Five AI Predictions That Actually Matter (And What To Do About Them)

I’ve got a bone to pick with most predictions out there. 

So often, people share what they think will happen, but then you're left wondering, "So what?" 

As an analyst who spends her time thinking about the future (and talking to leaders about it), I want predictions that drive action. Not just "this will happen," but "here's what it means" and "here's how to prepare."

So let's dig into what we can expect in 2025—and what we need to do about it. 

Five Predictions for 2025

Here’s what I think will reshape organizations next year—and how to prepare:

1️⃣ Building Trust Through AI Amnesty AI adoption isn't starting in boardrooms—it's happening in the shadows. 

… "Don't tell anyone," people whisper to me, "but I'm using AI and it's fantastic." 

They're going rogue despite bans—because they see the value.

Smart organizations will flip this script in 2025. Instead of blanket bans, they'll offer "AI amnesty"—safe spaces to bring shadow AI into the light. They'll run "AI trust trials," visible experiments that prove how AI actually creates value. (Hat tip to Lisa Nirell and Michael Taylor for their help with this prediction!)

From control to permission, from restriction to transparency—the shift is clear. When we bring innovation into the light and prove what works (and just as importantly, what doesn't!), we build trust. This matters because AI raises fundamental questions about who we are as humans and what we're worth. We need to approach it with transparency.

2️⃣ The Rise of AI Greenhouses Think of these as protected spaces where teams can test, learn, and grow with AI. Unlike traditional innovation labs, here, AI agents will serve as catalysts, running experiments and analyzing results faster than we ever could before.

This means leaders need to shift from controlling outcomes to becoming gardeners of innovation. Your job? Create the conditions for growth and learning, then curate the best results. I'm seeing organizations that have already gone through digital transformation adapt more easily because they've built the cultural foundations for experimentation.

The key is psychological safety. Create a virtual walled-off area where people can try things, backed by clear guidelines and governance. Just like a real greenhouse, you need the right environment for ideas to flourish.

3️⃣ Scaling Leadership Through AI Partners Leaders need to scale their presence in 2025. Digital doubles—AI avatars that communicate vision and provide guidance—offer a solution. If our content will be in AI systems anyway, we should shape how it's used. (Check out my own “digital double,” featured in one of October’s newsletters! 🤖)

But this goes beyond leadership. Every employee needs what I call "IDEA concierges"—AI partners that transform early concepts into innovations. While we often relegate AI to routine tasks, it's actually a powerful creative catalyst, helping teams brainstorm and execute faster.

The key insight: AI amplifies—rather than replaces—human creativity. We drive the process, prompt the ideas, and guide the development. It expands what we can accomplish.

4️⃣ The Great Competency Swap—Humans Lead, AI Delivers We need to understand what humans do best and what AI excels at—then make that partnership work. AI brings incredible analysis, speed, precision, and scale. Humans bring judgment, relationships, and ethics.

The key is building what I call an "AI accountability ledger"—a transparent record of all AI-informed or AI-made decisions. When decisions are questioned (and they will be), you can go back, test for fairness, and build trust.

Leaders will become ethical stewards, ensuring AI aligns with our purpose, values, and long-term goals. Remember: AI is a tool. How we choose to use it is where leadership matters. 

Trust in AI isn't automatic; it's earned through consistent, visible wins.

5️⃣ Small Language Models Take Center Stage AI is moving to the edge—built directly into our devices and networks. These small language models process data locally without touching the cloud, offering faster responses with lower power consumption.

Security is key here. Consider mobile devices: Apple's cautious approach to AI development reflects the reality that our phones hold our most sensitive data. When personal AI arrives, it needs to be completely secure and user-controlled.

This shift to what I call "personal AI psychics"—small, efficient AI models tailored to specific tasks—could be revolutionary, especially for underserved communities. You don't always need massive language models. Sometimes a small, focused AI that's fast, cheap, and responsive is more valuable.

What This Means for 2025

A few final takeaways: 

🔮Paradoxically, work will feel more human as AI handles the mundane, repetitive tasks none of us enjoy.

🔮 Leaders will begin to feel limitless, able to drive greater clarity, consistency, and engagement across their organizations.

🔮 Trust will become paramount—customers will choose organizations based on how trustworthy their AI is. 

At the end of the day, I remain hopeful that our communities will use AI to tackle some of society's most daunting challenges—from climate change to healthcare access to equity. But all of this can only happen if leaders step into this space proactively. 

If this information was helpful, there’s plenty more! Sign up for updates and early access to my upcoming book, co-authored with Katia Walsh, which is all about creating a winning generative AI strategy.

Catch my most recent webinars

“Unlocking The Power of Generative AI.” I explain how to set up a generative AI “playground,” three ways to elevate your leadership with step-by-step instructions, and the broad outlines of creating a strategy. Get the recording and slides here.

“Developing a Winning Generative AI Strategy for Competitive Advantage.” I walk through the steps needed to create a cohesive AI strategy that will last. Get the recording and slides here. 

Your Turn

How are you preparing for 2025? Are you developing your AI strategy, cleaning house, or setting resolutions? I'd love to hear how you're approaching the year ahead.