Of all the industries confronting the disruptive potential of AI, automotive may be one of the most visible—and the most vulnerable. The dealership model in particular, long resistant to transformation, now finds itself in the crosshairs of multiple converging pressures: economic volatility, the shift toward electrification, changing consumer behaviors, and a new expectation for sophisticated digital experiences. The way forward is not simple. This is not just another technology wave like ERP or CRM. This is a full-scale operating model transformation, catalyzed by a new class of intelligent systems: AI Agents.

For over a century, the legal industry has been insulated from the kind of disruption that transformed sectors like retail, entertainment, and finance. But that era is coming to a close. As I shared recently on the ‘Pearls On, Gloves Off podcast’ with Mary O'Carroll we are standing at the edge of an apocalyptic moment for the legal profession—one that’s as much about mindset as it is about machine learning.

There was this magical moment when the robot, having analyzed the skin of its target, gracefully swung into an autonomous ballet of algorithmically delineated motions, artfully mixing ingredients, shaking, and stirring with the deft precision of a London bartender. Moments later, the work was complete: a personalized bottle of bespoke skin foundation. 

I saw this little piece of theatre last week in Seoul at Hera Beauty in the Seoungsu district. Seoul is full of weird and wonderful, immersive retail experiences  - but here is something you might not know: South Korea is the most automated country on the planet today. One out of ten workers in that country is already a robot. 

AI-powered organizations will be different, just not in the ways you might expect. When evaluating the impact of new technology, business leaders often focus on the wrong criteria. The real issue is not whether there is a sound business case for cutting costs or increasing productivity through AI and automation, but rather, frankly assessing the disruptive potential of these very same tools and platforms to reshape the dynamics of your market. If not by you, then by who? If not now - then when?

One of the biggest dangers in any disaster is a premature plan for normalcy. As vaccine programs roll out worldwide, organizations and governments are preparing for economic recovery, a return to offices, corporate travel, and a resumption of business as usual. We all need a little optimism, but nostalgia can be as dangerous as disruption. Some doors are one-way only. What if the pandemic was not a crisis but rather a chrysalis?