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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How To Address AI-Driven Layoffs: 15 Ways To Maintain Trust
As AI and automation reshape business operations, layoffs are becoming a reality for many companies. How leaders communicate these difficult decisions can heavily impact morale among remaining employees and influence how customers, investors and the public judge the company's values. Generic statements and corporate spin aren't enough to mitigate the risk of bad publicity. Companies in the midst of layoffs need to respond with transparency, accountability and a clear plan. Here, 15 Forbes Agency Council members share practical strategies for addressing AI-driven job losses in a way that protects brand reputation and preserves public confidence. 1. Own The Decision With Honesty And Humanity AI doesn't fire people; leaders do. If you're automating, own it. Be human about it. Say what's changing, why and how you'll support those affected. Transparency, empathy and accountability are the only currencies that preserve trust when people's livelihoods are the cost of progress. - Elijah Schneider, Modifly 2. Share A Clear Strategy For Long-Term Success Corporate leaders need to outline a clear strategy for how automation and new processes will enable the organization to survive and thrive. The rise of AI is resulting in the nature of work changing. Because AI provides answers to complex questions that used to require manual number crunching, it enables employees to ask better questions and focus more on the complex activities of running an organization. - Tim Johnson, UPRAISE Marketing + Public Relations, Inc. 3. Be Transparent About The Bigger Vision As companies evolve with AI and automation, it's not about softening reality but about being clear, human and forward-looking. Innovation will always create shifts in how we work. The key is helping people see the bigger vision and adapt. Leaders should communicate with conviction, not spin. Be transparent about the company's direction and why changes happen, and continue to invest in growth in new ways. - Danielle Sabrina, Society22 PR 4. Clarify The Direction Long Before The Announcement To keep trust after AI-driven layoffs, comms should start long before the announcement. If a company has clearly shared its goals and values—and made decisions that reflect them—it can always point back to that plan. People may not like the news, but they'll respect how it was handled if it's consistent with the company's stated direction. - Christine Wetzler, Pietryla PR & Marketing Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify? 5. Frame Layoffs As Part Of A Strategic Pivot Openly map how automation refocuses talent on high-impact areas, then outline concrete aid packages, rapid reemployment support and retraining programs. Share stories from affected teams, host transparent town halls and publish metrics on retraining outcomes to rebuild credibility and trust. Measure sentiment shifts to iterate messaging. - Vaibhav Kakkar, Digital Web Solutions 6. Retrain And Reallocate Where Possible It's important to remember that technology has continued to change the business world since the dawn of time. The advent of AI is no different. As corporations upgrade old processes, efforts should be made to retrain and/or reallocate personnel into other roles moving forward, while continuing to provide an amazing product or service that will set the company up to succeed for the next decade. - Bernard May, National Positions 7. Speak Plainly And Take Responsibility Avoid sugarcoating AI-driven layoffs. Own the decision with clarity and respect. People don't trust brands that hide behind buzzwords. Say what's changing, why it matters and how you'll minimize harm. Real leadership communicates directly and takes responsibility. - Jason Mudd, Axia Public Relations 8. Pair Transparency With Real Support The best approach is transparency paired with empathy. Don't just announce AI-driven layoffs—highlight how the company supported affected employees through severance, reskilling or other aid. Framing it as giving them the softest landing possible shows humanity, not just efficiency, and helps preserve long-term trust and brand integrity. - Austin Irabor, NETFLY 9. Frame The Future As A Human Opportunity AI-driven layoffs are inevitable, but they could also mark the beginning of a new human renaissance. Corporations must be transparent but bold in supporting a future where automation frees people to rediscover creativity, purpose and craftsmanship. With systemic support, we can shift from labor to meaning, an evolution where humanity thrives beyond productivity. - Cagan Sean Yuksel, Dreamspace 10. Be Honest And Compassionate Acknowledge the layoffs, thank affected employees and share how you're supporting them. Explain why automation is being used and how it will improve service. Show your values through actions. People respect transparency and care more about how you treat others during tough times. - Guy Leon Sheetrit, Guac Digital 11. Avoid Jargon And Communicate With Clarity Acknowledge the reality, respect the people and show the plan. Consumers don't expect perfection, but they do expect accountability. That means avoiding jargon, clearly naming the change and providing clarity on what comes next for both your workforce and your mission. The companies that retain trust are the ones that treat comms as continuity, not crisis control. - Kyle Arteaga, The Bulleit