A worker collapses on a warehouse floor. The conveyor belts keep moving. No one is allowed to help. The story sounds unbelievable until you realize it's not an isolated incident.

I want to tell you a story that starts in an Amazon warehouse but quickly becomes something much bigger. I explore how extreme workplace pressure, productivity obsession, and fear-based leadership have become normalized across industries. From warehouse workers to software engineers and investment bankers, we're seeing the human cost of a culture that demands more and more from people.

I also take a closer look at the rise of "grind culture," the return of 72-hour workweeks, and how Silicon Valley's newest work philosophies are reshaping expectations around success. We discuss why these trends disproportionately affect older workers, caregivers, and anyone with responsibilities outside the office.

Finally, I examine the role AI may be playing in all of this. As workers race to prove their value in an uncertain future, we have to ask a difficult question: Are technological advances creating freedom or simply raising the bar for how much we're expected to sacrifice? If you've ever felt like work is consuming more of life than it should, this conversation is for you.

In This Episode:

- The Amazon warehouse incident that sparked a bigger conversation

- Japan's "Karoshi" crisis (death from overwork)

- Recent workplace deaths linked to extreme job pressure

- The pregnancy discrimination case that resulted in a $22.5 million verdict

- How fear-based leadership shapes workplace culture

- The rise of the 996 work schedule and grind culture

- Why companies increasingly favor younger, unattached workers

- How AI anxiety is fueling a new productivity arms race

- The broken promise of productivity gains and free time

- The question we should all be asking about the future we're creating

And much more!

Resources:

-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for First Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

-‘Everyone is Replaceable’: Death Rattles Oregon Amazon Facility - https://www.thewesternedge.media/p/everyone-is-replaceable-death-rattles

-Indian Software Engineer Found Dead On Microsoft's Silicon Valley Campus - https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/microsoft-software-engineer-35-dies-on-silicon-valley-campus-9179574

-Exclusive: Bank of America banker who died had sought to leave, citing long hours, recruiter says - https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/bank-america-banker-who-died-had-sought-leave-citing-long-hours-recruiter-says-2024-05-15/

-Ohio jury awards $22.5 million in TQL pregnancy case - https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ohio-jury-awards-22-5-million-in-tql-pregnancy-case

-How San Francisco became the ultimate ‘996 City’ - https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/16/san-francisco-became-ultimate-996-city/

-Claims that overwork killed China tech worker reignites ‘996’ debate - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/09/claims-that-overwork-killed-china-tech-worker-reignites-996-debate

Case Study: Karoshi: Death from overwork - https://www.ilo.org/publications/case-study-karoshi-death-overwork

Connect with Maureen Wiley Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

On April 7th, at 12:30 a.m. in a massive warehouse in Ontario, California, a worker lights pallets on fire. The result? $500–$600 million in damages and a reflection of a much bigger story, one that isn’t just about one individual, but about how our workplaces are failing employees. I walk through this shocking incident to uncover the systemic pressures that drive workplace rage.

The truth is, this isn’t isolated. From Amazon to Disney contractors, poor pay, unsafe conditions, and layers of corporate shields create a workforce that’s physically present but mentally checked out. Studies show employee engagement is plummeting, confidence is collapsing, and the gap between leadership perception and reality is dangerously wide. The Kimberly-Clark fire is a symptom of a system that ignores the human cost of labor.

We also explore history to understand the present. From the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire to today, patterns emerge: when workers have no voice, tensions escalate.

Job loss isn’t just financial, it’s deeply psychological. And corporations need to act before the next flashpoint.

In This Episode:

- Ontario warehouse fire overview and costs

- Economic and labor context driving worker anger

- Gallup report: collapse in worker confidence

- Disparity between CEO awareness and workforce sentiment

- Historical parallel: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire

- Modern labor conditions and subcontractor complexities

- Psychological impact of unemployment and layoffs

- Lessons for workers and corporate leaders

And much more!

