We're living through a unique historical moment. AI capabilities are powerful enough to create real value but not so powerful that competitive advantages have crystallized. Organizations that move now can still shape their industries' AI future.
This window won't stay open long. Network effects, data accumulation, and learning curves mean early leaders will become increasingly difficult to displace. But the race isn't to implement the most AI—it's to achieve the best human-AI synthesis.
Sara M. at top law firm understood this. Six months after that silent conference room demonstration, her firm has transformed. Associates spend 80% less time on document review and 300% more time on client strategy. Client satisfaction has soared. Profits have followed.
"We're not a law firm that uses AI," S.M. told me. "We're an AI-augmented advisory firm that happens to practice law. That shift in identity changed everything."