Group 12. Explain The Impact And Share The Vision Ahead AI-driven change is inevitable and fast approaching. Publicly traded companies must be transparent about job cuts, not just outcomes. Acknowledge the impact, support displaced workers and share a long-term vision. Education systems also must track shifting talent needs to keep society proactive, resilient and meaningfully productive. - Goran Paun, ArtVersion 13. Keep The Conversation Open And Ongoing Embrace candid communication and keep the dialogue open. Explain why automation demands change, honor the people affected with genuine empathy and detail robust retraining or transition support. Provide regular updates on both workforce transitions and customer benefits. By owning decisions and offering help, corporations preserve consumer trust and turn disruption into shared opportunity. - Lars Voedisch, PRecious Communications 14. Focus On Change, Not Layoffs It's vital to emphasize that the times are changing, and you are changing with them—and it's not a bad thing. The brand must communicate that it's creating new opportunities for employees to grow into new roles, where AI acts as a partner, bringing out the best in them: creativity, empathy and critical thinking. - Nataliya Andreychuk, Viseven 15. Demonstrate Company Values Through Action Transparency builds trust. Announce changes early with a clear rationale beyond 'AI made us do it.' Offer robust retraining, transition support and internal mobility first. Showcase how you're investing in your remaining employees' growth. Actions during layoffs signal company values—treat departing staff with dignity and generosity. - Kathleen Lucente, Red Fan Communications
Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Celebrities Saddle Up for Cause-Driven Polo Match in Virginia, Sept. 6
MIDDLEBURG, VA, UNITED STATES, July 23, 2025 / / -- This September, globally-lauded the International Polo Tour (IPT) will be bringing their victory streak and dedication to philanthropy to Virginia's polo world during the annual star-studded Sunset Polo USA vs. South Africa Val De Vie match and Rockin' the Runway Fashion Show in support of 501(c)3 charitable organization We Will Survive Cancer (WWSC). Set at Twilight Polo® Stadium in Middleburg, Virginia, this year's Sunset Polo will honor 11 years of the IPT's partnership with WWSC, a relationship built upon the mutual goal of emotionally and financially supporting those struggling to overcome cancer diagnoses. The event will welcome sports world superstars Josh Norman and Tim Johnson of the NFL as they duke it out on the polo field, as well as celebrity fashion designer Miguel Wilson who will lead the evening's glamorous fashion show. 'As an NFL Oakland Raider AFC Champion and Super Bowl Special Teams MVP (awarded by Hall Of Fame Wide Receiver Jerry Rice), I know how spectacular being in the arena and on the field is,' said Johnson. 'It's an honor to have this chance again- playing polo in front of fans brings a level of excitement to me that only those mired by the dust, sweat, blood, and tears in hard fought battles can appreciate.' 'With my horse and mallet, I will compete fiercely in the polo match to bring home a first-place victory trophy during this year's Sunset Polo. Prepare to enjoy a show that will go down in history. Excited is an understatement- let's ride! Go USA & International Polo!' Additionally, September 6th will become the birthplace of the U.S. 's first 'International Polo Tour Crypto Cup', with the IPT joining the booming industry through strategic collaborations with technological sponsors and leaders such as to create exclusive digital content for longtime fans. 'This event is an incredible milestone for our team, and one we are prepared to make a truly historic night,' said Tareq Salahi, Chairman of the IPT Association, Team Captain, & NBC/Bravo Alumni star from the Real Housewives franchise. 'Throughout history, Virginia has been one of the key homes for polo, and we are excited to once again share in that love while raising awareness for an amazing organization. After all, 'Virginia is for Lovers'!' During the evening, a specially-selected product raffle will be held, with proceeds going directly to WWSC's mission. Products up for auction will include luxury goods provided by event sponsors, including pampeano. Additionally, attendees will receive gift bags with speciality items including from Uppy!. Salahi added, 'We could not be more grateful for our incredible sponsors who helped make this event possible. Our team is determined to pull out all of the stops to ensure Sunset Polo's success, and we look forward to seeing our loyal fans come together for a powerful night.' 