Resources:

-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for First Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

-Video of the warehouse worker setting fire - https://www.instagram.com/reels/DW5Lbj6DiRW/

-Video shows someone intentionally setting fires at Ontario warehouse - https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/ontario-warehouse-fire-video/3873376/

-Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire - https://www.history.com/articles/triangle-shirtwaist-fire

-Luigi Mangione Charged with the Stalking and Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson - https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/luigi-mangione-charged-stalking-and-murder-unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-and-use

-‘Get back to work’: Amazon faces fresh scrutiny over workplace safety record - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/apr/22/amazon-workplace-safety-record

-Gallup's 2026 State of the Global Workplace Report: Global Employee Engagement Continues Decline - https://www.gallup.com/workplace/708071/global-employee-engagement-continues-decline.aspx

-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Report: CEO Insomnia Index: What (and Who) Is Keeping CEOs Up at Night - https://web-assets.bcg.com/2b/7c/2484f99045e58979f1d4dfd9571d/ceo-insomnia-index-apr-2026.pdf

Connect with Maureen Wiley Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

The American career stability crisis is real, and it’s not a coincidence. We’re seeing a massive shift in how employers view workers, and it’s creating a talent drain that could fundamentally change the future of work. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a systemic issue that’s been building for years, and it’s more than just AI layoffs.

Here’s what’s happening: The U.S. government tracks your financial activity anywhere on the planet, but they won’t release how many Americans are leaving. They know, but they don’t want you to know. Meanwhile, other countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada are actively recruiting skilled American workers with tax breaks and fast-track visas. These countries are offering real alternatives, and people are listening–and leaving.

I’ll show you how the U.S. job market has hit a breaking point, and why more and more experienced workers are seeking opportunities abroad. But it’s not just about burnout. American institutions are pushing workers out through AI layoffs, forcing full-time employees into contractor roles, and offering "return-to-office" mandates that even C-suite executives see as a strategy to make people quit.

If you’re feeling like the system isn’t working for you anymore, you’re not alone. The career stability crisis didn’t start with AI, and it won’t end with the next earnings report. But we need to start seeing the system for what it is and push back against the terms.

These are the Instagram posts I mentioned:

-https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUZpCtKCatq/?igsh=MWtzYXpiM3F6YWt0Mg%3D%3D

-https://www.instagram.com/reel/DURjLRrkhsB/?igsh=d3F2bmNtbHkwbmpy

In This Episode:

- Why Americans are looking for job opportunities abroad

- Burnout hits a 6-year high: The state of worker wellbeing in the U.S.

- Why the career stability crisis isn’t a coincidence

- How Germany, the Netherlands, & Canada are actively recruiting American talent

- How the U.S. government tracks your money, but not your movement

- The institutional knowledge loss as a result of companies pushing out experienced workers

And much more!

Resources:

-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for 1st Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

Check the links below for information on opportunities to work abroad:

-https://www.workinfinland.com/en/open-jobs/?category=ict

-https://www.nyidanmark.dk/de-DE/You-want-to-apply/Work/Positive-List-Higher-Education

-https://careers.state-of-denmark.com/?hsCtaAttrib=210799380565

Connect with Maureen Wiley Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

We’ve seen companies laying off employees under the guise of automation. But here’s the catch: They’re still hiring, just not you–not as an employee anyway. What do I mean by this? Today, I’m diving into something that’s been happening behind the headlines of AI-driven layoffs–the rise of the "ghost workforce."

While everyone’s distracted by AI layoffs, corporations are shifting more jobs to contract positions, cutting costs, and stripping away benefits. This isn’t new. The same playbook was used decades ago in manufacturing, and now it’s coming for white-collar workers. What they’re really doing is getting rid of permanent employees and replacing them with contract workers who have no job security, no benefits, and no career path.

This "ghost workforce" isn’t a glitch; it’s a feature of the system. And they’re counting on you being too distracted, too stressed, and too isolated to notice. This is the real shift, and it’s already happening.

Listen in as I break down how we got here, why this system is rigged against us, and what we can do to fight back. Because if we stay silent, nothing will change.

In This Episode:

-Why AI layoffs are not what they seem

-What happened to factory jobs is now happening in tech

-The reason we don’t have the numbers on contract labor

-Blue badge vs. Orange badge

-The risks of becoming a contractor

-How this system is reshaping our careers

-What you can do to push back against the "ghost workforce" system

And much more!

