In 2023, the tech world hit a turning point.

Over 168,000 jobs were cut across major companies—12,000+ at Google alone. The reason? A now-familiar phrase: “AI efficiency.”

But behind the buzzwords, the reality is harder to ignore. Replacing people with tools might look smart on paper—but it’s already leading to delays, lawsuits, trust issues, and uninspired work.

At Cavalry, we believe in something different. We don’t think AI should replace people. We think companies should hire great freelancers—people who know how to use AI to enhance their work, not replace it.

The Fallout of AI-Driven Layoffs

Big Tech’s rush to automate has led to more than just cost savings:

• Entire teams focused on ethics, trust, and creativity were cut—just as AI tools began creating output that clearly needed more human oversight.
• The estimated damage? $10B+ in legal risks, brand harm, and stalled innovation.
• Trust is down. Momentum is gone. And it’s showing.

Yes, they saved on headcount—but they’re losing out on long-term value.

What’s Lost When You Replace People with AI

Creativity & Original Thinking AI can remix. It can’t imagine. It can’t feel. Without human creatives, work becomes bland and forgettable.

Judgment & Ethics With fewer people watching the output, brands risk biased, off-mark, or even harmful content—and a whole lot of backlash.

Experience & Context When companies remove experienced people, they also lose context, relationships, and instincts that machines can’t replicate.

Our Approach: Augment, Don’t Replace

Cavalry connects companies with top freelance talent—not machines.

Many freelancer may already use it responsibly, to speed up their work and get better results. The key is: AI doesn’t replace talent. It supports it.

Instead of removing humans, we help companies:

• Work with creatives who use AI as a tool
• Get more done—without losing originality or integrity
• Stay efficient without cutting corners

From a Production POV (via our sister company &FRIENDS)

In creative production, AI still isn’t there when it comes to:

• Concept development
• Storytelling and tone
• Design thinking
• Strategic direction

AI can help move things faster. But it can’t lead the creative. That still takes people—with taste, vision, and experience.

Looking for real talent that understands AI—but still leads with creativity?

Let’s talk. Cavalry gives you access to skilled freelancers across creative, strategy, and production—people who know how to make great work, with or without AI