A tech CEO who cut his staff from over 1,000 to 120 says AI is boosting the value of 'high-agency' generalists
Bird CEO Robert Vis says AI gives an edge to high-agency, multidisciplinary workers who can take ownership across roles.
Robert Vis, CEO of communications infrastructure company Bird, believes that artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing the value of high-agency generalists in the workplace. Bird's staff has reduced from over 1,000 to 120 as AI automates more tasks. Vis explained that employees who can work across different roles are more valuable with the advent of AI.
He stated that if an individual possesses high performance but lacks multidisciplinary skills, they would not be retained at Bird. Vis made these remarks in late September after Bird secured $450 million in debt financing led by JPMorgan, Capital One, and Citi. Bird's headcount declined from more than 1,000 to 120 over three years due to increased automation and a preference for employees with high agency and multidisciplinary skills.
AI assists employees in working on tasks that were once considered separate roles. For example, in engineering, AI favors engineers who understand not only coding but also product functionality. Vis emphasized that AI enables workers to participate in design systems or automate routine support, sales, and accounting tasks. While some specialists may still exist, Bird has laid off employees who lacked multidisciplinary skills, strong performance, or a desire for increased autonomy.
Bird generated $165 million in EBITDA in 2025 following extensive automation of operations. Vis cautioned against using AI as a reason to reduce the workforce, instead advocating for identifying repetitive tasks that AI can automate without burdening remaining employees.
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