Resources:

-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for 1st Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

-The Rise of the Contract Workforce in U.S. Manufacturing - https://www.nber.org/system/files/chapters/c15167/c15167.pdf

-Contract Work Is Growing As The U.S. Workforce Grapples With Labor Constraints - https://gusto.com/resources/gusto-insights/us-contract-work-2022-survey

-Google’s Shadow Work Force: Temps Who Outnumber Full-Time Employees - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/28/technology/google-temp-workers.html

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

You may have seen companies like Pinterest and Amazon cutting thousands of jobs in the name of "AI transformation." But here's the catch: these layoffs are a calculated reset, not a technological revolution. It’s all about greed disguised as progress.

In this episode, I dive into the AI-driven layoffs that are sweeping across the job market and how these "innovations" are actually part of a much bigger strategy. I break down how these tech giants are using AI as cover to slash salaries, eliminate experienced workers, and reset the market for a younger, cheaper workforce. We’re not talking about companies simply streamlining their operations. This is a systemic dismantling of worker leverage and a rollback of the progress workers made during the pandemic.

You’ll hear about the cold, hard truth behind these so-called "AI efficiencies" and why, as much as companies push the narrative, the truth is that AI is far from delivering the results they claim. AI is not necessarily replacing jobs, but it’s being used to cut costs while executives rake in record pay.

This episode addresses what’s really happening with AI layoffs, what it means for your future job security, and how we can collectively push back.

In This Episode:

-AI-driven efficiency and its consequences on workers

-How AI narratives mask deeper corporate greed

-Why this is a systemic issue and not just a tech problem

-The new reality for those who were laid off

-Steps to push back against AI-driven layoffs and reset salary expectations

-A story to illustrate what's happening

And much more!

Resources:

-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for 1st Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

-MIT study shatters AI hype: 95% of generative AI projects are failing, sparking tech bubble jitters - https://www.forbes.com/sites/cindyrodriguezconstable/2026/02/27/most-ai-investments-are-failing-the--problem-isnt-the-technology/

-New Workday Research: Companies Are Leaving AI Gains on the Table - https://investor.workday.com/news-and-events/press-releases/news-details/2026/New-Workday-Research-Companies-Are-Leaving-AI-Gains-on-the-Table/

-Predictions 2026: The Workforce Muddles Through Ambient Disruption - https://www.forrester.com/blogs/future-of-work-predictions-2026-whats-coming-for-work-and-the-workforce/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

"It's too late for me."

I had this worry, but I finally hit publish on my first podcast episode at 40.

I thought I'd missed the boat. Everyone else had already started, and I wondered if I was too old to become a creator in an industry that thinks you expire at 35. I was terrified to try something new in public.

But here's what I've learned: that "too late" feeling? It's just plain old straight-up fear wearing a really convincing disguise.

I feel so strongly about debunking this myth that today, in this special episode, I get the chance to flip the mic and be interviewed by Rhona Barnett-Pierce on her podcast, Workfluencer. We're getting into all the messy, uncomfortable stuff about starting something new when you feel like you've missed your window.

We talk about:

→ The year I spent overthinking instead of doing (and why that was such a waste)

→ How to actually start when you don't feel ready (because you never will)

→ Why your age might actually be the thing that makes you better at this

→ What to do when people think you're cringe (spoiler: you gotta lean in)

→ Where to find support when your friends and family don't get it

→ The real timeline from "I'm terrified" to "okay, I'm doing this"

This conversation is for you if:

→ You've been thinking about starting something but keep finding reasons to wait

→ You're staring down a layoff or career pivot and don't know what's next

→ You want to build something of your own but feel like you've missed your chance

→ You're tired of the voice in your head saying "not ready yet"

→ You need someone to tell you it's okay to be scared and do it anyway

Look, I'm not going to tell you it's easy. Starting something new at 40—especially something visible like starting a new business or jumping into content creation—is uncomfortable as hell. But the alternative is spending the rest of your life wondering "what if?" And I really, really don’t want that for you.

At the end of the day, “everyone's cringe until they make it. Then people pretend they supported you all along." (Thanks to my 28-year-old social media consultant for that gem.)

I hope this conversation gives you permission to just start. Scared, unprepared, "too old," whatever. Just start. Let’s make 2026 the year you go for it, whatever your “it” might be. The world needs you!

