embedded across the company: from Alexa+ and fulfillment to shopping tools and advertising.

They’ve got 1,000 generative AI tools in the works. And while that might sound like a fun PR number, Jassy didn’t sugar-coat the outcome: over time, fewer white-collar workers will be needed.

He encouraged employees to dive into AI training—because the ones who adapt will shape Amazon’s future. The rest? Not so much.

Why This Matters to You:

Whether you run a business or work for one, you’re in the same boat. AI is going to automate the repetitive bits, replace some knowledge work, and reshape what clients expect from you.

As a Duct Tape Marketing Strategist and StoryBrand Certified Guide, I’ve seen it firsthand:

• Business owners who embrace AI are freeing up time for strategy, not stuck in the weeds

• Writers, marketers, and analysts who leverage AI are thriving—those who ignore it are already falling behind

• Automation isn’t coming “someday”—it’s already baked into the tools you’re using

Robots Are Now Helping Small Farms—Without Needing a Degree in Engineering:

Farm-ng just rolled out a new update to its modular Amiga robot—and the big deal is how easy it is to use.

With a new Job Manager, growers can now schedule repeat tasks like seeding and weeding. Navigation is hands-free, controls are simplified, and updates install wirelessly.

You don’t need an IT department to run this thing.

Why This Matters to You:

Whether you’re in agriculture or not, this is a strong signal:

1. Tech is being built for real users, not just engineers.

2. “Small” doesn’t mean “low-tech” anymore.

3. The new normal is automation that’s actually usable.

If your tools still feel like they belong in 2012, it’s time for an upgrade.

3. Reputation Management No Longer Requires a Marketing Degree:

Vercepta just launched a platform that gives small business owners real-time control over online reviews and reputation.

It tracks sentiment, sends alerts for new reviews, and spots trends before they become PR problems. Founder Justin Jennings said most reputation tools are built for agencies—not for the owners who actually need them.

Why This Matters to You:

Let’s be real: one cranky customer can cost you more than a ransomware attack. If you’re not actively managing your public reputation, you’re leaving revenue on the table.

• Are you notified when someone posts a negative review?

• Do you know how customers are feeling about your brand?

• Do you have a plan to address bad feedback before it spreads?

If not, tools like Vercepta could be a lifeline.

Get Smart. Stay Useful.

Here’s your action list for the week:

1. Don’t ignore AI—start using it to save time and sharpen decisions

2. If you rely on people to trust you (which is everyone), take reputation management seriously

3. Stop waiting for perfect tools. Adopt tech that makes you more effective today

And if your marketing message still sounds like it was written in 2009, it’s time to clean it up.

Grab the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to write a one-liner that actually helps you stop explaining and start selling.

👉 Get the 5-minute Marketing Fix here.

Because no amount of AI will help if your message is still confusing.