In a revealing internal memo that recently surfaced, Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke delivered a clear message to his team: AI usage is no longer optional; it’s a baseline expectation for everyone at the company. This directive signals a significant shift in how major tech companies approach AI integration and offers valuable insights for professionals across industries.

The New Normal at Shopify

In his memo, Lütke doesn’t mince words, stating, “Reflexive AI usage is now a baseline expectation at Shopify.” What’s particularly striking is the absoluteness of his position: “I don’t think it’s feasible to opt out of learning the skill of applying AI in your craft; you are welcome to try, but I want to be honest I cannot see this working out today, and definitely not tomorrow.”

This stance transforms AI from a nice-to-have technological advantage to an essential professional skill—comparable to email proficiency or basic digital literacy.

Why This Matters Beyond Shopify

Shopify’s position as an e-commerce leader serving millions of merchants means its internal practices often forecast broader industry trends. When a company of this caliber makes AI proficiency mandatory, it signals several important developments:

1. The AI skills gap is widening faster than anticipated. Those who embrace these tools will advance rapidly, while those who resist may find themselves increasingly left behind.
2. AI is becoming invisible infrastructure. Just as we no longer think about using electricity or the internet, AI tools are becoming fundamental utilities in the workplace.
3. Organizational culture is shifting. Note Lütke’s point that “AI usage questions” will be added to performance reviews, making AI adoption an explicit metric for career advancement.

The Five Key Mandates

The memo outlines five specific expectations that offer a blueprint for how organizations might structure their AI adoption:

1. Using AI is now fundamental. It’s a universal tool for all departments, not just technical teams.
2. AI must be part of prototyping. The memo mentions integrating AI into the “GSD Prototype phase,” accelerating learning and creation.
3. Performance evaluation will include AI usage. This formalization means that skill development in AI is now tied to career progression.
4. Learning is self-directed but collaborative. Employees are expected to figure out AI independently but share what they learn, creating a community of practice.
5. AI comes before additional resources. Teams must demonstrate why AI can’t solve problems before requesting more headcount or resources.

The Bigger Picture: A “Step Function Change”

What makes this memo particularly significant is Lütke’s characterization of AI integration as a “mindblowing step function change.” Unlike incremental improvements, step functions represent dramatic, discontinuous leaps forward, suggesting that AI adoption won’t follow a linear progression but rather create sudden, transformative shifts in productivity and capability.

Lütke notes that we’re “entering a time where more merchants and entrepreneurs could be created than any other in history,” positioning AI as the great enabler by “bringing down the complexity curve.”

What This Means For You

Whether you work at Shopify or not, this memo offers a glimpse into the future of work. A few takeaways worth considering:

• AI proficiency is becoming a career differentiator. Just as digital literacy became essential in the early 2000s, AI literacy is becoming a non-negotiable professional skill.
• Experimentation is the path forward. The memo emphasizes sharing “Ws and Ls” (wins and losses), suggesting that trying and sometimes failing with AI is better than not engaging at all.
• Cross-functional AI application is expected. The tools mentioned span departments, from developer-focused tools like GitHub Copilot to generalist platforms like Claude.
• Adapt or be left behind. AI won’t replace you. A person using AI will.

Bottom Line

Shopify’s internal directive represents a bellwether moment for companies approaching AI integration. The message is clear: AI isn’t coming; it’s here and fundamental. Organizations and individuals who treat AI proficiency as optional do so at their own professional peril.

As Lütke bluntly says, “If you’re not climbing, you’re sliding.” In the rapidly evolving world of AI, standing still is effectively moving backward. This memo doesn’t just reveal Shopify’s strategy; it offers a glimpse into the future of work itself.