2025's Sunset Polo match in support of WWSC will be held: Saturday, September 6th 6:00pm Twilight Polo® Stadium 37636 Charisma Lane Middleburg, VA Link to purchase tickets (LIMITED-TIME EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE) : Learn more about the IPT: About the International Polo Tour: The International Polo Tour, founded by Captain Tareq Salahi, brings the love of Polo to a wider audience, uniting international cultures in a celebration of both their common bonds and their diversity. From Snow Polo to Beach Polo to Elephant Polo, IPT provides support worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, Asia, England, South America, Italy, and throughout the United States including the high-net-worth region of the Capitol Region area of Washington D.C and the Northeast & Florida markets. This game is rich with tradition in markets around the world, reaching far beyond the field. To fully capture the spirit of America and its international challengers, as well as the imagination and enthusiasm of their people, this cooperative effort combines government relations, upscale consumer goods, and tourism initiatives. It serves as an economic development engine for the United States and its international partners. The IPT is thankful for all of its incredible sponsors and supporters, including ESPN, Douglas Elliman, Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra, Nutrl Vodka Seltzer, Four Seasons, Coca-Cola, Hotels at Sea® Luxury Cruises, Resorts at Sea®, Stryk Global, Hostage Aid, Freedom Polo Farm, TJB SuperYachts, Makina, Out East Eyewear, Transmedia Sports PR, Sideline Surgeons, Equine Sports Miguel Wilson, Capital Sculpture Garden & Winery, Twilight Polo Club®, Oui Producciones, Celebration Winery, Oasis Winery®, I ❤️Food , & Salty Bottom Blue. For Sponsorship information, please contact [email protected] 561-908-1683 Adrienne Mazzone TransMedia Group [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Atlantic Union sells roughly $2B in CRE loans to Blackstone
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Atlantic Union Bank has closed the sale of about $2 billion in performing commercial real estate loans to Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, the company announced Thursday. The CRE loan sale, primarily covering locations in the Washington, D.C., metro area, was announced as part of Virginia-based Atlantic Union's merger with Sandy Spring Bancorp, which closed in April. The lender retained customer-facing servicing responsibilities and sold the loan portfolio at a percentage of par value in the low-90s. 'After closing our acquisition of Sandy Spring, we have been focused on integration and execution,' Atlantic Union CEO John Asbury said in a statement. 'The loan sale transaction reduces our CRE concentration and frees up capacity for potential future growth.' Blackstone, an alternative asset manager with nearly $76 billion of investor capital under management, has snapped up $20 billion of CRE loan portfolios over the past two years. The acquisition includes a roughly 20% stake in the $17 billion Signature Bank CRE debt portfolio. 'This transaction demonstrates the breadth of our market-leading platform and deep expertise providing solutions to financial institutions for their commercial real estate portfolios,' Tim Johnson, global head of Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, said in a statement Thursday. Several banks have sought, in recent years, to limit their exposure to commercial real estate. Souring CRE loans played a prominent role in a surprise $252 million loss at New York Community Bank that nearly spurred its collapse in January 2024. The bank, months later, announced it would sell roughly $5 billion in mortgage warehouse loans to JPMorgan Chase in an effort to boost liquidity levels. A strong concentration of CRE loans also contributed to the termination of an expected merger between HomeStreet and FirstSun. HomeStreet sold $990 million in multifamily CRE loans to Bank of America in December, then inked a $300 million deal to be purchased by California-based Mechanics Bank. Bank of America has been a frequent acquirer of cast-off CRE loans. The bank bought roughly 2,000 commercial multifamily real estate loans from Seattle-based WaFd in May 2024 for about $2.9 billion. Analysts at Raymond James and Piper Sandler saw the Atlantic Union-Blackstone deal as 'positive.' 'The transaction frees up liquidity to support loan growth, purchase securities and reduce wholesale funding and should be supportive of the bank's [net interest margin] outlook,' Raymond James analysts wrote. They expect 'a significant improvement in financial performance over the next 12 months as the loan pipeline continues to build, core NIM appears likely to expand, and asset quality remains strong.' Recommended Reading Citi acquires Deutsche Bank's Mexico license
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Atlantic Union Bank Closes Sale of Approximately $2 Billion of Commercial Real Estate Loans to Blackstone
RICHMOND, Va. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NYSE: AUB) ('Atlantic Union'), the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank (the 'Bank'), and Blackstone (NYSE: BX) jointly announced today the closing of the sale of approximately $2 billion of the Bank's performing commercial real estate ('CRE') loans acquired from Sandy Spring Bank to vehicles affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies ('BREDS'). The CRE loan sale was contemplated and announced as part of Atlantic Union's merger with Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc., which closed on April 1, 2025. 'After closing our acquisition of Sandy Spring, we have been focused on integration and execution,' said John Asbury, president and CEO of Atlantic Union. 