3 Mar 2025 · 6 min
Jim Carter explains how companies waste millions on AI without the right strategy. He calls it the Super Agency Advantage: the gap between organizations that upskill their teams and those that don't, which leads to security risks and lost productivity.
Hey there. Welcome back to the prompt. I'm your host, Jim Carter. Today, let's dive into a concept that's not just changing the way we work, it's completely reshaping it. It's called the Super Agency Advantage. It's an idea that all started with Reid Hoffman, co founder of LinkedIn. The super agency advantage basically views AI as a partner and force multiplier, amplifying human creativity, productivity and overall impact. Not in some distant sci fi future, but right now. And here's the hard truth. The businesses and individuals who embrace AI today are going to be the ones leading the future. Let's break down some facts to support this idea. AI is likely to automate up to 70% of non value added tasks, unlocking trillions of dollars in productivity gains. 75% of business leaders expect AI to bring major workforce shifts, from reskilling existing employees to hiring for brand new roles that don't even exist yet. Companies that get ahead of this could see a 40% boost in productivity and up to 10% growth in revenue. But despite all this potential, there's a massive gap between belief and action. While businesses agree that AI is essential, most don't feel ready to implement it. And by the end of 2025, half of all workers will need reskilling to stay competitive in an AI driven economy. Half? That's not a small adjustment. It's a seismic shift in how we approach work. Now here's where things get even more interesting. Employees are already ahead of leadership when it comes to AI adoption, leaders tend to underestimate how many employees are using AI in their daily work. But when you talk to employees, they'll tell you AI is already transforming how they work. And fast. Over 70% believe that within just two years, AI will reshape at least 30% of their tasks. The problem is, many companies aren't offering structured training or guidance, leaving employees to figure it out on their own. And that creates a familiar cycle. Employees want to grow. They look for tools to make their jobs more efficient. But leadership is slow to acknowledge the shift. So workers take matters into their own hands. Many managers are shocked to find that their teams are quietly using AI tools, automating tasks they don't want to do anymore, brainstorming new ideas, and streamlining their workflow, all without any formal company support. So what's happening here? Is it fear? Is it that leaders don't have time to keep up? Or is it a lingering hesitation around AI replacing jobs? Whatever the reason, the reality is that employees are already adapting. While leadership is struggling to catch up. And if companies don't bridge that gap, they risk creating a workforce that's not only disconnected, but also vulnerable to burnout, security risks, and missed opportunities. This is why leadership needs to get ahead of the curve. And in my mind, it all starts with a conversation. Ask employees how they're using AI. Provide training so they can use it responsibly and effectively. And develop clear policies so that AI integration benefits everyone, not just a select few who figured it out on their own. Now, let's talk about money, because companies are pouring billions into AI and struggling to see results. Stick with me here, because this all ties together. Generative AI is seeing massive investment, but the ROI not so clear. A lot of companies are increasing their AI budgets, yet it still takes most organizations over a year to move from pilot projects to to full implementation. And here's the wild part. Most companies don't even have a solid way to measure the success of their AI investments. On top of that, businesses are wasting, on average, $19 million a year on underutilized AI infrastructure. 19 million. That's a lot of money being burned on AI projects that stall due to talent shortages, outdated systems, and unclear objectives. Companies are eager to integrate AI, but are running into major roadblocks. No clear goals, technical hurdles, and not enough skilled people to drive these projects forward. So what's the fix? Smart businesses are focusing on proven, high ROI use cases. They're resolving their technical debt instead of chasing flashy AI tools. And they're making upskilling a priority by rotating employees through AI projects so their workforce actually understands how to use the technology. Right now, companies are racing to adopt AI out of fear of missing out. But the ones that will win, they're moving away from reckless spending and focusing on precise execution. And that, my friends, is the super agency advantage. That brings us to the question, is leadership really ready for AI? A lot of executives assume the challenge is getting employees on board with AI. But the truth is, most employees are already there. 94% of employees are using AI in some way, yet the majority of organizations don't have clear policies to support them. The result? Employees are left to navigate AI on their own, often losing hours each week, troubleshooting instead of working efficiently. And when AI is being used without company oversight, security risks start stacking up. A third of AI usage right now is happening through unauthorized tools. Meanwhile, employees are growing increasingly frustrated and worry that leadership's inaction on AI will stall their career growth. So what needs to happen? Well, one thing is clear. Leadership has to set the tone when executives actively use AI like Adobe's leadership team did to cut down on meeting prep time. AI adoption spreads naturally across the company. But it's not just about using AI for the sake of it. The companies that tie AI initiatives to real business goals see adoption accelerate by 67% and AI mature organizations. They're dedicating the majority of their AI budgets to upskilling, not just chasing the latest tech trend. The bottom line is this AI is not just another business tool, it's a fundamental shift in how we work. Companies that align their leadership, invest in smart AI strategies and support their workforce through training and clear policies are the ones that will thrive. Those who wait, they risk falling behind fast. If this episode got you thinking about how your team is using AI, I'd love to continue the conversation. Join my slack community@fast foundations.com Slack thanks for tuning in. I'll catch you in the next episode. SA.
