Isabelle Freidheim, founder and managing partner of Athena Capital, spoke at the Fortune Global Forum in New York, highlighting AI's early stage and potential. She noted, “AI is still pretty nascent. ” While it offers vast opportunities, it remains somewhat awkward, particularly in text generation. Freidheim mentioned, “When job applicants submit writing samples, we can often tell if it’s AI due to its distinctive style. ” Asked if AI can genuinely replace human roles, even for simple tasks, Freidheim confidently said no, emphasizing that it would change, not replace, jobs when it matures. Panelists agreed on AI's potential once its issues are addressed. Suzanne Dann, CEO of Wipro's Americas division, described AI as a major opportunity, likening it to the excitement initially generated by cloud technology. While advocating for regulation, she acknowledged trust's critical role in technology adoption, as highlighted by Suzan Kereere, PayPal’s president of global markets. COVID-19 accelerated tech adoption, but more investment in advanced tools, including AI, is crucial, according to Dann.

Freidheim's firm, primarily investing in the U. S. , is expanding in Europe, despite slower tech innovation there compared to the U. S. She noted significant investment in tech across regions through government initiatives like tax credits and loans. This occurs against a backdrop of deglobalization and geopolitical shifts, with regions competing in tech leadership in areas like chip manufacturing and electric vehicles. Tech advancements present challenges for industries like retail, said Scott Baxter, CEO of Kontoor Brands. The slow adaptation of supply chain partners hinders global initiatives, as rapid changes in product demand can outpace integration efforts. Wipro, with 220, 000 employees, emphasizes AI literacy. Dann explained the need to rethink business processes, rather than just implementing new technologies, as the company transitions from legacy systems. Looking ahead, Wipro seeks employees who understand AI’s potential to rejuvenate operations. Dann stressed the importance of innovative problem-solving skills in areas like supply chain and HR as the company faces future challenges.