Companies Replace 37% of Entry-Level Workers with AI, Threatening Future Leadership Development

Nov 27, 2025
Forbes
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Summary

Companies replace 37% of entry-level workers with AI and plan to eliminate 44% more, destroying traditional career pathways and eliminating crucial 'courage lab' experiences that develop leadership skills, potentially creating a generation of leaders lacking interpersonal courage and emotional intelligence.

Key Points

  • Companies are replacing 37% of entry-level workers with AI according to a 2024 survey, with 44% more planning to follow suit, eliminating traditional career development pathways for young professionals
  • AI automation removes crucial 'courage lab' experiences like handling difficult customers, leading tense meetings, and recovering from mistakes that historically built leadership skills and emotional intelligence
  • Organizations risk creating future leaders who lack interpersonal courage, resilience, and human-centered capabilities needed for high-stakes decision making in an increasingly complex business environment

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