Business Insider’s tech team will host a live discussion on Thursday at 2 pm ET to examine Amazon’s recent decision to lay off 14,000 corporate employees. The cuts, announced on Tuesday, mark the latest phase of CEO Andy Jassey’s strategy to transform Amazon into “the world’s largest startup,” emphasizing agility, efficiency, and innovation. Using internal documents, BI reporters uncovered how Amazon’s leadership communicated the news to affected employees, what messages were shared with those let go, and what guidance was offered to those who remained. The layoffs have sparked widespread concern across industries, especially as artificial intelligence continues to reshape the job market. The central question on many minds: is AI driving these cuts? While Amazon has not explicitly cited AI as the reason for the workforce reduction, experts believe automation and AI-driven efficiency are playing a growing role in corporate restructuring. The move comes amid a broader trend of tech companies reevaluating their operations in the face of economic uncertainty and rapid technological change. Eugene Kim, Business Insider’s Chief Tech Correspondent, will break down which Amazon divisions were hit hardest by the layoffs, offering insight into how the company is reallocating resources. Aki Ito, Chief Correspondent, will explore how Amazon’s aggressive approach may serve as a warning sign for other organizations considering similar moves—particularly as AI tools become more capable of handling tasks traditionally done by white-collar workers. Joining them is Deputy Executive Editor Dan DeFrancesco, who will help frame the discussion around the broader implications. The panel will assess Amazon’s business rationale behind the cuts, analyze what to expect in the upcoming earnings report, and provide practical advice for professionals navigating this evolving landscape. As AI continues to integrate into core business functions—from customer service to data analysis to product development—workers across industries are asking whether their roles are at risk. This live conversation will explore what’s behind the headlines, what companies are really prioritizing, and how individuals can prepare for a future where automation and human labor increasingly intersect.