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Amazon announced on Wednesday that it was laying off dozens of workers in its communications and sustainability departments, and earlier this month, the company let go of 200 employees from its North America stores team. It’s only the beginning.

In September, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that the company would be eliminating excess layers of middle management by the end of March. Now, a leaked Amazon Web Services (AWS) sales team guidelines document, obtained by Business Insider on Thursday, sheds light on how those middle-manager cuts will happen.

The document tells AWS sales managers to increase their number of direct reports, pause hiring new managers, and demote some managers down a level to a non-managerial position of less pay. An Amazon spokesperson did not confirm the internal guidance to BI. AWS had about 115,000 employees out of Amazon’s total 1.55 million.

When it comes to direct reports, the leaked document requires managers to have at least eight team members, up from the six that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos required in 2017.

The AWS sales team guidelines also advised a pause on hiring new managers, stating that the team had hired more managers than entry-level employees in the past few years, driving costs up. Amazon’s structure had become more diamond-shaped than pyramid-shaped, the document stated, referring to the heavier middle management layer.

The final recommendation in the leaked documentation was to move managers down a level to individual contributors, which has a lower pay range. Two AWS employees told BI that this had already happened to several managers.

^{Andy Jassy. Photo by Noah Berger/Getty Images for Amazon Web Services}

These changes arrive in response to Jassy’s September note, which asked each senior leadership team to “increase the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by the end of Q1 2025.”

Related: ‘Not a Cost Play’: Amazon CEO Clarifies Why Employees Have to Come Back to the Office

A Morgan Stanley note to investors in October estimated that Amazon could let go of 13,834 managers under Jassy’s guidelines, assuming that 7% of Amazon’s workforce is management. Amazon had 105,770 managers as of the second quarter of 2024 and would cut that number down to 91,936 managers by the first quarter of 2025, per the note.

Morgan Stanley estimated that if Amazon’s cost per manager ranged from $200,000 to $350,000 per year, Amazon would save between $2.1 billion and $3.6 billion by reducing its manager headcount.

At a November all-hands meeting, Jassy explained that changes to middle management were necessary to keep Amazon competitive. He had created a “Bureaucracy Mailbox” in September for Amazon employees to email him examples of excessive processes or rules that could be eliminated. As of November, that inbox had received more than 500 emails, with Amazon taking action on more than 150 employee suggestions.

“The reality is that the [senior leadership team] and I hate bureaucracy,” Jassy said. “One of the reasons I’m still at this company is because it’s not a political or bureaucratic place.”

Related: I Tried Buying a Car on Amazon. Here Are the Pros and Cons.

Real estate entrepreneur and long-time “Shark Tank” star Barbara Corcoran says she’s hired thousands of people during her career—including hiring (and firing) her own mother.

Now the 75-year-old investor and mentor is sharing her advice when it comes to what to look for when hiring. And if you think you need a strong resume to work with Corcoran, you’d be mistaken.

Related: This Is the Most Important Part of Starting a Business, According to Daymond John, an Entrepreneur Worth $350 Million

“I’ve hired thousands of people over the years and this is the No. 1 thing I’ve learned,” Corcoran says in a video posted to Instagram. “Always hire attitude over experience.”

“You have someone with the right attitude, you can teach them anything!” Corcoran continues. “Forget about the resume.”

“Think about their attitude and their willingness to learn,” she adds. “That’s what I’ve learned.”

Commenters mostly agreed with Corcoran’s thoughts, with one writing: “The best advice!!!! Agree 1000%; makes work and team environment so good too!”

Related: Barbara Corcoran Only Flies Coach. Here’s Why.

Others said they were applying her advice to their company’s hiring processes.

“Cheers to this. I just interviewed some people and this is what I pay close attention to!” a user added.

Though not everyone said it works in their field.

“I feel like it’s been the opposite recently within the design world,” one user wrote—before asking if Corcoran was hiring.

Related: Barbara Corcoran Says This Is the One Question to Ask Before Selling Your Home

Nearly every industry is going through digital disruptions, making entrepreneurship more accessible. However, the constant change in the tech landscape makes it hard to keep up and settle on a tech strategy.

When the goal is to work on your business, not in your business, make the tech work instead of building connections with your audience and attracting your ideal clients. Where mindfulness has become a practice to step away from the digital world, incorporating some of the same practices will lighten the digital load.

A mindful approach to tech isn’t just about slowing down — it’s about creating space for strategic, values-aligned decisions. By taking time to assess each tool’s impact, entrepreneurs can avoid “tech bloat,” where unnecessary platforms slip into daily operations and complicate workflows.

