Latest news with #Queiroz
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Even The AI Director Was Not Spared In Microsoft's Recent Layoffs, Tech Industry Concerned
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs, letting go of approximately 6,000 employees, which accounts for nearly 3% of its global workforce. This move is part of the company's efforts to realign its organisational structure as it aggressively pushes into artificial intelligence. Gabriela de Queiroz, Director of Artificial Intelligence for Microsoft for Startups, was among those affected and shared the "bittersweet" news of her departure on social media. According to Ms Queiroz, staff were asked to stop work immediately after being informed of the decision. She chose to stay on for a bit, attend meetings, and bid farewell to her colleagues, showing her commitment to her team and appreciation for her time at Microsoft. "Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. Am I sad? Absolutely. I'm heartbroken to see so many talented people I've had the honour of working with being let go. These are people who cared deeply, went above and beyond, and truly made a difference," she wrote along with a picture of herself smiling. See the tweet here: 💔 Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. — Gabriela de Queiroz (@gdequeiroz) May 13, 2025 Despite her disappointment, she remains optimistic and "is looking at the bright side." "I'm an optimist at heart. That hasn't changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that's all still here," she expressed. She ended her post with a note for others impacted by the layoffs. "What's next? I don't know yet. It's too soon to say. But I trust that something good will come out of this. To those also affected—you're not alone. We are at least 6,000. And to those who've reached out, thank you. Your kindness means everything right now," she concluded the post. Techies React Many users, including technology professionals, were left shocked and bewildered by her abrupt dismissal. Many expressed deep concern and disbelief, questioning the rationale behind such a decision at a time when AI is driving innovation and shaping the future of countless industries. Some labelled the move a "paradox", while others called the decision "illogical". One user wrote, "It's ok to say there isn't a bright side here bc this seems despicable to me: a company that has ballyhooed AI all over town and intruded into all our spaces with AI then director of AI. Makes no sense. None. Why use CoPilot when this happens? That's how to see it." Another commented, "I don't understand how "the director of AI" could be let go...? Like I get the big picture of: "AI could do that..." or "fewer people with AI could do that..." But of all roles "director of AI" seems like an odd one to let go of." A third joked, "Did the AI start directing itself?" Layoffs at Microsoft This recent layoff follows previous job cuts in 2023, where Microsoft reduced its workforce by 10,000 jobs, less than 5% of its total workforce. The company has cited the need for "organisational and workforce adjustments" to manage its business effectively. Microsoft said the layoffs are part of its efforts to stay competitive and agile as it rapidly integrates AI into its products and services. The company aims to automate routine tasks, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, mentioned that the company was exercising caution due to economic uncertainty and potential recession.
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
‘An optimist at heart': Microsoft AI director pens heartwarming note after getting laid off
On Tuesday, Microsoft announced that the company laid off less than 3 per cent of its workforce. Gabriela de Queiroz, Microsoft's AI director, shared 'bittersweet news' of her layoff, with a heartwarming thread on X. Sharing a picture of herself with a smile, Queiroz wrote. 'I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs.' The text on the picture read, 'Time for a new chapter.' In another thread, she expressed empathy for her colleagues who 'cared deeply' for the company. Queiroz said that the laid-off employees were asked to stop working immediately and set an out-of-office message. However, she decided to stay for a while and show up in meetings and say goodbye to her colleagues. 'I'm an optimist at heart. That hasn't changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that's all still here,' she wrote, adding, 'We were asked to stop work immediately and set an out-of-office. But I chose to stay a little longer—showing up for meetings, saying goodbye, wrapping up what I could. That felt right to me.' 'To those also affected—you're not alone. We are at least 6,000. And to those who've reached out, thank you. Your kindness means everything right now,' Queiroz said in another X post. See the post here: 💔 Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. — Gabriela de Queiroz (@gdequeiroz) May 13, 2025 Several users extended support to Queiroz, wishing her luck for her future endeavours. 'Sorry to hear this, but I know something even better is ahead. You're made for big things!' a user wrote. 'I'm sorry. I wasn't impacted but I lost many close people I've worked with for years. It was a rough day for sure. I wish you the best,' another user commented. 'Sorry to hear that. smiling in your tough days is what makes a person a winner in life. so more power and strength to you,' a third user reacted.
