As 2025 unfolds, the business landscape is undergoing transformative change. From extreme weather events disrupting industries to geopolitical shifts reshaping global dynamics, the world is in flux. Amid these challenges, one force stands out as the most significant driver of disruption and opportunity: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
At the recent WIRED World in 2025 event, Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View, outlined how generative AI (gen AI) is set to redefine business operations. He likened its impact to groundbreaking technologies like the steam engine and electricity, which fundamentally reshaped economies. “Generative AI is a cognitive steam engine,” Azhar remarked, emphasizing its potential to increase productivity, spur growth, and create prosperity.
To capitalize on this transformative power, business leaders must act decisively. Here’s a guide to navigating the opportunities and challenges of AI in 2025:
1. Embrace AI Now—Don’t Wait
The rapid advancement of generative AI over the past two years has ushered in unprecedented capabilities. This constant acceleration can make it difficult for businesses to decide when and how to invest. However, waiting too long risks falling behind.
Paul Michelman of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlighted the importance of proactive adoption. “Do you want to be a passenger or a driver?” he asked. To stay ahead, businesses must experiment with AI tools and integrate them into their operations. BCG’s AI agent, GENE, is a prime example, assisting with tasks like content creation and even facilitating sensitive organizational conversations.
2. Prepare for Two Key AI Shifts
Azhar identified two major developments shaping AI in 2025:
Mainstream Adoption of AI Tools: Generative AI products are reaching a level of maturity that makes them accessible and effective for widespread business use.
Emergence of Autonomous AI Agents: AI systems are evolving to take autonomous actions, powered by reasoning models capable of breaking down complex tasks into logical steps. These agents could soon rival the expertise of top engineers, offering unparalleled support for technical and operational challenges.
3. Prioritize Strategic Problem Selection
For businesses looking to leverage generative AI, problem selection is critical. Dorothy Chou of Google DeepMind stressed the importance of starting with areas where data quality is robust. High-quality datasets lead to better outcomes when grounding AI tools in an organization’s needs.
Chou also encouraged businesses to tackle ambitious problems in high-impact areas like life sciences, energy, and education, despite the challenges of navigating regulated industries. While these sectors are harder to penetrate, they offer immense societal and commercial value.
4. Address the Scaling Challenge
While some worry about a potential “scaling wall” in AI development—where advances in large language models hit diminishing returns—Azhar dismissed these concerns. The true limitation, he argued, lies in infrastructure. The demand for larger data centers to support AI growth is expected to be met as industrial necessity drives investment.
5. Stand Out in a World of AI-Generated Content
Content creation is one of the most prominent use cases for generative AI. However, as more businesses rely on similar AI tools, the risk of producing generic outputs increases. To maintain originality, brands must combine AI-driven efficiency with human creativity. “Harness tech-driven efficiency, while ensuring human ingenuity shines through,” advised GENE, BCG’s conversational AI agent.
Looking Ahead
AI is no longer a distant promise—it’s here, and it’s reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. For business leaders, 2025 offers an opportunity to redefine their organizations by embracing AI tools, selecting meaningful problems, and maintaining a balance between technology and human innovation. The question remains: Will you be a passenger or a driver in this era of transformation?