Related: Conventional Business Models Weren’t Cutting It — See How Innovating With AI is Changing the Game for Startups

The overwhelm of tech choices

The tech revolution has driven an “always-on” culture where constant connectivity and quick changes lead to burnout and reactive decision-making. To maintain balance, a conscious approach to tech adoption can help ensure technology supports us rather than being driven by it.

Entrepreneurs face significant challenges when managing their tech stack, from selecting the right software to dealing with connectivity issues and staying within budget. New digital tools are marketed as solutions to common pain points, leveraging success stories to encourage quick adoption. However, these tools can be challenging to integrate into existing systems and processes, creating more work and new pain points.

Why mindfulness matters in a tech strategy

Embracing tech decisions as a series of thoughtful steps rather than reactive moves helps make a business unique. It ensures the business owner is well-supported and can focus on building a company that reflects its values.

Taking a mindful approach encourages entrepreneurs to pause, reflect and evaluate whether their current tech continues to support their goals. Regularly reflecting on whether tools work for them creates a continuous improvement cycle and allows for change without compromising the business’s integrity. This approach ensures that tech supports growth, not a source of pressure or burnout.

Applying mindfulness to your tech

Here are some considerations for a mindful approach to tech decision-making:

• Pause and assess: Before investing in new technology, evaluate whether it aligns with your goals, values and personal capacity to ensure that the choice contributes meaningfully to your operations.
• Prioritize and simplify: Focus on essential tools that add genuine value rather than being drawn into trends to maintain a streamlined tech stack that supports efficiency and reduces complexity.
• Reflect and iterate: Review your current tech setup regularly to determine whether it meets your business needs. Make adjustments thoughtfully and avoid reactive changes to ensure the technology continues to serve your evolving goals.
• Mindful auditing: Periodically evaluate your tech tools and ask, “How does this still align with my business goals?” You should be able to see how each tool supports your business to prevent tech bloat and keep in alignment with strategic goals.
• Intentional implementation: Plan new technology with clear steps, considering factors like the learning curve and potential challenges. Then, phase out old technology to promote smooth integration and practical use.

Related: Why Practicing Mindfulness in Daily Life Is Invaluable For Entrepreneurs

As someone who loves trying new tech, I’ve learned the importance of mindful assessment to avoid cluttered workflows and wasted resources. Early in my entrepreneurship, I eagerly adopted several productivity tools, believing they would enhance efficiency. Instead, they created bloat and duplicated efforts, draining time, money and energy. I could never fully leverage any tool, being too wrapped up in what the tools could do versus what I needed from them.

One example involved a client whose team used three task-tracking platforms for clients, marketing and internal projects. They faced communication issues and decreased productivity from copying details from one platform to another. We paused to assess their core needs and found that some tweaks to their processes meant we could better leverage just one of their platforms to streamline operations and reduce costs.

A mindful approach to tech choices is more than just a feel-good concept; it is a practical strategy to enhance clarity, reduce stress, and create a cohesive, value-driven tech environment. By thoughtfully evaluating and integrating technology, entrepreneurs can ensure that their tech choices align with their goals and support sustainable growth without unnecessary complexity.

Take one small step today: take some time to think about a piece of tech that you use regularly. How does it support you? What effort does it require from you? Is it worth it?

When Bill Gates stepped down from Microsoft’s board in 2020, it seemed to be the end of the entrepreneur’s almost four decades at the tech giant he co-founded in 1975. Though on his Gates Notes blog, he states he is still a “technical advisor,” it wasn’t clear how much time he was actually spending at the company.

Gates spent 25 years as CEO and transitioned into a part-time role at Microsoft in June 2008. And despite officially stepping down in 2020, it looks like Gates never actually retired.

In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates said that he is still doing “product reviews” at Microsoft, and it takes up “maybe 15%” of the 69-year-old’s time.

Related: Melinda French Gates Announces Open Call for $250 Million Fund. Here’s Who Can Apply.

Gates also said that he and current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella still have a “very close relationship.”

“I love doing product reviews, and he brings me in to do that,” Gates said. “It’s maybe 15% of my time. It helps me stay up-to-date.”

^{Microsoft Co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen pose for a portrait in 1984 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by © Doug Wilson/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)}

This is a departure from April 2024, when Business Insider reported that Bill Gates was working behind the scenes at Microsoft, and a company spokesperson told the outlet, “Bill is not at Microsoft and not involved here.”

So, it doesn’t look like Gates will be fully retired anytime soon.

As his blog says: “I have a front seat view to all the amazing work the company continues to do in my current role as a technology advisor, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Related: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Says the Company Needs a ‘Culture Change’ After Security Failures

For business leaders, professionals, and lifelong learners, the journey of staying ahead never truly ends. Whether you’re managing a team, scaling your startup, or pivoting careers, having the right skills makes all the difference. To that end, StackSkills EDU Unlimited is an online learning platform that offers lifetime access to more than 1,000 courses for just $19.97.

