Artificial intelligence has rapidly evolved from a buzzword to a core tool in everyday business. By 2025, organisations across a range of industries are taking advantage of AI’s potential to streamline operations and boost productivity. If you’ve ever wrestled with implementing new technology, this overview could help put some of your concerns at ease.
Leila Rao, founder of AgileXtended, sums it up nicely: “I have never seen any buzzword so quickly adopted.” Based in Decatur, Georgia, her consultancy aids companies in managing the organisational changes that come with new tech integration, proving that the human touch remains as important as the machine itself.
In Georgia and beyond, businesses are using AI for everything from scheduling to copywriting. A recent survey by Duluth-based Moneypenny found that 64% of companies are either utilising or considering AI to drive efficiency and growth. Even as enthusiasm builds, top executives admit there’s still work to be done before AI reaches its full potential.
Tools like ChatGPT have moved into the mainstream, capable of generating original content and supporting scientific research. Rao points out that their value lies in their adaptability, noting, “there is no standardisation because they are, almost by definition, interactive.” This means each AI tool may offer something unique, depending on how it’s used.
Richard Culberson, CEO of Moneypenny North America, highlights that marketing, content creation, and data analytics are watering grounds where AI is already making an impact. Companies are drawn by the promise of cost savings, greater productivity, and smarter decision-making. However, both Rao and Culberson stress that critical tasks should still rely on human insight.
It’s clear that a balanced approach works best. Rao points out a noticeable disconnect between the excited expectations of the C-suite and the day-to-day experiences of employees. There’s comfort in knowing that, even in a high-tech world, human involvement is irreplaceable. Culberson underscores this by saying, “People who will win in the use of AI will start to elevate their own people and not eliminate their people with it.”
The takeaway is simple. As you consider how AI might fit into your business, remember that successful integration depends on clear communication, active staff engagement, and respecting the unique roles both technology and people play. Over the next 12–18 months, this collaborative approach could turn potential friction into a real opportunity.
