Former Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers has issued a stark warning about the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI). While concerns about AI replacing human jobs have already been widely discussed, Chambers believes the disruption will go far deeper. “You are probably going to see 50% of the Fortune 500 companies disappear and 50% of the executives of the Fortune 500 disappear,” he said in a recent interview with Fortune.
Chambers, who led Cisco through the internet boom of the late 1990s and the painful crash that followed, compared today’s AI wave to the dot-com era. But he stressed that the pace and consequences of AI adoption are far more dramatic. “AI is moving at five times the speed and will produce three times the outcomes of the internet age,” he said, pointing out that startups are now able to develop products in weeks rather than years.
The former CEO cautioned that such rapid transformation will create both winners and losers. “Is there going to be a train wreck? Yes, for those that aren’t able to translate the technology into a sustainable competitive advantage,” Chambers said. He warned that while some companies will thrive, others will vanish because their leaders lack the ability to adapt quickly enough to the new innovation economy.
Former Cisco CEO on job loss due to AI
On the jobs front, Chambers echoed a concern that has been raised by many industry leaders but with an even sharper edge. “If I am right about AI moving at five times the speed of the internet, we are going to destroy jobs faster than we can replace them,” he explained. He acknowledged that new roles will eventually be created, but not before a painful period of adjustment. “There is going to be a drought while we have to re-educate lots of people,” he said.
According to Chambers, both white-collar and blue-collar entry-level jobs are most at risk in the immediate future. To counter this, he urged governments and companies to rethink education and training systems. “We need to change education. Entry-level jobs, both white and blue collar, are going to disappear fast,” he warned.
Despite his concerns, Chambers also sees potential for AI to drive productivity and economic growth—if businesses reinvest their gains. But he believes only those companies that can quickly reinvent themselves will survive. “With the speed the market is moving at now, you have to be able to reinvent yourself, which most CEOs and business leaders don’t know how to do, especially with AI,” he said.
For Chambers, the current moment represents the most uncertain global business climate he has ever witnessed. He described it as “the new normal” and said leaders who fail to adapt will be left behind.
Chambers, who led Cisco through the internet boom of the late 1990s and the painful crash that followed, compared today’s AI wave to the dot-com era. But he stressed that the pace and consequences of AI adoption are far more dramatic. “AI is moving at five times the speed and will produce three times the outcomes of the internet age,” he said, pointing out that startups are now able to develop products in weeks rather than years.
The former CEO cautioned that such rapid transformation will create both winners and losers. “Is there going to be a train wreck? Yes, for those that aren’t able to translate the technology into a sustainable competitive advantage,” Chambers said. He warned that while some companies will thrive, others will vanish because their leaders lack the ability to adapt quickly enough to the new innovation economy.
Former Cisco CEO on job loss due to AI
On the jobs front, Chambers echoed a concern that has been raised by many industry leaders but with an even sharper edge. “If I am right about AI moving at five times the speed of the internet, we are going to destroy jobs faster than we can replace them,” he explained. He acknowledged that new roles will eventually be created, but not before a painful period of adjustment. “There is going to be a drought while we have to re-educate lots of people,” he said.
According to Chambers, both white-collar and blue-collar entry-level jobs are most at risk in the immediate future. To counter this, he urged governments and companies to rethink education and training systems. “We need to change education. Entry-level jobs, both white and blue collar, are going to disappear fast,” he warned.
Despite his concerns, Chambers also sees potential for AI to drive productivity and economic growth—if businesses reinvest their gains. But he believes only those companies that can quickly reinvent themselves will survive. “With the speed the market is moving at now, you have to be able to reinvent yourself, which most CEOs and business leaders don’t know how to do, especially with AI,” he said.
For Chambers, the current moment represents the most uncertain global business climate he has ever witnessed. He described it as “the new normal” and said leaders who fail to adapt will be left behind.
You may also like
Darjeeling landslides: Homes, bridge, roads, tea gardens washed out — scary visuals West Bengal rain havoc emerge
Seven more militants arrested in Manipur, arms and drugs recovered
Congress workers in MP, Rajasthan protest cough syrup deaths
Concerns Rise Over Guwahati's Urban Development Plan for 2045
Post Office Kisan Vikas Patra: The Scheme That Doubles Your Money Fastest — Know How ₹5 Lakh Becomes ₹10 Lakh
