Insight certainty 4/5 debate potential 3/5

Cakir: Full Automation Should Not Be Used With Large Language Models

Tim Cakir · He Let Go of 50 People After One Tool Changed Everything · Jan 20, 2026 · at 30:01

AI trainer Tim Cakir discusses AI implementation strategy with host Sean Weisbrot, arguing that LLM processes should remain semi-automated with human approval.

0:00 / 0:07exact quote · 7.8s
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“And I say semi-automate because I still don't believe in like when AI, when large language models are involved, I'm not into full automation yet.”

quote is from the automated transcript, cleaned for reading: filler sounds and stutters are removed, nothing is rephrased. names can be misheard (the analysis reads context, assessments check outside sources). how →

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