With courses ranging from coding and IT to leadership, marketing, and beyond, StackSkills is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Each course is self-paced, so you can learn when it’s convenient for you—no rigid schedules, no deadlines. And with new courses added monthly, you’ll always have access to fresh, relevant content.

StackSkills empowers you to strengthen your skillset while tackling the challenges of a fast-paced business world. Whether you want to upskill your team, improve your own capabilities, or explore trending topics like AI, blockchain, or growth hacking, StackSkills has you covered. And it’s all presented in a user-friendly interface with easy progress tracking, helping you see tangible results.

For example, imagine a marketing executive who needs to brush up on analytics for their next big campaign. StackSkills offers beginner-to-advanced courses in data storytelling and visualization. Or consider a parent returning to the workforce—courses in project management or graphic design could be the key to landing their dream job.

Life gets busy, but StackSkills fits learning into your schedule. Commuting? Watch a quick lecture. Need a refresher? Revisit the material anytime. And with more than 350 expert instructors, you’ll be learning from those who’ve been there and done that.

From foundational courses like Excel Essentials to advanced lessons on Cybersecurity for Business Leaders, StackSkills brings expertise to your fingertips. Plus, quarterly Q&A webinars and premium customer support ensure you get the most out of your learning journey.

Don’t miss lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills for just $19.97.

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It’s no secret that businesses large and small are under constant threat from cyberattacks. For business leaders, IT professionals, and aspiring developers, understanding cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. The Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer & IT Super Skills Bundle is your all-in-one toolkit to stay ahead of the curve and protect your business.

This bundle features 24 expertly crafted courses totaling 320+ hours of training, covering everything from ethical hacking to advanced network security principles. With lifetime access, you can master the skills you need at your own pace. Whether you’re tackling real-world vulnerabilities, preparing for certifications like CompTIA Security+, or learning to thwart social engineering tactics, this bundle has you covered.

Why businesses need cybersecurity expertise

Today’s businesses depend on strong cybersecurity strategies to safeguard customer data, financial assets, and proprietary information. This bundle equips you with the knowledge to lead your organization confidently through the evolving threat landscape. For instance, courses on incident response help you manage breaches, while modules on network security teach you to implement robust protection measures for your company’s systems.

For business leaders, knowing what ethical hackers do and how tools like Nmap and Wireshark work can improve decision-making when selecting cybersecurity teams or protocols. Plus, the CompTIA Security+ prep course ensures you’re up to date on the gold standard of cybersecurity certifications.

Real-world skills and applications

The best part? This bundle emphasizes practical, hands-on skills. You won’t just learn abstract concepts. You’ll also be taught how to apply them in real-life scenarios. For instance, ethical hacking techniques give you insight into how attackers think so you can better defend your systems. Social engineering modules prepare you to train employees to spot phishing attempts and other scams.

These are the exact skills businesses demand—and they’re all included for this one-time low price.

Get the Complete 2025 Cybersecurity Developer & IT Super Skills Bundle while it’s just $59.99 (reg. $936).

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Buried within your emails, documents, and data lies a goldmine of insights with the power to 10X your output and double your sales – but it’s fragmented and overwhelming. That’s all about to change. A revolutionary new category of AI tools is emerging, poised to transform how we work, and Google’s Agent Space is leading the charge.

In this video, I’ll demystify this groundbreaking technology, revealing how it acts as a central command center for your business, powered by a team of tireless AI assistants. I’ll also reveal a specific prompt that helped me double the sales in my own business using these very tools.

This is beyond basic automation, this is about creating a team of specialized AI agents that handle your most tedious tasks, from customer support to report generation, all while you focus on growing your business.

Download the free ‘AI Success Kit’ (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from Ben’s brand new book, ‘The Wolf is at The Door – How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World.’

News of layoffs has seemed nonstop in January, with CNN, Citigroup, and Microsoft all cutting roles this week alone. Usually, these notices are pretty standard—heavy on the legal wording, and light on the cartoons.

But that wasn’t the case at Stripe, a payments software company that laid off 300 employees on Monday. Some employees in the various roles affected (product, operations, engineering) were notified by an illustration of a cartoon duck, Business Insider reports. The dates on the termination notices were also incorrect.

Related: ‘We Will Have Job Eliminations’: Starbucks CEO Announces Corporate Layoffs Will Begin Soon

The illustration was sent as a PDF attachment and said, “US-Non-California Duck.” Business Insider received a picture of the yellow duck from employees on a Blind chat.

“The comms to those laid off were flubbed completely,” one employee reportedly wrote.

Software company Stripe laid off 300 employees this week and mysteriously and confusingly included a photo of a duck in the email that notified workers they’d been let go.