New Paper
12-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Flying start in New Zealand for Queiroz
Bruno Queiroz's riding career in New Zealand got off to a great start when he steered Tycoon Boss to an effortless win on his second ride at Trentham, Wellington on May 10. After clinching the 2024 Singapore champion jockey title right at its very final meeting at Kranji on Oct 5, the Brazilian returned home to continue his riding career. He spent the next six months in Brazil before flying to his new riding base in Palmerston North on May 3. With the help of ex-Kranji trainer Stephen Gray - who now trains with his father, Kevin, at Copper Belt Lodge in Palmerston North - Queiroz soon found himself sitting atop a winning ride at his first race meeting in New Zealand. The Grays supplied two of his four rides at Trentham on May 10. The 23-year-old repaid their trust with a third on Albarossa on his first ride, before going two better with maiden runner Tycoon Boss in the NZ$20,000 (S$15,300) Doctor Askar Maiden race (1,000m) in the very next race. Placed three times in as many starts previously, the three-year-old son of Street Boss sat in a handy position under Queiroz before upping the ante in the straight to stride home powerfully towards an easy 4.3-length win from Fleeting Glimpse (Jim Chung). Queiroz, who turns 24 on May 15, was rapt with the breakthrough. "I was so happy. I have to thank Mr Stephen Gray for the big opportunity to ride Tycoon Boss," said Queiroz. "Stephen told me before the race that I've got two very good rides. Albarossa ran third at my first race in New Zealand and then Tycoon Boss won in my second race. "I was confident he can win. I rode him in trackwork on the Friday before and he felt very fresh. "He jumped very well and I sat second on him because the horse inside wanted to go to the front. At the last 300m, I put some pressure on him and he responded very nicely. He did it himself and it was an easy win." Queiroz also had four rides at Whanganui on May 11, when he managed two fourths. The Sao Paulo native had been wanting to keep riding overseas since his first successful overseas stint in Singapore. He spoke to Gray in September 2024 and the latter agreed to help Queiroz kickstart his career in the Land of the Long White Cloud. "I thought New Zealand is a nice place and it would be a good experience overseas," he said. "Besides Stephen and (his wife) Bridget, I don't know anyone here. I flew to Auckland alone before arriving in Palmerston North. "I'm staying with Stephen and Bridget now. Stephen's my main supporter and they will drive me to the races. "But I'm also looking to rent a place around this area and to buy a car. My girlfriend (Kemilly Rodrigues) will join me next month. "The weather's a bit cold for me but I do like the food and place. It's different from Brazil. "I ride trackwork on weekdays here, and then in the races on weekends. I don't know my rides for this week yet, but (racing manager) Andre (Niel) will let me know tomorrow (Tuesday)." Before his one-year stint in New Zealand, the two-time Rio de Janeiro champion jockey yielded good results from his rides at home, including a Group 1 win in the first leg of the Brazil Triple Crown, the Grande Prêmio Estado do Rio de Janeiro (1,600m) astride New Dance on Feb 9. Queiroz also flew to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a short two-day raid on Jan 31 and Feb 2, when he bagged two wins at Sungai Besi. "I had good results riding at home after I left Singapore. I rode mainly in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo and Curitiba," he said. "I rode 36 winners, including a Group 1 win on New Dance in the Brazil Triple Crown in Rio de Janeiro, two Group 2 races and two Listed races. My last ride in Brazil was on April 29. "I don't have a goal for myself in New Zealand, but I will do my best to ride many winners. Hopefully, I get to ride in the bigger races in Auckland too. "My experiences here would be good for my resume. Maybe, in future, I can ride in Hong Kong or Australia." sharonzhang@
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beef Set to Get Pricier as Herds Shrink Globally, Minerva Says
(Bloomberg) -- Cattle herds are declining in the US, Europe and China, according to Brazilian meatpacker Minerva SA, in a sign that beef prices could rise further. New York Subway Ditches MetroCard After 32 Years for Tap-And-Go Amtrak CEO Departs Amid Threats of a Transit Funding Pullback Despite Cost-Cutting Moves, Trump Plans to Remake DC in His Style LA Faces $1 Billion Budget Hole, Warns of Thousands of Layoffs NYC Plans for Flood Protection Without Federal Funds The US is already struggling with the smallest herd in more than seven decades, and now China and Europe are starting to face a decrease in their cattle supplies, Fernando Galletti de Queiroz, Minerva's chief executive officer, said during an earnings call on Thursday. Minerva's shares rose as much as 12% in Sao Paulo on Thursday, the most since December 2021, as the company reported strong fourth-quarter revenue despite challenges from rising cattle prices. Brazil's cattle for slaughter is also expected to start declining this year from a record in 2024, according to Minerva. Yet higher fertility and cattle weights could boost Brazilian beef supply, the company said. The company said it has started integrating 13 slaughtering plants it bought from Marfrig Global Foods SA, which will also help increase supplies. Tight supplies are already sending prices higher in the US, with cattle futures reaching a fresh record in January while wholesale beef also soared. The average price paid by importers for Brazilian beef climbed 8.9% in February from a year earlier. Despite the higher prices, Minerva is optimistic about the company's global prospects. 'What's striking is that even as prices rise, we're seeing a great deal of resilience in demand,' Queiroz said. Growing demand is already helping South America's meatpackers such as JBS SA and Minerva, which has seen its sales to the US increase over the last year. The US became Minerva's main client by the end of 2024, making up 23% of its exports and surpassing former top client China. Minerva also sees an opportunity to benefit from Donald Trump's trade war as the US president moves to put tariffs on goods from its trading partners. Brazil could boost its beef exports to the US by supplying cuts currently provided by Australian companies. 'If the US put tariffs on Australia, it will become a major game changer for us to export to the US,' Queiroz said. Minerva is also looking to Japan for growth, as Brazil is in advanced talks to open that market to its beef, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva planning a trip to the Asian country this month. Minerva late Wednesday reported that its fourth-quarter revenue rose 74% from the year earlier, beating analysts' estimates. Roughly 58% of last year's revenue came from exports. Tesla's Gamble on MAGA Customers Won't Work A New 'China Shock' Is Destroying Jobs Around the World How TD Became America's Most Convenient Bank for Money Launderers The Real Reason Trump Is Pushing 'Buy American' The Future of Higher Ed Is in Austin ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sign in to access your portfolio
