What Shopify’s AI Memo Really Tells Us—If You’re Willing to Read Between the Lines

There’s a memo going around tech circles that has leaders buzzing.

It’s from Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke, and in it, he boldly declares that “using AI effectively is now a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify.”

Not just engineers.
Not just data teams.

Everyone.

At first glance, it sounds like strong leadership in the Age of AI. decisive, future-focused, maybe even inspiring.

But let’s pause. And really look at what’s being said here.

Because beneath the buzzwords, there’s a deeper issue. One that a lot of people seem to be glossing over.

Expectation Without Support Is Just Another Way to Push More Work Downstream

The memo doesn’t offer time, tools, or training.
Just a mandate: Use AI. Prove it. Perform with it—or explain why you can’t.

Now, I’m all for upskilling. I’ve built a business around future-proofing careers. But this kind of directive? It shifts the cost of innovation onto the individual, while the company reaps the benefit.

Let’s be honest—how many employees will be “learning AI” after hours, unpaid, just to stay competitive in performance reviews?

We’ve seen this before. Remember when “culture fit” was used to gatekeep hiring and silence different perspectives? AI is becoming the new version of that—a vague expectation with no defined support, but very real consequences if you don’t meet it.

Stagnation Isn’t Failure—But Burnout Might Be

Lütke writes, “Stagnation is slow-motion failure.” That line alone has been quoted everywhere as gospel.

But what if the stagnation isn’t a mindset problem?

What if it’s the result of being asked to constantly reinvent your skill set with no extra resources or reprieve?

That’s not failure. That’s fatigue.

This narrative assumes that everyone has the time, capacity, and mental space to seamlessly adopt new tools. But in reality, many professionals—especially those in admin, operations, or support roles—are already running lean. Adding AI mastery on top isn’t a growth opportunity. It’s a pressure bomb.

Yes, You Should Learn AI—but Do It Strategically, Not Reactively

Now here’s where I pivot. Because I’m not anti-AI. In fact, I use it daily—and teach others how to use it too.

But here’s the difference:
I don’t use AI out of fear. I use it as a tool to reclaim time, set better boundaries, and build smarter systems.

And that’s the shift I want more professionals to embrace.

Before you race to “meet expectations,” ask:

• How is this tool helping me get better at what I already do?

• Am I being given support to explore this, or am I absorbing the risk?

• Is this an invitation to grow—or a disguised ultimatum?

We need to build our skills. But we also need to protect our energy. And we need to stop glorifying companies that push innovation without infrastructure.

Let’s Get Clear on What Real Support Looks Like

Inside The Future Focused Admin, we don’t wait around for companies to create the perfect environment for growth. We do it ourselves—with each other.

Here’s what real support looks like:

✅ Learning AI tools that actually streamline your work
✅ Private podcast episodes focused on mindset and leadership
✅ Over 100 practical, real-world lessons for admin professionals and solopreneurs

Last month alone, members used these tools to negotiate raises, save hours each week, and build personal brands that attract better opportunities.

If that sounds like the kind of growth you're ready for—join us.
And for Admin Professionals Month, get 25% off your first month with code: TFFAADMINMONTH25

Because if companies are going to shift expectations, we need to shift how we respond.

Not with panic.
Not with unpaid overwork.
But with clarity, strategy, and confidence in our value.

Let’s stop calling every tech memo “bold leadership” and start asking:

Bold for who? At what cost?

Want more honest, tactical career commentary like this?
Subscribe to The Future Focused Admin newsletter for fresh takes every other week.

Because we’re not here to keep up—we’re here to lead.