While this was clearly a preventable gaffe, the far bigger one was ##Stripe telling 300 human beings they’d… pic.twitter.com/oeIIWhkwOu

— Mark C. Crowley (@MarkCCrowley) January 23, 2025

A Stripe representative told Business Insider that follow-up emails went out to affected employees.

“I apologize for the error and any confusion it caused,” wrote Rob McIntosh, the company’s chief people officer. “Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes.”

Related: Citigroup Eliminated More Jobs This Week. Here Are the Roles Affected.

Stripe is valued at $70 billion in the private markets, per CNBC.

Despite the cuts, McIntosh said the company is “not slowing down hiring” and expects to increase its workforce by 17% this year to 10,000.

Navigating the process of buying or selling a business can feel daunting for entrepreneurs. That’s where Transworld Business Advisors excels, offering expertise that simplifies complex transactions. Ranked #57 on Entrepreneur‘s 2025 Franchise 500 and the top performer in the business services category, Transworld has earned its place as a trusted leader in the industry.

• Overall Franchise 500 rank: 57
• Number of units: 486
• Change in units: +52.4% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $97,000-$122,000

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

Transworld specializes in business brokerage, franchise consulting and franchise development, making it a one-stop shop for those looking to take the next step in business ownership. With a network of more than 300 offices worldwide, Transworld connects buyers and sellers across industries and provides the tools and strategies to ensure successful outcomes.

Transworld’s comprehensive training and support are critical for franchise owners. New franchisees gain access to proven systems, cutting-edge marketing strategies and a network of experienced advisors who help them thrive in their local markets. Transworld’s model emphasizes relationship-building, ensuring franchisees become trusted advisors in their communities.

Related: The One Factor the Top Franchises of 2025 Have in Common

The brand’s growth reflects the increasing demand for professional guidance in business transactions. Whether helping a retiring business owner find the right buyer or guiding an aspiring entrepreneur toward their dream opportunity, Transworld creates meaningful connections that drive economic success. By leveraging its extensive network, industry expertise and personalized approach, Transworld facilitates transactions that not only meet financial goals but also align with the unique aspirations and needs of its clients. This focus on creating mutually beneficial outcomes has cemented Transworld’s reputation as a trusted partner in the business brokerage industry.

Transworld Business Advisors offers a rewarding franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about helping others achieve their goals. Backed by decades of experience, a strong global network and a proven track record, Transworld is more than a business — it’s a platform for empowering entrepreneurs to succeed.

Related: Explore the full 2025 Franchise 500 list, complete with category rankings.

A new study released Tuesday by Hult International Business School and independent research firm Workplace Intelligence found that even when faced with widespread talent shortages, employers would rather hire a robot or AI than a recent grad.

The study surveyed 800 human resources leaders and 800 recent graduates (ages 22 to 27) in business roles, including finance/accounting, marketing, sales, management, operations/logistics, and business analytics/intelligence.

Nearly all HR leaders, 98%, said their organization was struggling to find talent, yet 89% stated that they avoid hiring recent graduates.

Related: AI Could Replace 200,000 Jobs on Wall Street, According to a New Report. These Are the Jobs Most at Risk.

When asked why, hiring managers said that recent graduates lack real-world experience (60%), a global mindset (57%), teamwork skills (55%), the right skill sets (51%), and the proper business etiquette (50%).

Three out of 10 HR leaders would rather leave a position unfilled than hire a recent graduate.

Nearly four out of ten (37%) would rather have a robot or AI do the job than a recent grad while 45% say they would rather hire a freelancer.

Related: AI Can Now Apply to 1,000 Jobs While You Sleep. Here’s How Many Interviews an AI Bot Creator Got in One Month.

At companies that have taken the plunge and hired recent grads in the past year, the majority (78%) have already fired at least some of them.

Meanwhile, recent graduates who have successfully joined companies have found the work experience invaluable. 77% said they learned more in half a year on the job than in four years of undergrad and 87% said their employer provided better job training than college.

Over half (55%) said that college didn’t prepare them in any way for the job they currently hold.

Related: Here Are the 10 Fastest Growing Jobs for 2025, According to LinkedIn.

“Our survey revealed that traditional college programs aren’t providing what students need to be successful in today’s fast-paced and increasingly tech-focused work environment,” Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner of Workplace Intelligence, stated.

So what do recent grads lack that HR leaders are looking for? Technology skills, especially in AI, data analytics, and IT, are important to 97% of HR leaders, but only 20% of recent graduates possess these skills.

“Theory alone is no longer enough,” said Martin Boehm, executive vice President and Global Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Hult International Business School. “Preparing students in new ways, with a focus on building both the skills and mindsets needed for continuous learning, is the future of education.”