Shopify CEO’s Groundbreaking AI Memo: A Game-Changer for the Future of Work
Why Shopify’s CEO is betting on AI to transform the workplace—and how it could change your business too.
Shopify’s CEO, Tobi Lütke, just dropped a visionary memo that could forever change how we work — not just at Shopify, but across every business using AI. The memo goes beyond just company operations; it encourages employees to think about how AI can be used to revolutionize their own workflows and even enhance customer experiences.
This is the moment when AI goes from an experimental tool to a workplace essential. If you want to stay ahead, you need to understand why Lütke’s vision is something everyone in business should pay attention to.
🚀 Why Shopify’s AI Memo is a Big Deal for the Workplace
Lütke’s memo lays out a company-wide push to make AI a fundamental part of how things get done. His goal? To make AI usage reflexive—so natural that it becomes second nature for employees. Whether it’s project management, customer service, or product development, AI is the new tool of the trade.
Lütke urges employees to “tinker” with AI and adopt it as the default method for tackling challenges. He believes AI is not just about increasing productivity by 10x—it’s about 100x growth. This memo signals that AI is no longer a luxury, but a requirement in today’s competitive workplace.
🔑 AI as a Reflexive Tool: The Key to Skyrocketing Productivity
What’s the secret sauce? It’s simple: AI is a productivity multiplier. Lütke notes that Shopify’s top performers are already using AI to accomplish impossible tasks and achieve results 100 times greater than what was thought possible. It’s not just about working harder — it’s about working smarter with AI.
As Lütke says, AI tools have the potential to transform the way work is done, making every employee 10x more effective. This mindset shift isn’t just for engineers or managers — it’s for everyone at Shopify, from the C-suite to the front lines.
💡 AI Expectations: A New Standard for the Workplace
Lütke’s memo sets the bar high: AI proficiency is now a core expectation for all employees. It’s no longer just about using AI for simple tasks—it’s about demonstrating how AI can solve complex problems and unlock creative potential in any role.
In fact, AI usage will be factored into peer reviews and performance evaluations. Employees will need to show they’re using AI effectively—or explain why AI can’t be used to solve a particular problem.
🛠️ AI in Every Step of Your Workflow: The Future is Here
Lütke emphasizes that AI should be involved from the prototype phase of any project, dramatically reducing the time it takes to get things done. Shopify employees are encouraged to think of AI as part of their team. The question is simple: What would this project look like if AI was already on board?
This forward-thinking approach sparks innovation and ensures that no task is too big or too complex when AI is involved.
🤝 Collaboration and Learning Through AI: Building a Knowledge-Sharing Culture
But there’s more: Lütke champions learning and collaboration. Employees are encouraged to share their AI breakthroughs, tips, and wins with the entire company. This open exchange of knowledge ensures that everyone can level up their AI skills together.
From Slack channels like #revenue-ai-use-cases to monthly business reviews, Shopify is building a community of AI enthusiasts, all working together to unlock the potential of AI in their daily work.
🚨 What This Means for You: AI Is Here to Stay
Lütke’s memo isn’t just about Shopify—it’s a wake-up call for all entrepreneurs and small business owners. The future of entrepreneurship is AI-native, and if you haven’t started thinking about how AI can improve your operations, now is the time to act.
AI is no longer just for tech companies. It’s becoming a core component of ecommerce, marketing, and customer experience. If Shopify’s memo is any indication, the next phase of business growth will depend on how well you integrate AI into your business.
Takeaway: Embrace AI or Get Left Behind
Shopify’s bold move into AI shows how businesses can leverage this powerful tool to unlock new levels of productivity and creativity. If you want to stay competitive, it’s time to start thinking about how you can incorporate AI into your own business—for yourself and your customers.
Read the full memo from Tobi Lütke here.
