Scott Galloway: AI Wasn’t Built For You. The Rich Don’t Need You Anymore!

Galloway says two brands have suffered a sharp decline over the prior 18 months: the United States abroad and AI. He links AI's worsening reputation to executives predicting that robots will replace all jobs, while noting that their companies also benefit when such claims support high valuations and investment. The host asks what is real and what is marketing. Galloway calls much of the job-apocalypse rhetoric fundraising, argues that AI can create more work than it removes, and points to changing attitudes toward AI among people who bear energy costs but cannot invest in the companies.

On employment, Galloway argues that past technologies have displaced some jobs but also raised productivity, created businesses and expanded work elsewhere. He cites US unemployment figures of 4.5% overall and 8.8% among young people, as well as a doubling in per-capita business formation over a decade, to argue that the labor market does not yet show an AI-driven jobs collapse. These figures are his characterization of the data in the interview; he acknowledges that particular fields such as customer service or law may still see major disruption. He says Denmark devotes 2% of GDP to retraining, compared with 0.2% in the US, and argues that support for displaced workers is inadequate.

The host offers his hiring experience as a counterpoint: he says AI has made him pause over entry-level candidates because new tools provide alternative ways to complete work. Galloway agrees that employers may hire different kinds of people, but frames AI as a supplement to capable workers rather than a direct replacement for every role. He says programmers' job listings had risen 11% year over year and that data centers need skilled trades such as carpenters, welders and plumbers. The exchange illustrates how job effects can differ by occupation and time horizon; it does not resolve what the net employment effect will be.

Galloway says his companies employ about 220 people, many in well-paid roles, and that AI is changing the kinds of people he hires. The host says AI has made him pause over some entry-level applicants because new tools provide alternative ways to do the work. Galloway argues that labor markets are reshaping rather than simply collapsing: he cites a recent reversal in unemployment rates for college and non-college graduates, and notes that data centers need tradespeople such as carpenters, welders and plumbers. He says he expects productivity and new business opportunities to grow, but also acknowledges that some workers will lose out and that the US is poor at retraining them.

The guests debate whether AI-powered robots will replace skilled professionals. Galloway expects surgical robots to supplement surgeons, helping them perform procedures more efficiently and precisely. He sees industrial automation as a major source of business value, citing Amazon's robot fleet and its plan to expand retail without adding employees, while rejecting the idea that household robots will soon serve tea. The host raises the possibility that factory workers are already being recorded to train robots. The segment distinguishes automation that boosts an expert's output from systems that eliminate jobs, but presents predictions rather than settled outcomes.