CEOs should be 'ringing the fire alarm' on AI reorganization, Writer co-founder says

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping corporate structures is becoming increasingly significant. May Habib, co-founder of Writer and a prominent figure in the AI sector, recently emphasized the urgent need for CEOs to take decisive action regarding AI’s impact on their organizations. During an appearance on Yahoo Finance’s Opening Bid Unfiltered podcast, Habib stated that many CEOs have yet to confront the reality of AI’s transformative potential.

The Call for Action

Habib articulated that very few executives in the C-suite have demonstrated the courage to address the organizational changes necessitated by AI. She stated, “Very few CEOs in the C-suite have been brave enough to call it — have been brave enough to reach into HR [departments] and say I’m ringing the fire alarm.” This metaphor highlights the urgency for leaders to acknowledge the need for restructuring in response to AI advancements.

Bravery vs. Laziness in Leadership

Habib further clarified that bravery in leadership does not equate to mass layoffs, which she described as “lazy, not brave.” Instead, she advocates for leaders who can engage with their teams transparently, stating, “Look, this will most likely be a smaller company, but not by a lot. But I need a company here with all of you that has 10x of the footprint we got today, and we’re going to do it with AI.”

This approach emphasizes the importance of adapting to new technologies while retaining valuable employees who can contribute to the company’s future.

About May Habib

May Habib is a Lebanese-born entrepreneur and linguist who has made significant strides in the enterprise AI space. After graduating from Harvard with degrees in economics and Near Eastern languages, she began her career as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and later served as a vice president at the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala. In 2015, she co-founded Qordoba, a content management and localization platform, which she later rebranded as Writer in 2020.

Under her leadership, Writer has distinguished itself by developing its own full-stack large language models (LLMs) that prioritize data privacy and cost-efficiency. As of early 2026, Writer has raised a total of $369 million, achieving a unicorn valuation of $1.9 billion. The company’s most significant funding came in a $200 million Series C round closed in November 2024.

The Impact of AI on Corporate America

The advancements in AI tools, including those developed by Writer and its competitors, are coinciding with a significant transformation in corporate America. However, this transition has not been without its challenges. Many employees in the tech industry have faced job losses as companies adapt to new technologies.

Recent layoffs in the tech sector have been staggering, with major companies such as Block, Amazon, and Oracle announcing substantial job cuts. For instance, Block reported a workforce reduction of 40% attributed to AI-related changes. Similarly, Oracle laid off up to 30,000 workers across various regions, marking a significant shift in employment dynamics in the tech industry.

Statistics on Tech Layoffs

• Over 52,000 US tech employees were laid off in the first three months of 2026, according to an analysis by Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
• The tech industry announced 18,720 job cuts in March alone, representing a 40% year-over-year increase.
• This figure marks the highest year-to-date total for the sector since 2023, when 102,391 job cuts were recorded.
• Experts predict that more layoffs are likely to occur in 2026 as companies continue to integrate AI into their operations.

Future Job Market Dynamics

Despite the immediate challenges posed by AI adoption, some experts believe that the long-term effects may be more positive. Austan Goolsbee, president of the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, noted, “I think the nature of jobs [is] going to change. There have been many changes to the nature of many jobs over a lot of decades. We have a pretty good sense that there can be short-run disruptions. And then in the long run, most of these big technologies are job creators on net, not job destroyers.”

This perspective suggests that while AI may disrupt certain job functions, it also has the potential to create new opportunities and roles that did not previously exist.

Conclusion

As AI continues to advance and reshape the corporate landscape, it is imperative for CEOs to take proactive measures in reorganizing their companies. May Habib’s call for leaders to ‘ring the fire alarm’ serves as a crucial reminder that embracing change and preparing for the future is essential for organizational success. The challenge lies not only in navigating the immediate impacts of AI but also in fostering a workforce that is equipped to thrive in an increasingly automated world.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest insights and developments in the AI sector as of October 2023.