'Today's announcement is another proof point of Atlantic Union's ability to execute and deliver on transactions that create long-term value for our shareholders. We were pleased to work with Blackstone Real Estate on this transaction, which both sides executed seamlessly. The loan sale transaction reduces our CRE concentration and frees up capacity for potential future growth.' Tim Johnson, Global Head of Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies, said: 'This transaction demonstrates the breadth of our market-leading platform and deep expertise providing solutions to financial institutions for their commercial real estate portfolios. With $76 billion of AUM, including the recent closing of one of the largest real estate debt funds ever, we believe we are well-positioned to access differentiated real estate credit investment opportunities on behalf of our institutional, insurance and individual investors.' The final CRE loan pool sold by the Bank had balances totaling approximately $2 billion which were previously identified and transferred to held for sale as of April 1, 2025. The loan pool was sold in the low 90s as a percentage of par value, and the Bank retained customer-facing servicing responsibilities. The Bank intends to use the proceeds from the loan sale to pay down certain high-cost deposits and certain other high-cost funds, as well as to add to its securities portfolio. For Blackstone Real Estate, this transaction follows the acquisition of $20 billion of CRE loan portfolios in the last 24 months, including the acquisition of an approximately 20% stake in the $17 billion Signature Bank CRE debt portfolio and the $1 billion performing senior mortgage loan portfolio acquisition from PBB. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as sole structuring advisor to Atlantic Union and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP acted as its legal advisor on the transaction. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and CBRE National Loan & Portfolio Sale Advisors acted as financial advisors to Blackstone. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Ropes & Gray LLP and Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP acted as legal advisors to Blackstone. About Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation (NYSE: AUB) is the holding company for Atlantic Union Bank. Atlantic Union Bank has branches and ATMs located in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Certain non-bank financial services affiliates of Atlantic Union Bank include: Atlantic Union Equipment Finance, Inc., which provides equipment financing; Atlantic Union Financial Consultants, LLC, which provides brokerage services; and Union Insurance Group, LLC, which offers various lines of insurance products. About Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies ('BREDS') is the largest alternative asset manager of real estate credit with $76 billion of investor capital under management. Serving institutional, insurance, and individual investors, BREDS originates loans and makes debt investments across global private and public real estate credit markets and across the capital structure and risk spectrum. BREDS also manages Blackstone Mortgage Trust (NYSE: BXMT), a publicly-traded commercial mortgage REIT, and is a fully integrated part of the Blackstone Real Estate platform, the largest owner of commercial real estate globally. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the loan sale, including Atlantic Union's intended use of proceeds from the sale and the expected benefits of the sale to Atlantic Union. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as 'intend,' 'may,' 'will,' 'potential,' 'anticipate,' 'could,' 'should,' 'would,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'expect,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'plan,' and 'project,' as well as words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of us or our management about future events. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the time they are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following: the possibility that the intended use of proceeds from the loan sale may change as a result of changes in economic conditions, market interest rates, volatility in the financial services sector, Atlantic Union's capital position, or as a result of other unexpected factors or events; Atlantic Union's ability to deploy the net proceeds in the manner it expects; and other factors, many of which are beyond Atlantic Union's control. Although Atlantic Union believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that our actual results will not differ materially from any projected future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Atlantic Union's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents subsequently filed by Atlantic Union with the Securities Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not to rely too heavily on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Atlantic Union undertakes no obligation to update or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Toronto Star
26-06-2025
- Science
- Toronto Star
For a huge train nerd like me, rail travel in Japan is a dream. I took a trip on a train that feels like it's from the future
By Tim Johnson Special to the Star Right from the start, it's clear that something special is happening on Platform Five. Although the track is empty, the little guardrail is already lined three-deep with Japanese onlookers, their phones held aloft. Video mode: on and recording. An announcement heralds the Spacia X limited express as it pulls into Tokyo's Asakusa station. It looks like it's not just arriving from the ancient town of Nikko but also the future. The silvery, super-streamlined train sweeps around the bend, and I see the engineer at the controls. He eyes the excited waves of the small crowd and returns just one stern nod, as if to say, We're doing important work here: moving a whole nation, by track.
