Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong revealed he terminated employees who failed to adopt artificial intelligence tools after issuing a company-wide mandate requiring engineers to integrate AI into their workflow by a specific deadline. Speaking on the “Cheeky Pint” podcast Wednesday, Armstrong described going “rogue” when told AI adoption would take one to two quarters. Instead, he posted directly in the company’s Slack channel demanding all engineers onboard AI tools within the week or attend a mandatory Saturday meeting to explain their resistance.“If not, I’m hosting a meeting on Saturday with everyone who hasn’t done it and I’d like to meet with you to understand why,” Armstrong said during the podcast interview.When Saturday arrived, a small group of non-compliant employees joined the call. While some had legitimate reasons like returning from travel, others did not. “Some of them didn’t, and they got fired,” Armstrong stated bluntly.

CEO’s “heavy-handed” approach reflects growing workplace AI pressure across tech industry

The Coinbase chief executive described his confrontational tactics as “heavy-handed” but necessary to signal AI’s critical importance to the company’s future. His goal is achieving 50% AI-written code by quarter’s end, supported by monthly “AI speed run” training sessions.Armstrong’s aggressive AI enforcement mirrors broader industry trends. Tech giants and multiple CEOs have similarly pressured employees to integrate AI tools into daily operations, emphasizing AI adoption as essential for competitive advantage.However, Armstrong acknowledged limits to AI reliance, particularly for financial systems. “You don’t want people vibe-coding these systems moving money,” he cautioned, stressing the need for human oversight and code reviews.The crypto exchange has expanded AI implementation beyond engineering, with design teams “using it heavily” and exploring AI’s role in executive decision-making. Armstrong personally uses AI extensively in his CEO role.