**Coinbase CEO: Why We Fired Engineers Who Didn’t Embrace AI Immediately**
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has shed light on his decision to part ways with engineers who demonstrated a lack of initiative in adopting artificial intelligence. Armstrong views AI as a transformative force, presenting both an existential threat and an unprecedented opportunity for innovation.
According to Armstrong, the move was not about demanding instant mastery, but about a fundamental failure to even *try*. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, he expects every engineer to proactively experiment with AI tools, integrate them into their workflows, and explore their potential for productivity gains and new product development.
The engineers in question reportedly failed to show this basic level of curiosity and adaptability. For Armstrong, this represented a critical lapse in ownership and a threat to Coinbase’s competitive edge. The message is clear: in the race to leverage AI, passive observation is not an option; a builder’s mindset and a willingness to immediately engage with cutting-edge tools are now non-negotiable for technical staff at Coinbase.