Netflix CTO Says AI Fluency Is “Non-Negotiable for All Roles,” Confirms AI Discussions Are Now Part of Hiring Process

Netflix is making artificial intelligence literacy a core workplace expectation, with Chief Technology Officer and Chief Product Officer Elizabeth Stone saying every employee—from junior hires to senior executives—should develop a strong understanding of AI, even if they never write a single line of code.

Speaking on Lenny’s Podcast with Lenny Rachitsky, Stone explained that AI fluency is becoming a key part of how the streaming giant works, hires talent, and prepares for the future.

Netflix wants AI fluency across every role

Stone said Netflix intentionally avoids creating different AI expectations based on job titles or seniority. Instead, the company encourages employees at every level to understand where AI is valuable and apply sound judgment when using it.

“That’s the non-negotiable for all roles, and that’s true at the senior-most levels of Netflix, where we talk about we too need to have deep fluency in AI, even if we’re not writing code as part of our day jobs.”

She added that the goal is not to make AI skills role-specific but to build what she described as an “aspiration for AI fluency” throughout the company. According to Stone, AI fluency is less about mastering tools and more about recognizing practical use cases, exercising “good judgment,” and remaining willing to “explore and try new things.”

Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone says every employee should develop AI fluency, regardless of whether they write code. (Image via Netflix)

Stone also revealed that AI discussions now play a role in Netflix’s recruitment process. Interviewers increasingly ask candidates how they think about AI and how they use AI-powered tools in their everyday work. Despite industry concerns that automation could reduce entry-level opportunities, she emphasized that Netflix continues to invest in junior talent.

“We are still hiring junior people, and they’re really important to our talent strategy.”

She added that interns and recent graduates often introduce fresh perspectives on emerging technologies and changing consumer behavior, saying,

“I can guarantee you that earlier career talent is going to be teaching older folks like me many new things, too.”

Netflix’s AI strategy reflects a broader trend across the technology industry, where companies are increasingly viewing AI literacy as a fundamental workplace skill rather than one limited to engineering teams.