When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), the future is being written now. YPO EDGE 2025 in Barcelona brought together top minds in disruptive technology to unpack how AI — with both its opportunities and challenges — is reshaping industries, leadership and the workforce.

“The question isn’t whether change will happen,” says Stephen Ibaraki, Chair and Managing Director, REDDS Capital, and Founder, AI for Good. “It’s how we adapt and shape the world we want to create.”

Keep reading for more key takeaways:

We need to tame the AI wild west before it’s too late

AI pioneer Sir Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science at University of California-Berkeley, says the race toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) is outpacing our ability to ensure it remains safe, and he’s sounding the alarm.

Author of “Human Compatible” and a key AI ethics adviser to global institutions, Russell argues that large language models like ChatGPT are unpredictable, vulnerable and fundamentally flawed.

The stakes? AI systems that surpass human intelligence could become uncontrollable, leading to unintended — and possibly catastrophic — consequences. And with more than USD200 billion being poured into AGI development annually, the industry is speeding ahead without the technical guardrails needed to ensure long-term alignment with human interests.

“The only way to remain in control forever,” Russell cautions, “is if we have cast-iron technical guarantees.”

Use AI to supercharge, not replace, your business

Now for some good news: Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist of AI at Google, was optimistic on artificial intelligence’s role as a force multiplier, rather than a job killer. He’s worked with the world’s biggest brands to integrate AI into marketing and consumer experiences and says that businesses that embrace AI thoughtfully will get ahead, and fast.

From personalized customer experiences to real-time decision-making, AI is already transforming industries, but Kallayil emphasized that its adoption shouldn’t be about chasing trends; instead, it should be about aligning with business strategy.

He reminded leaders that consumers are embracing these technologies faster than many corporations, and he offered this challenge: “How will you use AI to power the next phase of your company’s growth?”

Get ready for AI-powered teams and leaders

The future of work isn’t just about automation — it’s about augmentation. AI thought leader Nell Watson shared that she envisions a world where AI agents act as “co-pilots” alongside human workers, making complex decisions, conducting research and even forming their own AI-driven companies.

By 2030, she predicts the rise of “agentic corporations,” AI-powered entities that function independently, challenging the very concept of traditional business models.

But Watson also flagged the risks of algorithmic management, warning that AI-driven hiring and firing could lead to bias, burnout and ethical dilemmas.

“The key,” she says, “is to co-create AI processes with workers and stakeholders to ensure a fair and ethical transition.”

AI is here. What are you going to do about it?

The experts at EDGE 2025 made one thing clear: AI isn’t just a tool — it’s a paradigm shift. The businesses and leaders who embrace it with both ambition and responsibility will define the next era of innovation. Those who wait? They’ll be playing catch-up. Ibaraki summed it up with a final piece of advice: Stay informed, stay engaged and don’t sit on the sidelines.