DeeperML

Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has mandated that employees must now justify why AI cannot perform a task before requesting additional resources or new hires. This directive, outlined in an internal memo, signifies a pivotal shift toward integrating AI into every facet of the company’s operations. Lütke emphasizes that using AI effectively is now a "fundamental expectation" for all Shopify employees, viewing it as an essential skill that will only grow in importance. The memo encourages a "reflexive AI usage strategy," urging employees to explore how AI can enhance their workflows and boost productivity.

The new policy includes specific requirements for new projects, particularly during the prototyping phase. Shopify expects AI exploration to "dominate" the prototyping process. Furthermore, the company will incorporate AI usage questions into performance and peer review questionnaires. Teams must demonstrate why they cannot accomplish their goals using AI before seeking more headcount or resources. Lütke believes that AI has the potential to increase productivity exponentially, potentially achieving "100X the work done."

Lütke's memo serves as an inspiration for other workplaces to consider integrating AI. He highlights the transformational qualities of AI as a productivity multiplier and encourages employees to "tinker" with AI to discover its full potential. The Shopify CEO also expressed in the memo that some employees had shown an improvement of "10X" what was previously thought possible, and the hope is that AI tools can now provide "10X" themselves. The changes mark a bold step toward an AI-native future for Shopify and a potential blueprint for businesses worldwide.

ImgSrc: cdn.betakit.com

References :

• betakit.com: Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke tells employees to prove AI can’t do the job before asking for resources
• bsky.app: The CEO of Shopify just published an internal memo about AI usage. Two notable 1. AI usage questions will be added to the performance and peer review process. 2. Requests for more headcount or resources must include justification for why AI can’t do it instead.
• www.searchenginejournal.com: Shopify CEO’s Memo Marks A Pivotal Moment For AI In The Workplace
• The Verge: Shopify CEO says no new hires without proof AI can’t do the job
• Search Engine Journal: Shopify CEO’s memo mandating AI for virtually everything marks a pivotal moment in how AI is used by workers and entrepreneurs
• www.tomsguide.com: Shopify CEO says employees must prove AI can't do the job before any new hires are approved
• analyticsindiamag.com: Shopify Ties AI Usage to Performance Reviews Amid 100x Productivity Surge
• shellypalmer.com: Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has taken a firm stance: no new hires unless you can prove AI can’t do the job.
• Shelly Palmer: The great AI transformation of 2025 isn’t a technology challenge—it’s a leadership challenge. The tools are already here. What’s missing is the executive vision and operational discipline to use them. Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has taken a firm stance: no new hires unless you can prove AI can’t do the job.
• www.tomshardware.com: Shopify CEO: teams must prove AI can’t do a task before asking for new hires, resources

Classification:

• HashTags: #AI #Shopify #Productivity
• Company: Shopify
• Target: Employees
• Product: AI integration
• Feature: AI Integration
• Type: AI
• Severity: Informative