Speaking of 2026, we’ll be taking a holiday break til then. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Resources:

-Get Corporate-level Health Coverage for Solopreneurs with a 50% Discount for 1st Three Months - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

Connect with Rhona Barnett-Pierce:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonabarnettpierce/

-Website: https://www.workfluencerpodcast.com/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

Tech isn’t just in a downturn. It’s in the midst of a full-blown identity crisis. As layoffs, ageism, and AI reshape the workforce overnight, Brian Pulliam joins me to break down what’s actually happening behind the scenes… and what mid-career professionals must do to stay competitive.

Brian, a former tech leader who spent 23 years at companies like Microsoft, Zillow, and Coinbase, joins me to talk about a controversial topic. With tech experiencing year-after-year meltdowns, Brian offers a brutally honest look at whether anyone should still pursue a tech career in 2025–2026.

He breaks down why the job market feels broken, why entry-level roles are disappearing, and how AI is replacing the very apprentice-level opportunities that used to grow workers into senior talent. He also explains why employers are pulling back on long-term investment, what the real supply-and-demand curve looks like, and why ageism is hitting harder and earlier than ever.

We discuss strategies for standing out in an oversaturated market, how to approach salary discussions, and the mindset shifts every experienced employee needs to remain competitive in a chaotic and unpredictable hiring landscape.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by tech layoffs, frustrated by age bias, or unsure how to pivot in today’s wild job market, this episode gives you clarity, direction, and a whole lot of real talk.

Do you want Brian to help you navigate the tech job market or level up your career? Mention you heard him on It Gets Late Early and get 20% off any coaching package when you book through his site or connect via LinkedIn.

In This Episode:

-Should anyone go into tech in 2025–2026?

-Brian's early work experience and tech background

-Standing out in a saturated market

-How oversupply affects both young and older workers

-Navigating the salary question

-Should you apply to a big company or a small one?

-How Brian coaches people over 40

And much more!

Resources:

-Get Business Protection and Health Coverage at Solopreneur-friendly Prices - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew -https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide

Connect with Brian Pulliam:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankpulliam/

-Website: https://refactorcoaching.com/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @maureenwclough - https://www.instagram.com/maureenwclough

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

With mass layoffs hitting tech, media, and corporate America, more professionals over 40 are being forced into freelance work, consulting, and solopreneur life—whether they planned for it or not. And here's a big problem with that: the moment you leave corporate, you lose access to affordable health insurance. Suddenly, you're staring down $4,000/month premiums, sky-high deductibles, and hospital bills that make you wonder what you're even paying for.

In today's episode, I sit down with Crystal Jackson—also known as The Real Mrs. Poindexter—a former Intel engineer turned viral content creator with millions of followers. After 13 years in corporate, Crystal left to raise her kids, went back to work for the benefits, left again, and eventually found herself paying $48,000 a year for health insurance that barely covered anything. When she got sick and ended up with another $10,000 in medical bills, she'd had enough.

So she did what any fed-up engineer would do: she co-founded EssentL Creator with her husband Chris to solve the problem no one else would touch—affordable, corporate-level health insurance for freelancers, gig workers, and solopreneurs.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Crystal was paying $48K/year for health insurance and still owed $10K in hospital bills
• How the "future of work" is creating a wave of involuntary entrepreneurs (and what that means for you)
• What a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) actually is—and how it gives solopreneurs access to corporate-level benefits
• Why leaving corporate might be the scariest—and best—thing that ever happens to you
• How to protect yourself legally and financially when you go out on your own (LLCs, IP protection, contract red-lining)
• The mental health crisis among content creators—and why EssentL offers enhanced mental health and addiction coverage

If you've been laid off, are thinking about going solo, or are tired of paying insane premiums for garbage coverage, this episode is for you. Find a gift of 50% off the admin fee for It Gets Late Early listeners at https://essentlcreator.com/maureen.

Resources:

-Get Business Protection and Health Coverage at Solopreneur-friendly Prices - https://essentlcreator.com/maureen

-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide

Connect with Crystal Jackson:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-jackson-mba-8893b72bb/

-Website: https://essentlcreator.com/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Hey there! Just a quick heads-up — some of the links we share in our show notes, YouTube videos, or episodes might be affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, we might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

We only shout out products, tools, or services we’ve actually tried, love, or think you’ll find genuinely useful. Still, it’s always a good idea to do your own homework before buying anything.

Using these links helps support the show and keeps It Gets Late Early rolling — so thanks a ton for being part of the community!

