How We've Survived Every Tech Job Disruption from Steam Engines to AI

Author

Benjamin Friedman
April 07, 2026

Morning beehiivcommunity!

This newsletter turns experience into actionable lessons for your startup. As a growth partner for visionary founders, we sharpen leadership skills and unlock growth potential.

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AI Won’t Be Our First Job Shock—Here’s What History Says Happens Next

Gen AI has put almost every job on notice, and no one can say exactly what comes next. That uncertainty, amplified by predictions of massive disruption, is enough to keep anyone up at night.

Every major technology shock has carried two stories: a loud one about jobs lost, and a quieter one about jobs not yet born. Steam engines, assembly lines, and PCs all erased familiar roles, then created new ones no one ever expected.

For startup founders, this moment is especially rich with opportunity. As AI reshapes workflows, we need tools that help people move faster, make better decisions, and unlock value from messy data and legacy systems.

Disruption is oxygen for entrepreneurs.

You can read the full piece in this week’s full blog post HERE.

Go Wide: A Life Less Curated explores how major historical events have shaped today’s world and what they might signal about the future. Do you agree? What else should we dive into? Share your thoughts at [email protected].

CFO as Value Architect: Building Lasting Profitability

When markets whiplash, the companies that win have a finance function that extends runway, reduces risk, and creates the freedom to focus on strategy and scaling.

On April 22 at 6 pm, join a group of seasoned finance leaders for:

  • Concrete frameworks for cash flow and runway management

  • Operating discipline that supports growth (not just cuts costs)

  • Building profitability that can survive market shocks and rapid evolution

You’ll leave with specific tools and approaches you can bring straight into your next leadership or board meeting.

Panelists: 

Joe Manganelli, Chief Revenue Officer at Amalgam
Christina Ross, CEO of Cube
Kurt Chessman, Portfolio Finance at Primary Venture Partners
Jennifer Yousem, Founder of I Heart EBITDA

Moderator, Benjamin Friedman, President of Build Scale Grow and Managing Director of the New York Tech CFO Group.

If you’re a CFO, finance leader, or founder who wants more control and consistency, this session is for you. Create the freedom to focus on strategy and scaling. Register HERE.

Expert Tips for Startups

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Protect Your Energy Like Equity

“Energy is our most precious resource, for it is the means by which we transform our creative potential into meaningful action.” — Tarthang Tulku

In a world of too many decisions and too few resources, your ability to lead depends on your energy. Introverted founders feel this acutely, since the noisy startup world can be especially draining.

Energy converts vision into momentum. If you do not protect it, you risk both your impact and your well-being. Start by designing your days: 

• Schedule self-care just as deliberately as strategy or sales. 
• Block time on your calendar each week for your top priorities.
• Protect deep work blocks, silence notifications, and batch email and social. 
• Adjust your space (lighting, noise, and clutter) so it supports focus, not comfort.

The goal is to direct your limited energy toward what matters most. 

Right now: block one 60-minute work session on your calendar this week to protect your priorities.

Add Withum. Multiply Possibilities. [Partner]

Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm committed to helping our clients be more profitable, efficient, and productive in today's complex business environment.

We provide the industry expertise and innovative solutions you need to Be in a Position of StrengthSM. Get to know us at www.withum.com.

Withum is a proud sponsor of the New York Tech CFO Group.

Need Some Help?

What if the quietest person in the room is the one who changes the world?

Build Scale Grow provides expert strategies and clear metrics for social impact, EdTech, and health tech startups, with a focus on introverted founders. With five successful M&As in ten years, we’ll help your startup reach its full potential and beyond.

Book a free 30-minute call HERE to see how we can help.