AI and Your Business: Why Waiting Another Year Could Cost You

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-10-29

AI is moving fast. But how big is the impact really on our companies, our jobs, and the way we'll work tomorrow? That's the question I put to tech journalist Kenneth Dée and AI entrepreneur Lorenzo Bown in a recent AI special. Their answers might surprise you. ### The Job Question: Mass Disappearance or Evolution? Will jobs vanish en masse because of AI? Kenneth and Lorenzo don't see it that way. Instead, they argue that AI will reshape tasks, not eliminate entire roles overnight. Yes, some jobs will go the way of the dodo, but new ones will emerge. The key is adaptation. Lorenzo's company runs with six people and around 200 AI agents. That's not about firing people; it's about scaling what those six can do. Imagine each person having a team of digital assistants handling repetitive work. That's the reality for Lorenzo today. ### AI Agents: What Can They Really Do Now? AI agents are already taking over tasks like data entry, scheduling, and even customer service. But they're not running the show. You still need humans to set goals, check quality, and handle exceptions. Lorenzo's 200 agents handle everything from lead generation to invoice processing. The result? His team focuses on strategy and relationships, not busywork. But Kenneth warns: don't overestimate what agents can do. They're tools, not replacements for judgment. ### Data Privacy: How Safe Are Your Secrets? When you type into ChatGPT, where does that data go? Kenneth is critical here. He points out that most AI tools are run by a handful of US tech giants. That means your data might be stored, analyzed, and even used to train models. For businesses handling sensitive information, that's a risk. The solution? Be intentional. Use enterprise versions with better privacy controls. And always assume that anything you put into a public AI tool could become public. ### Deepfakes, Voice Cloning, and Fraud The same technology that writes your emails can also create convincing deepfakes. Kenneth highlights the rising threat of voice cloning and fraud. Imagine a CEO's voice instructing a transfer. It's already happening. So what can you do? Train your team to verify requests through multiple channels. And consider using AI-powered detection tools. It's an arms race, but awareness is your first line of defense. ### Europe's Position: Behind or Catching Up? Europe is often seen as lagging in AI. But both guests agree: it's not too late. The EU's focus on regulation could actually be a competitive advantage. Trustworthy AI might become a selling point. But entrepreneurs shouldn't wait for policy. Start experimenting now. ### What Should You Do Today? Don't panic if you're not using AI everywhere. But don't wait another year either. Here's what Kenneth and Lorenzo suggest: - **Start small**: Pick one repetitive task and automate it with an AI tool. - **Educate your team**: Demystify AI. Show them it's a helper, not a threat. - **Review your data practices**: Know what you're sharing and with whom. - **Stay informed**: Follow developments, but focus on practical applications for your business. The message is clear: AI is here, and it's evolving quickly. The businesses that thrive will be those that adapt thoughtfully, not those that bury their heads in the sand. So ask yourself: what's one thing you can automate this month? > "You don't have to panic because you're not using AI everywhere yet. But waiting another year is probably not a good idea either." – Kenneth Dée Remember, the goal isn't to replace humans with machines. It's to free up your team to do what they do best: think, create, and connect.