Business Leaders Say Adapting to AI Is Essential to Survival

May 2, 2026 - 20:16

Top executives from IBM, VaynerX, and Deepblocks recently spoke to the TIME100 community about the relentless speed of change that artificial intelligence is forcing upon every industry. The message was clear: companies that hesitate to integrate AI into their core operations risk being left behind, or worse, becoming obsolete.

The panel highlighted that the technology is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality reshaping how businesses operate, market, and compete. Leaders emphasized that the pace of AI adoption is faster than any previous technological shift, including the internet boom. This leaves little room for slow decision-making or cautious experimentation.

Gary Vaynerchuk of VaynerX stressed that the biggest danger is not the technology itself but the cultural resistance within organizations. He argued that companies must foster a mindset of constant learning and rapid iteration. Similarly, representatives from IBM and Deepblocks noted that AI is already changing supply chains, customer service, and even real estate development. The key takeaway was that survival depends on leadership that is willing to embrace discomfort and invest in upskilling their workforce.

The discussion served as a stark reminder that in the current business landscape, standing still is the same as moving backward.