Sometimes, when I talk about AI and what I know is coming fast, some people look at me like I’m exaggerating or it’s unbelievable. I guess that’s what happens when you complete the AI Strategy certification at MIT Sloan and get your mind blown. I get it—if you haven’t been paying close attention, the speed of change doesn’t just feel fast; it feels impossible.
But here’s the truth: this moment in time is unlike anything before. And I don’t say that lightly.
I’m part of what I think is the greatest generation — the ones who carried Sony Walkman’s, lived through the pre-cell era, and left the house knowing that if someone was looking for you, they couldn’t find you unless you wanted them to. My generation was the bridge between the analog and digital worlds.
We lived through rule-based AI, which lasted more than a decade. But in the last five years, we’ve catapulted two full stages forward, entering what many now call contextual AI—where machines can interpret, adapt, and respond based on real-time inputs. The AI that answers your emails prioritizes your leads, and helps you forecast revenue? That’s not the future. That’s now.
The 7 Stages of AI — and Where We Are
According to industry frameworks like those described in this video, the 7 stages of AI look something like this:
- Rule-based AI
- Context awareness and retention
- Domain-specific expertise
- Reasoning and problem-solving
- Autonomous learning and action
- General Intelligence
- Superintelligence
Right now, we’re between Stages 3 and 4. AI isn’t just responding. It’s starting to reason and solve problems in specialized areas — like marketing optimization, customer support, legal review, sales automation, and more.
Many experts estimate we’ll see Stage 5 (autonomous AI) in less than 10 years. After that, the pace will only accelerate.
Canada and the U.S. Are Behind
We like to think we’re global leaders in innovation, but those who’ve traveled know better. In parts of Asia and Europe, automation, AI integration, and smart infrastructure are already deeply embedded in day-to-day operations. We’re not just behind—we’re risking irrelevance.
What Does This Mean for CEOs?
It means there’s no more time to debate or delay.
- Your sales and marketing must be digitized.
- Your tech stack must be aligned.
- Your strategy must be built with an AI roadmap.
AI is no longer a bolt-on feature. It’s the engine.
Yes — AI is designed to augment humans. But the uncomfortable truth is, once fully evolved, there will be almost nothing AI can’t do as well (or better) than we can.
That means fewer jobs, tighter markets, and vanishing margins for businesses that fail to modernize. Don’t be the leader who gets blindsided. Be the one who saw it coming — and got in front.
Start here: gopulsion.io