What if your job depended on you mastering AI? For Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, this isn’t just a hypothetical; it’s a reality he’s enforcing at the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange. In a bold move that’s sure to send ripples through the tech industry, Armstrong declared that every engineer must adopt AI tools, or face the consequences – and he’s not afraid to show them the door.

On the Cheeky Pint podcast, hosted by Stripe cofounder John Collison, Armstrong revealed that after acquiring licenses for AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot and Cursor, he made it clear: learning these tools is not optional. “I mandated it,” he stated emphatically. This wasn’t just a casual suggestion; it was a directive that carried serious implications.

Instead of waiting for a lengthy onboarding process to get his team up to speed with the new technology, Armstrong decided to take matters into his own hands. He sent a post on Slack urging every engineer to familiarize themselves with the AI coding assistants by the end of the week. His ultimatum was straightforward: “I’m hosting a meeting on Saturday with everybody who hasn’t done it, and I’d like to understand why.” Talk about a wake-up call!

At that Saturday meeting, the stakes became even clearer. Armstrong discovered that while some engineers had valid excuses for not onboarding, like returning from business trips, others did not. And in a shocking twist, those who didn’t meet the AI mandate found themselves out of a job. Coinbase hasn’t commented on this significant move yet, but it’s evident that Armstrong is sending a strong message about the future of work in tech.

Armstrong isn’t alone in this aggressive push for AI adoption; he joins a league of prominent tech CEOs, including leaders from Google, Microsoft, and Shopify, who have similarly emphasized the necessity of AI in their operations. In fact, Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy has even hinted that AI advancements could lead to a reduced workforce in the future. It seems like AI isn't just reshaping jobs; it’s redefining them.

AI coding assistants are becoming indispensable tools for programmers, offering the ability to fill gaps in knowledge and streamline processes. A recent GitHub survey of 500 U.S. programmers indicated that a staggering 92% are already utilizing AI tools, with 70% agreeing that these technologies give them a competitive edge. The writing on the wall is clear: adapt or get left behind.

While some critics have voiced their concerns about Armstrong’s heavy-handed approach, he stands firm, arguing that the mandate sets a clear standard for AI's importance at Coinbase. Beyond enforcing the use of AI coding assistants, the company holds monthly “AI speedruns,” where employees who effectively implement the technology share their insights and techniques with the rest of the team.

Armstrong is optimistic about the future, claiming that approximately one-third of Coinbase’s code is currently produced with the help of AI, with ambitions to reach 50% by the end of the quarter. He’s even encouraging teams outside of engineering to harness this technology. “Even as CEO, by the way, I use it a lot,” he said, demonstrating his commitment to embracing AI at all levels of the company.