Tools & Platforms

Why your boss (but not you) should be replaced by an AI

Published

21 hours ago

September 10, 2025

Elon Musk is rarely out of the news these days. Widely acknowledged to be the world’s richest man, he’s also known for running a number of major companies.

The trouble is, some of those companies haven’t been doing so well lately.

Twitter (now known as X) is said to have lost around 75 per cent of its value during Musk’s time as CEO.

Meanwhile, sales of Teslas, the electric cars made by another company Musk is currently CEO of, are said to be slumping despite a wider increase in registrations of electric vehicles generally.

One of Tesla’s major investors has publicly called for Musk to step down as CEO and there have been rumours (denied by the company) that the board might be seeking to replace him. But if someone else were to take his place, who’s to say they’d do any better?

Maybe Musk is doing the best any human could under the circumstances. Maybe, given the demands of the job, a human just isn’t enough. But could an artificial intelligence (AI) be up to the task?

In an attempt to answer this question, I asked a large-language model (LLM) AI directly, giving it this prompt:

“You are the CEO of an electric vehicle firm with a turnover of $100 billion, selling nearly 2 million cars a year and with over 100,000 employees. What would be your strategy for growing the business over the next five years?”

The AI replied, almost instantly, with a 350-word answer beginning: “…I’d implement a five-year growth strategy focused on scaling intelligently, deepening ecosystem control and pioneering innovation – all while navigating geopolitical, environmental and technological shifts…”

It then proceeded to outline what it called “a strategic blueprint across six core pillars”, with the focus being to sell more cars into unpenetrated markets.

I know next to nothing about running a car company (I’m a robotics professor at a UK university), but the strategy looked plausible, scaled to the outlook and size of a multinational company, and attuned to global opportunities.

I would say that I was impressed, except that I’m used to LLMs providing these kinds of well-informed answers to challenging questions.

But as well as being a robotics professor, I’m also a co-founder of two UK robotics startups, though I’ve never been a CEO.

Given this background, I tried the AI again, this time with the prompt:

“You are the CEO of a small startup robotics company with enough budget to cover running costs for 12 months. You need to choose between either investing in research and development or pushing hard to gain sales with your current product. Which should it be?”

Once again, the AI gave me a rapid and reasoned response: “As the CEO of a small startup robotics company with only 12 months of runway, you must prioritise customer validation and sales traction with your product, rather than diverting heavily into research and development. Here’s the reasoning and how to execute the right strategy…”

I’m in a (slightly) better position to assess this advice and can say that I found it credible, both in terms of what needed to be done and how to execute.

So, going back to the big question: could an AI actually do a CEO’s job? Or, to look at this another way, what kind of intelligence, artificial or otherwise, do you need to be a great CEO?

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Intangible skills

In 2023, the international management consultancy McKinsey published an article on what makes a successful CEO. The CEO’s main task, as McKinsey sees it, is to develop the company’s strategy and then ensure that its resources are suitably deployed to execute that strategy.

It’s a tough job and many human CEOs fail. McKinsey reported that only three out of five new CEOs met company expectations during their first 18 months in the role.

We’ve already seen that AIs can be strategic and, given the right information, can formulate and articulate a business plan, so they might be able to perform this key aspect of the CEO’s role. But what about the other skills a good corporate leader should have?

Creativity and social intelligence tend to be the traits that people assume will ensure humans keep these top jobs.

People skills are also identified by McKinsey as important for CEOs, as well as the ability to see new business opportunities that others might miss – kind of creative insight AIs currently lack, not least because they get most of their training data second-hand from us.

Many companies are already using AI as a tool for strategy development and execution, but you need to drive that process with the right questions and critically assess the results. For this, it still helps to have direct, real-world experience.

Calculated risk

Another way of looking at the CEO replacement question is not what makes a good CEO, but what makes a bad one?

Because if AI could just be better than some of the bad CEOs (remember, two out of five don’t meet expectations), then AI might be what’s needed for the many companies labouring under poor leadership.

Sometimes the traits that help people become corporate leaders may actually make it harder for them to be a good CEO: narcissism, for example.

People skills, as well as the ability to assess situations and think strategically, are sought-after traits in a CEO – Photo credit: Getty Images

This kind of strong self-belief might help you progress your career, but when you get to CEO, you need a broader perspective so you can think about what’s good for the company as a whole.

A growing scientific literature also suggests that those who rise to the top of the corporate ladder may be more likely to have psychopathic tendencies (some believe that the global financial crisis of 2007 was triggered, in part, by psychopathic risk-taking and bad corporate behaviour).

In this context AI leadership has the potential to be a safer option with a more measured approach to risk.

Other studies have looked at bias in company leadership. An AI could be less biased, for instance, hiring new board members based on their track record and skills, and without prejudging people based on gender or ethnic bias.

We should, however, be wary that the practice of training AIs on human data means that they can inherit our biases too.

A good CEO is also a generalist; they need to be flexible and quick to analyse problems and situations.

