Business Leaders Say Adapting to AI Is Essential to Survival
At a recent TIME100 Talk held in Miami, business leaders emphasized a clear message: companies that fail to adapt to artificial intelligence (AI) risk being left behind.
During a panel discussion titled “The Recharge Gap: Rethinking Recovery, Resilience, and Readiness,” executives from major organizations shared how rapidly evolving technology is reshaping industries and forcing companies to rethink how they operate. The discussion highlighted how AI is no longer optional—it has become a critical tool for survival.
Sarah Meron, Chief Corporate Affairs and Brand Officer at IBM, pointed out that even long-established companies must continuously evolve. She explained that IBM’s ability to embrace technological change is the reason it has remained competitive for over a century. According to her, resisting innovation would have meant falling behind in an increasingly fast-paced digital landscape.
Meron also highlighted the practical benefits of AI in everyday work. Instead of viewing it as a threat, she encourages teams to use AI to handle repetitive or less meaningful tasks, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative work.
Kaylen McNamara, Chief Business Officer at VaynerX, reinforced this idea by stressing the importance of hands-on learning when it comes to new technologies. She shared that she personally spends several hours each week exploring AI tools to stay updated. For her, understanding trends—especially in platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn—is essential for both leaders and businesses aiming to stay relevant.
Meanwhile, Olivia Ramos, CEO of Deepblocks, described how AI is deeply embedded in her company’s operations. Deepblocks uses AI to analyze zoning data and identify real estate investment opportunities across thousands of municipalities. Ramos emphasized that continuous adaptation is necessary to improve efficiency and keep up with industry demands.
Beyond AI, the panelists also discussed how businesses must consider other emerging trends. McNamara noted a growing interest among younger generations in physical or “analog” products, suggesting that innovation doesn’t always mean going fully digital. Ramos, on the other hand, highlighted the future of real estate, predicting that it could eventually function like stock trading, powered by automated systems.
IBM is also exploring advanced technologies such as quantum computing, which could revolutionize how complex problems are solved. However, Meron acknowledged that investing in new technologies always comes with risks. Still, she believes that companies that fail to take bold steps are the ones most likely to disappear.
Overall, the discussion made one thing clear: in today’s fast-changing world, adapting to AI and other emerging technologies is no longer just an advantage—it is a necessity for long-term survival.
