The AI Inflection Point: Genesis, AI Superpowers, and the Coming Wave. What Every Business Leader Needs to Know:

I’ve witnessed firsthand how AI is transforming operations, decision-making, and even what it means to lead. But the impact isn’t just about automation or productivity gains. It’s about redefining value, human potential, and the kinds of questions we ask at the executive table.

AI’s rise creates both opportunity and risk for business leaders. Those who lean in, understand its nuances, and integrate it thoughtfully will thrive. Those who ignore it may find themselves left behind, not just technologically, but strategically and ethically.

So how do we engage with this moment intelligently?

One of the best ways to do that is through perspective-shifting reading on the latest advances. These three books have helped shape my thinking about the future of AI — and I believe every business professional should spend time to determine how best to integrate this transformative tech into your every move:

1. Genesis by Eric Schmidt, Henry Kissinger, and Daniel Huttenlocher

This is one of the most thought-provoking books on AI and geopolitics I’ve read. Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, partners with policy minds to explore how AI will impact power, diplomacy, and civilization itself. It’s not just a business book — it’s a strategic lens on the global chessboard.

Takeaway: AI is not just a tool; it's a new actor on the world stage. Leaders must develop both technological fluency and philosophical clarity to lead through this shift.

2. AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee

A powerful east-meets-west perspective, Kai-Fu Lee explores the AI race between China and the U.S., providing crucial context for global leaders. What I love about this book is its blend of geopolitical insight and personal reflection. Lee doesn’t just explain AI’s power — he challenges us to think about how it should be used, especially when it comes to employment, ethics, and the future of human dignity.

Takeaway: The future isn’t just about machines — it’s about how we, as humans, stay resilient, creative, and empathetic in a rapidly changing world.

3. The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman

Written by the co-founder of DeepMind, this is a wake-up call and roadmap rolled into one. Suleyman argues that we’re at the start of a wave of powerful, uncontrollable technologies — not just AI, but synthetic biology, advanced robotics, and beyond. He makes the case for a new kind of leadership: one that can ride the wave without being crushed by it.

Takeaway: Navigating the future means developing guardrails, governance, and the moral courage to intervene before we lose control.

The Role of Leaders Now

As someone who helps design and execute their growth trajectory, I believe our job now is not just to adopt AI tools, but to ask better questions:

• How will AI shape our industry in the next 5 years?

• What aspects of leadership can never be automated?

• How do we foster a culture of curiosity, resilience, and ethical tech adoption?

If you're building something bold, now is the time to get intentional about how AI fits into your vision. Let’s not just be users of AI. Let’s be shapers of this future.