We were originally planning to write about all the new design work that is happening in hospitality right now (see links below).
But then Chad went to a meeting on Friday where he heard speakers present how organizations are using AI agents to "coach" employees. This means they're not only assisting in effectively doing the individual's job, but also in managing subordinate employees and even developing skills for future jobs. The future becomes crystal clear when you see these types of real-world examples: a lot of administrative and managerial jobs are obsolete. Not like they are becoming obsolete one day. No, like tomorrow. Captain Kirk will be talking to the "computer" on the bridge any day now.
Long story short, organizations are deploying something called Nadia, an AI coach from Valence.co that can learn company culture, personal work styles, and career goals better than an actual manager probably can.
Think of it this way, instead of waiting three weeks for a performance review, employees are getting real-time coaching on everything from "how do I handle this difficult conversation with my peer?" to "what skills should I develop for that promotion I want?" The AI isn't just spitting out slop, it's learned the specific leadership frameworks of each company, understands individual employee contexts, and delivers personalized guidance 24/7.
Companies using it are seeing a significant uptick in leadership effectiveness for people who use these AI coaches compared to non-users. So what we're witnessing isn't gradual disruption, it's a complete rewrite of the org chart. When an AI can provide better coaching, more consistent feedback, and deeper developmental insights than most human managers, what exactly is left for middle management to do? Let’s be honest here, this has always been the greatest weakness within organizations. Now AI is trying to eliminate it.
The companies embracing this aren't just automating tasks; they're democratizing expertise. Every employee now has access to executive-level coaching. Meanwhile, the companies still clinging to traditional hierarchy-dependent development? They're about to find out what "competitive disadvantage" really means.
All of this has our head spinning on what this means for the future of organizations. Some will embrace, evolve, and thrive. Others will hold out. The same goes for workers.
So what won't be outdated by the advancements of AI? Taste, design, and strategy. Human inspiration. Effort.
The irony is delicious if you get excited about this kind of stuff, like we do. As AI handles the "management" part of management, humans will finally have space to focus on the deeply human work: the creative problem-solving, the cultural intuition, the strategic vision that comes from lived experience and emotional intelligence.
The question isn't whether AI will replace managers. It's whether people will use this moment to become irreplaceably human at what they do. Or do they just throw their hands in the air because “tasks” are the only thing they think they can do? Ugh, it’s a bad situation when certain individuals in your life come to mind.
We just need to remind them that the computer may be running the bridge, but somebody still needs to decide where the ship is going.
Workers are getting fired, placed on leave over Charlie Kirk posts
“Reactions to the conservative activist’s killing have become a litmus test for employers’ tolerance for political speech by employees, in public and private.”
Is America Ready for Japanese-Style 7-Elevens?
We’re skeptical, but would love to see them pull it off. The challenge will be getting talent that cares enough to deliver a high-quality product.
The death of the corporate job.
A hard truth.
Venice as a prime example of the flattening of culture.
Running is More Popular Than Ever. But Why Now? And Can It Stay Cool?
A Guided Tour of San Vicente West Village
“The bunker-like former U.S. Embassy in London has undergone a radical transformation into a gilded temple to the new global order”
Inside the W Union Square Reopening: A New Chapter for a New York Landmark
Culture Edit Podcast:
Ep. 105 – The Mallorca Download
In this one-on-one, we find Nikki and Chad back in Atlanta grinding at the studio, where they chat fake-Fall’s hard launch, FSU football is back, how NIL is destroying the game, Coyotes on the Beltline, Atlanta is Atlantis, US Open Finals, pro female runners getting popped, and getting blocked on social from a podcast. Then they go into a Mallorca deep dive: best areas to ride and run, the best deserted beaches (sorry, you have to hike), the best climb (sa Batalla), why August may not be the best time to go, and how Soller may not the best for riding but is for trail running. They fill us in on a gem in Hotel Corazon, why Mallorcan cats don’t cause allergic reactions, that the Can Beneit hotel is the perfect boutique, experiencing “The Menu” IRL, Pomada is the drink of the Summer, go to Charlott for vibes, the best Negroni in the world (Da Me), a special experience at Casa Rosita, the world’s best two hour route where you get grandma’s pancakes, Kate Courtney’s Substack newsletter, and why Strava is the best social media platform for connecting (sorry LinkedIn LOL).