From Tim Cook stepping down as CEO of Apple after 15 years to mass layoffs hitting Big Tech, media, and beyond, the future of work is changing faster than most people are ready for.

Starting September 1, 2026, Tim Cook officially steps down as Apple CEO after 15 years, handing the reins to John Ternus, current SVP of Hardware. Was this a long time coming? Is Apple too stagnant to survive another decade without a Steve Jobs-level disruption and innovation? We're getting into all of it.

Then, big tech layoffs are back, and this time they're spreading. Meta is cutting 10% of its workforce (~8,000 jobs). And it's no longer just a Silicon Valley problem. Disney, Sony, Warner Brothers, hospitality, finance, retail — nobody's safe. We also tackle the real question: will AI actually create new jobs, or is universal basic income closer than we want to admit?

And Anthropic is out here testing limits — literally. Claude Design is making waves, Claude Code may be getting pulled from the $20/month Pro plan, and we're breaking down what that means for everyday builders and creators trying to keep up without breaking the bank.

Plus: the gatekeeping debate is back, sparked by designer Law Roach — and we're not holding back.

Topics covered:

• Tim Cook steps down + who's taking over Apple
• Big tech layoffs spreading beyond Silicon Valley
• AI, job replacement & the universal basic income conversation
• Claude Design, Claude Code & Anthropic's pricing moves
• Gatekeeping in business: good or bad?

🎙️ New episodes of Rich Lessons drop every Tuesday. Rich Takes drops every Thursday.

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