The world of business and technology is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is more crucial than ever. From navigating the changing landscape of marketing to harnessing the power of AI, companies face both challenges and opportunities. Mastercard's CMO Raja Rajamannar provides insights into the "world of extremes" shaping consumer preferences and brand strategies, while a BCG survey reveals that many companies struggle to effectively implement AI and generate real value. Finally, a look into the future of AI reveals "ambient agents" as a potential solution for automating tasks and boosting productivity.

These articles offer valuable perspectives on the forces shaping the future of business, from consumer behavior to technological advancements. By understanding these trends, companies can better position themselves for success in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment. Dive into these thought-provoking pieces to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

3 Forces Redefining Marketing in 2025

In his monthly newsletter, Raja Rajamannar, CMO of Mastercard shares his perspective on what he calls "a world of extremes".

Reflecting on fundamental issues related to consumer preferences, technology changes, and cultural shifts impacting brands.

Raja is someone who I admire greatly - he has always been at the forefront of change and prescient in the way he thinks and shapes the future of marketing,

Read more: Raja Rajamannar Newsletter

From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap

BCG just released the findings from their BCG AI Radar global survey.

While companies are eager to adopt AI and recognize its potential, many are struggling to effectively implement it and generate real value. A key challenge is the need to prioritize strategic initiatives, upskill employees, and integrate AI into existing workflows. Successful companies focus on a small number of use cases, invest in training, and adapt their organizational culture to embrace AI.

Key takeaways:

• Many companies are failing to generate significant value from their AI initiatives due to a lack of focus and investment in people and processes.

• Leading companies prioritize a small number of AI use cases, reshaping key functions and driving innovation.

• Upskilling the workforce and adapting company culture are crucial for successful AI implementation.

Read more: BCG

What’s next for agentic AI? LangChain founder looks to ambient agents

Ambient agents are emerging as a new trend in AI, representing a step beyond current agentic AI capabilities. These agents operate continuously in the background, monitoring events and taking actions based on predefined instructions. They aim to automate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity by allowing users to focus on more complex activities while routine work is handled automatically. Early use cases include managing emails and social media interactions.

Here are the key takeaways:

• Ambient agents are AI systems that run continuously, monitoring events and taking action when necessary.

• This technology automates repetitive tasks, freeing up users to concentrate on more complex activities.

• Potential applications include managing emails and social media interactions.

Read more: VentureBeat