Ever wondered why AI thinks you need to look younger? In this episode, Gretchen Andrew, a former Google employee turned artist, exposes the disturbing truth about how beauty filters are literally reshaping our faces—and our self-worth.

We kick things off with Gretchen's bold pivot from Silicon Valley to the art world, where she's using robots, oil paint, and yes, glitter to reveal what beauty filters actually do to us. Her groundbreaking "FaceTune Portraits" physically apply AI beauty standards to paintings, creating violent scars and marks that show the hidden damage these "harmless" filters inflict on our identities.

Gretchen breaks down the dirty secret of AI training data—how algorithms learn beauty from the most biased corners of the internet and create a feedback loop that makes everyone chase the same impossible standard. Even Miss Universe contestants aren't "good enough" for AI filters, and men in their 50s are rescheduling meetings just to use Zoom's "touch up my appearance" feature!

From Hollywood actresses getting the same face-altering procedures to look good on small screens, to the shocking reality that social media may have incentivized us to provide facial recognition data for free, this conversation will change how you see every filter, every app, and every "enhanced" photo you encounter.

Whether you're tired of the algorithmic beauty trap or just want to understand why everyone's starting to look the same, this episode is essential listening. Gretchen's insights will make you question everything about digital beauty—and maybe even inspire you to embrace what makes you uniquely human.

“The question is: Do you want to look old and like yourself, or do you want to look like everybody else and look younger?” 

~ Gretchen Andrew

In This Episode:

-Leaving Silicon Valley for art

-AI vs. beauty standards

-The homogenization of beauty

-Gretchen's partnership with Andreessen Horowitz

-The real story behind AI beauty filters

-Ageism in the art and tech world

-How Gretchen uses social media for her work

And much more!

Resources:

-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide

Connect with Gretchen Andrew:

-Website: https://www.gretchenandrew.com/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-andrew/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretchenandrew/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

What if everything you thought you knew about startup success was wrong? In today’s episode of It Gets Late Early, I’m breaking down the myth that young, hoodie-wearing entrepreneurs are the key to successful startups. Spoiler: the data proves otherwise. 

According to MIT research, the average age of a high-growth startup founder is 42 — not 21. The top 1% of founders are even older, typically around 45 years old. Yet, venture capitalists continue to invest in young, inexperienced founders, ignoring the seasoned leaders with decades of experience.

I also tackle the growing age discrimination in tech, where older workers are pushed out despite having the experience and connections that drive success. Companies that embrace diverse ages and experiences in their teams are the ones that succeed. 

Let’s flip the script on startup success. It's time to stop assuming that youth equals innovation. It’s never too late to go after your dreams, and age is an asset, not a liability.

“So just why is it that older workers tend to be more successful? Two words: life experience.” 

~ Maureen Wiley Clough

In This Episode:

-Research from MIT: the truth about successful startup founders

-The age bias in venture capital and tech hiring

-Why older founders have an advantage over younger ones

-The challenge to venture capitalists: stop funding failure

-Encouraging older tech workers: your experience matters

And much more!

Resources:

-Free Guide to LinkedIn Job Hunting for the 40+ Crew - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/job-guide

-EEOC Special Report - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/high-tech-low-inclusion-diversity-high-tech-workforce-and-sector-2014-2022

-MIT Research on Age and High-Growth Entrepreneurship - https://mitsloan.mit.edu/shared/ods/documents?PublicationDocumentID=6212#:~:text=Our%20primary%20finding%20is%20that,growth%20new%20ventures%20is%2045.0.

-Ageism in Tech Hiring - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maureenwclough_tech-ageism-hiring-activity-7369769952683171841-u7zS?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAACPAV4BMEaPyyLI0T1Hayp_eLtXH5AO5-4

-iPhone unveiling with Steve Jobs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7qPAY9JqE4

-Workplace Age Discrimination Cases Grow Nationwide - https://gbsbenefitsgroup.com/workplace-age-discrimination-cases-grow-nationwide/#:~:text=The%20Equal%20Employment%20Opportunity%20Commission%20(EEOC)%20has,Act%20(ADEA)%20as%20in%20fiscal%20year%202022

-Late-Career Job Losses Are Blurring What Retirement Looks Like in America - https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/early-retirement-layoff-america-77c94667

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/