AI Will Run the Future of Business—But Only If We Rethink How We Work

Dr. Paul Cheek’s talk at Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers - GCEC at Babson College raised a critical point: AI has the potential to revolutionize entrepreneurship and business processes. But here’s the paradox: while AI promises efficiency and creativity, our current fast-paced, “more is better” mindset may hinder its true potential.

The reality is that #AI cannot thrive in an environment fueled by overwork and constant hustle. Instead, it requires a shift toward intentional, thoughtful engagement. This isn't just about optimizing #productivity; it's about creating space for meaningful human interaction and #problemsolving—something our hyper-busy culture often sidelines.

If we embrace thoughtful, deliberate use of these tools, we might not just run better businesses—we might create a more balanced and human-centered world.

In my experience, I’ve seen this play out starkly in #educational settings. When I used AI tools to help students accelerate their work output, the results were counterproductive. They remained anxious, overwhelmed, and, ultimately, stuck. It wasn’t until I encouraged them to slow down—focusing on deeper understanding rather than output—that they began to excel. They reported feeling more connected, creative, and, importantly, more human.

This highlights a core issue: AI should not serve as a tool to perpetuate the overproduction mentality. Instead, it can be a catalyst for simplification and clarity. When we use AI to create space rather than fill it with more tasks, we tap into its transformative potential. It’s counterintuitive in a world obsessed with speed, but slowing down is often the key to making progress.

Dr. Cheek’s demonstration of tools like MIT’s AI Orbit and StackAI shows what’s possible when AI integrates seamlessly into workflows. However, the success of these tools lies not in their ability to do more but in their ability to help us focus on what matters. As Cheek noted, human creativity and problem-solving will always be essential—especially as we tackle global challenges like poverty and climate change. Referencing this post & talk.

The question isn’t just, “Will AI run the future of business?” but, “What kind of future are we creating with AI?” If we embrace thoughtful, deliberate use of these tools, we might not just run better businesses—we might create a more balanced and human-centered world.

What do you think? Can we shift our mindset to make AI a tool for balance and simplicity, rather than just another accelerator for the rat race? Share your perspective below!