Future Ready Digest Vol. 2 No. 10 - 24th February 2025
Jim Hamill (Dr)
Director at The Future Ready Hub - supporting organisations in becoming future ready for an increasingly volatile, digital and AI world.
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In this edition - the end of the billable hour model for lawyers, Gen AI as a thought partner for managers, a powerful tool for building detailed customer personas, a shake-up of the labour market, a primer for Agentic AI, knowledge management taking centre stage in AI, why we are becoming dumb, the ultimate sales stack, and HEd transformation.
Is the conventional ‘billable hour’ business model for lawyers under threat, prompting firms to adapt or risk obsolescence? Are we entering a new era of legal transformation with new economic models that leverage AI-assisted tools for efficiency and cost management?
As someone already using Gen AI this way, a worthwhile read from HBR. “Gen AI has the potential to become a thought partner for managers, assisting them with strategic thinking, leadership development, and decision-making. But while two-thirds of managers see this potential, currently only 30% feel prepared to use the technology for this purpose.” The article helps bridge this gap by introducing a four-step process encouraging leaders and AI to work together, achieving high-quality outcomes that would not be possible working separately.
Gen AI is also a powerful tool for building detailed customer profiles, as this McKinsey post outlines. It allows sales teams to gain actionable insights about customer behaviour. Used effectively, AI is portrayed as a bridge between better understanding client demands and creating impactful sales strategies.
A summary of recent research results covering the labour market impact of AI. Drastic shifts in roles and responsibilities are taking place due to the increasing reliance on AI.
A good primer on Agentic AI, especially the potential impact on SaaS. “Software applications are shifting from static, monolithic software to dynamic, AI-powered ecosystems that integrate seamlessly with diverse business needs.”
The article explains a significant shift brought by AI agents in digital adoption and human-computer interaction. Studies, such as the 2025 Connectivity Benchmark Report by MuleSoft and Deloitte Digital, reveal that 93% of IT leaders intend to deploy autonomous AI agents within two years, and nearly half have already made progress. This showcases a growing focus on reshaping knowledge management and business intelligence systems to adapt to AI-driven workflows.
Are we becoming dumb?
According to EY, “If universities want to deliver more successful digital transformations, it’s clear that leaders need to change the way institutions approach these initiatives. The best way to do that is to put humans at the centre of their efforts.” I agree, but is there such a thing as a human-centred university leader?
A useful list of twenty “modern sales tools.”
As always, comments and feedback are very welcome.
Take care.
Jim H