40. Our 2026 Predictions: Expect the Unexpected
Episode description
As 2025 comes to a close, AI hype is still everywhere, workers are feeling the strain of constant change, and organizations are quietly reorganizing who (or what) does the work. We’re ending the year with some big questions: What happens to the “middle” of organizations? How do humans fit into increasingly AI-driven systems? And where does real value—human and otherwise—get created?
With only a few days left until the new year, Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin look ahead to how AI, jobs, and organizational life will shift in 2026—from real white-collar displacement and the rise of internal org-design teams to employees quietly choosing AI over difficult human teammates.
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Mentioned references:
- "US military met recruiting goals ahead of schedule"
- "AI workslop"
- "Steam game marketplace, AI labeling"
00:00 Intro + Check-In: What’s a reflection you have on 2025?
03:44 Prediction 1: Hype cycle around AGI will break
05:03 Prediction 2: 2026 is tipping point for white collar AI job disruption
09:53 Prediction 3: Demand for internal OD teams increases
12:11 Prediction 4: People will start choosing AI over their coworkers for collab
15:04 Prediction 5: Divide between legacy orgs and AI-native micro orgs will grow
17:48 Prediction 6: New premium on human-crafted products and experience
21:57 Wrap up: Leave us a review, and see you in 2026
Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of Coupe Studios.