EPISODE · Jul 17, 2026 · 10 MIN
AI and Grey Beards
from REAL Talk With Sam Holcman · host Sam Holcman
I began my career in 1972, and we were called Data Processing. What we were doing in 1972 was processing data. Today, we are called Information Technology, or the AI Division, or whatever. And do you know what we are doing today? Processing data. Any questions?Today I want to build on an article by Joe Procopio titled “The End of AI as Human Replacement?” which explores a fascinating recent move by Ford Motor Company. His core story is this: Ford just rehired 350 experienced “gray beard” engineers after discovering that artificial intelligence and automated systems “failed to deliver the desired quality level.” In other words, a flagship BigCo bet heavily on replacing seasoned human talent with AI—and then had to reverse course.
What this episode covers
I began my career in 1972, and we were called Data Processing. What we were doing in 1972 was processing data. Today, we are called Information Technology, or the AI Division, or whatever. And do you know what we are doing today? Processing data. Any questions?Today I want to build on an article by Joe Procopio titled “The End of AI as Human Replacement?” which explores a fascinating recent move by Ford Motor Company. His core story is this: Ford just rehired 350 experienced “gray beard” engineers after discovering that artificial intelligence and automated systems “failed to deliver the desired quality level.” In other words, a flagship BigCo bet heavily on replacing seasoned human talent with AI—and then had to reverse course.
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AI and Grey Beards
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