January 6, 2025

The great AI divide: Why curiosity will shape the future of leadership

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AI is no longer the future—it’s the present. And as we head into 2025, the gap between leaders who embrace AI and those who hesitate will grow wider than ever before. This post, part of a larger series on leadership and AI by Tyler Scriven, unpacks the critical role curiosity plays in shaping this divide. Drawing from years of experience scaling organizations like Palantir and Saltbox, Tyler shares how the most successful leaders aren’t the most technical but the most inquisitive.

My 2025 prediction

Amid an explosion of astonishing AI advancements, the defining narrative of the year will hinge on a simple but profound divide: those who harness AI with intention and clarity will reshape what’s possible, while others risk being left behind.

Across industries and households around the world, we're witnessing a great divide emerge—not of access to AI, but of understanding and application. While tools like ChatGPT have introduced millions to the power of AI, far fewer have pushed beyond the surface, leveraging its full potential to amplify human creativity, insight, and problem-solving.

Here’s the truth

The future doesn’t belong to those who simply have the best AI tools. It belongs to those with the clarity to define what they want to achieve, the insight to know where human judgment is irreplaceable, and the boldness to use AI to expand what’s possible.

This distinction is subtle but critical. As AI tools become more powerful and accessible, the competitive advantage shifts from merely having them to integrating them meaningfully. It’s no longer enough to add AI to your workflow; success comes from understanding how these tools enhance human insight. When done well, AI becomes an almost immeasurable accelerant to productivity. I’ve experienced this firsthand as a daily user of AI for over two years. It’s not a theoretical promise—it’s real, and it’s transformative.

What I’ve learned above all else

AI’s greatest promise isn’t to replace us but to help us focus more deeply on what we do best. Think of it as having a partner with boundless capability—someone who can synthesize complex ideas, uncover hidden opportunities, and provide dynamic feedback. Meanwhile, you remain in control of the crucial strategic decisions and creative breakthroughs. The real power lies in this partnership between human intuition and artificial intelligence.

By the end of 2025, the gap between those who fully embrace AI and those who do not will be stark and unavoidable. Those who hesitate risk falling irreversibly behind as the pace of progress accelerates and opportunities multiply for those ready to act. But here’s the opportunity: seeing AI not as a mere efficiency tool but as a catalyst for reimagining what’s possible—for opening new frontiers of innovation, insight, and achievement.

Remember: we now carry the transformative power of one of the greatest technologies ever created right in our pockets. For those who value growth, progress, and achievement, taking the time to understand and maximize this potential isn’t just an opportunity—it’s essential. Embracing AI thoughtfully unlocks untapped potential and empowers us to achieve our goals with clarity and purpose.

In the weeks and months ahead, I’ll be exploring these ideas further—sharing strategies for building AI-powered, human-centric approaches that not only advance technology but honor the people using it. The future belongs to the curious—those willing to ask better questions, experiment boldly, and let technology amplify their unique strengths.

Want to stay ahead of the AI curve?

Follow me on LinkedIn and Medium for more insights on leadership, technology, and the evolving role of AI. This post is part of an ongoing series exploring the intersection of AI and leadership—don’t miss the next installment. Let’s navigate this shift together.

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