In 1879, Edison didn’t just create illumination – he eclipsed an entire industry. Candlemakers didn’t merely fear change; they feared extinction. Sound familiar? We’ve all seen waves of technology come and go – but the rise of AI feels fundamentally different. This isn’t just another innovation trend; it’s a seismic shift that’s redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.
In 1879, Edison didn’t just create illumination—he eclipsed an entire industry. Candlemakers didn’t merely fear change; they feared extinction. Sound familiar?
We’ve all seen waves of technology come and go—but the rise of AI feels fundamentally different. This isn’t just another innovation trend; it’s a seismic shift that’s redefining the boundaries of what’s possible.
The most forward-thinking leaders aren’t just adopting AI—they’re rebuilding their organizations around it. They understand that resilience in today’s landscape requires more than adaptation; it demands reinvention.
We’re witnessing a transition from raw computation to true cognition. Machines are no longer just processing information—they’re beginning to understand it, analyze it, and make decisions with us, not just for us.
And this revolution isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about unlocking the hidden value in our most powerful asset: data. The world’s biggest challenges—whether in healthcare, finance, or beyond—don’t need more speed. They need intelligence. The kind that can turn overwhelming volumes of data into clarity, action, and breakthrough solutions.
Consider the wellness entrepreneur I spoke with last week. Her company isn’t just using AI to track patient vitals; they’re reinventing preventative healthcare—from genetic analysis to personalized health planning. What was once a reactive treatment model has become a proactive health journey, with AI revealing connections between lifestyle and outcomes that traditional research might take years to discover.
And she isn’t alone.
According to McKinsey, 72% of companies have now adopted AI—up from 55% last year. But here’s the gut punch: fewer than 10% are seeing any meaningful financial gains from it.
Why? Because they’re using tomorrow’s technology to solve yesterday’s problems.
However, throughout history, disruptive technologies have faced resistance. When Edison unveiled the light bulb, candlemakers predicted doom. Today’s AI skeptics echo similar concerns.
Every major breakthrough faces the same cycle:
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Excitement (This changes everything!)
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Disillusionment (This changes nothing!)
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Reality (This changes some things fundamentally and leaves others untouched)
The truth is, AI won’t replace humans. It will reveal which humans can adapt.
Organizations fixated on headcount reduction miss the larger opportunity: elevating human potential by automating the mundane. Your competitive advantage doesn’t come from doing less with fewer people; it comes from achieving more with the same team.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Nobody knows exactly which companies will win or lose as AI reshapes business. Not even the smartest experts can predict this with certainty.
The best companies I work with don’t waste time on predictions. Instead, they focus on getting better at what they already do well and solving real problems for their customers. They’ve learned that staying flexible and able to change direction quickly isn’t just nice to have—it’s how they’ll survive.
Don’t make the mistake of treating AI as just another tech project. The winners won’t be the ones who simply buy AI tools. They’ll be the ones who build AI into everything they do, making their people smarter and more capable rather than replacing them.
We’re not just watching technology change—we’re seeing business itself transform. Leaders who understand this—who see AI as a completely new way to solve problems—will take their organizations beyond just being more efficient. They’ll discover entirely new opportunities no one else can see.
About the Author
Ivana Johnston, CEO and co-founder of Puzzle Partner, is a trusted brand strategist that collaborates with some of the world’s most innovative companies in hospitality, travel, wellness, healthcare and technology. She has a proven track record of initiating, driving, and cultivating high-value business ideas and relationships, helping her clients outperform the competition, achieve profitable exits, and expand into the Americas. Her insights are regularly featured in business trade publications, Forbes.com, Entrepreneur and other prominent media outlets. As a member of the Forbes Agency Council, Forbes Business Council she contributes to Forbes Expert Panels®, offering her expertise on the interplay of advanced technologies and business success.
Connect with Ivana on LinkedIn.
