In a 'bittersweet' twist, even Microsoft's AI director laid off amid tech giant's AI and automation push

Gabriela de Queiroz, director of AI at Microsoft, recently shared that she was among those affected by the company’s latest wave of layoffs. While many employees were instructed to immediately stop work and set out-of-office notifications, Gabriela chose to stay a little longer—wrapping up her responsibilities and saying farewell to colleagues. For her, it was a meaningful way to close this chapter. She shared this in a post in social media platform X.

Despite the disappointment, she remains optimistic and grounded. A natural optimist, she continues to view each day as a gift, holding onto gratitude even during this challenging transition. While she’s still processing the experience and uncertain about what comes next, she remains hopeful that positive opportunities lie ahead.

Gabriela also expressed deep sadness for the many talented coworkers who were let go. She acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and genuine impact they made, emphasizing how difficult it is to see such a capable group of individuals facing sudden disruption.

💔 Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs. pic.twitter.com/QPwYJvjQkC

— Gabriela de Queiroz (@gdequeiroz) May 13, 2025

Her story is just one among many. Microsoft’s recent restructuring has impacted approximately 6,000 employees globally, accounting for about three per cent of its total workforce. In its home state of Washington alone, nearly 2,000 jobs were affected, according to reports. The move is part of a broader effort by Microsoft to streamline management layers and capitalise on advancements in artificial intelligence and automation.

The company has positioned the layoffs as a strategic response to a rapidly evolving tech landscape. In a statement, Microsoft described the changes as essential to remain competitive and agile. As the company accelerates its integration of AI into its products and services, it aims to free up employee time by automating routine tasks, allowing teams to focus more on high-value work.

These cuts come just weeks after Microsoft reported strong quarterly earnings, buoyed by growth in its cloud computing and AI divisions. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, Microsoft remains a dominant force in the tech industry, having been one of the earliest major companies to embrace the AI revolution sparked by ChatGPT's launch in 2022.

Social Media reacts
Many users shared heartfelt support for Gabriela de Queiroz after her layoff post, recognizing the emotional toll such moments can bring. They likened the experience to the stages of grief—full of ups and downs—and reminded her she’s not alone in facing them. Several praised her optimism, resilience, and impact-driven mindset, expressing confidence that she’ll land a great opportunity soon.

One noted the rare but meaningful chance to say goodbye after setting an out-of-office reply, calling it cathartic and essential for closure. Another commended her ability to turn difficult news into a positive, calling it a true reflection of her character. Collectively, the responses were filled with solidarity, encouragement, and belief in her strength to navigate what’s next.