In my book, The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence, I’ve argued that although AI has surpassed humans in some specialised domains, more fundamental progress is needed before AI could be said to have the same kind of flexible, general intelligence as a person.

In other words, we may have some of the components needed to build our AI CEO, but putting the parts together is a not-to-be-underestimated challenge.

Funnily enough, human CEOs, on the whole, are big AI enthusiasts.

A 2025 CEO survey by consultancy firm PwC found that “more than half (56 per cent) tell us that generative AI [the kind that appeared in 2022 and can process and respond to requests made with conversational language] has resulted in efficiencies in how employees use their time, while around one-third report increased revenue (32 per cent) and profitability (34 per cent).”

So CEOs seem keen to embrace AI, but perhaps less so when it comes to the boardroom – according to a PwC report from 2018, out of nine job categories, “senior officials and managers” were deemed to be the least likely to be automated.

Returning to Elon Musk, his job as the boss of Tesla seems pretty safe for now. But for anyone thinking about who’ll succeed him as CEO, you could be forgiven for wondering if it might be an AI rather than one of his human boardroom colleagues.

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Tools & Platforms

Unlocking the potential of low consumption AI technologies

Published

15 minutes ago

September 11, 2025

Lorenzo Totaro

Artificial intelligence has sparked widespread concern surrounding not only its impact on jobs, but also its voracious appetite for electricity and ultimately its own environmental toll.

Industry leaders speaking at Gastech 2025 in Milan during a panel session titled ‘From investment to impact: Unlocking the potential of low consumption AI technologies to accelerate energy transition goals’ agreed that developing and deploying low-energy, high-impact AI solutions is essential to capitalise on this transformative technology while making the best use of its potential to aid in decarbonisation.

“AI is energy-hungry and it needs to be fueled heavily, and so there’s this growing demand for energy to fuel that,” said Uwa Airhiavbere, Chief Commercial Officer for Worldwide Energy & Resources at Microsoft.
Ultimately, by prioritising innovation that minimises energy consumption without compromising impact, stakeholders can ensure artificial intelligence delivers on its decarbonisation promise.

Airhiavbere stated that the true test of AI’s potential will not be just its intelligence, but its efficiency, also in terms of power consumption. Microsoft is tech provider as well as a significant energy consumer – he explained- and as such it is aiming to run all data centers in 24 countries on 100% renewable energy by year-end. It has also signed partnerships for nuclear energy and fusion energy to contain its impact on the environment. Forecast models are also part of the strategy.

“AI is energy-hungry and it needs to be fueled heavily, and so there’s this growing demand for energy to fuel that.”

– Uwa Airhiavbere, CCO – World Wide Energy & Resources, Microsoft

“We also have an inclusive, 24/7 carbon free matching, where we leverage our AI tools to match renewable energy hour by hour, to make sure that we’re not waiting to offset that energy use at the end of the year,” Airhiavbere said.

While artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionise industries and could add an estimated $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030 according to McKinsey, realising that promise depends entirely on sustainably meeting the substantial power demands of its data centers. This puts immense pressure on global energy providers who are already navigating a complex transition.

Long-term sustainable

From the perspective of energy management, the integration of AI is a delicate balancing act, explained Henri Domenach, Global Head of Energy Management at ENGIE.

“Ai is a great opportunity; we need to turn it in a long-term sustainable technology” with a more efficient management of the power needs. Domenach stressed that the integration of AI will itself help optimise the production and reduce carbon footprints. He cited improvements in renewable energy forecasting, crucial for grid stabilisation and value improvement, and a recent commissioning of a 100 MWh battery in Belgium.

Parisa Bardouni, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Aker Solutions, said, “There is a lot to gain from collaborations and alliances among technological and energy companies as well as with customers and consumers” to find the best ways to address the AI’s power hunger.

Convergence strategy

“You need to have gas, you need to have nuclear, you need to have renewable — you cannot rely on one specific feedstock because you need to have a resilient grid to power the AI,” said Manoj Narender Madnani, Managing Director for International at MARA.

The convergence of AI and energy management, therefore, presents a clear opportunity to activate transformative solutions. These advancements could serve as a powerful catalyst for a cleaner, more streamlined energy future, driven by innovation in both hardware and software.

Increasingly, “there is a fine line between top tech companies and top energy companies,” Madanani added, saying that he would not be surprised to see some of the former become also energy businesses to better manage the artificial intelligence’s power needs.

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Tools & Platforms

Unisound AI Technology (SEHK:9678): Does the Current Valuation Reflect Future Growth Potential?

Published

39 minutes ago

September 11, 2025

Simply Wall St

Unisound AI Technology (SEHK:9678) caught the attention of investors this week with a move in its share price, prompting debate about what might be driving momentum, or if it signals fresh risks or opportunity for the company. While there hasn’t been a clear event or announcement to point to, these kinds of movements often act as a spark for investors to take a closer look at what’s happening under the hood, especially when it comes to future prospects versus the current price tag.

Stepping back, Unisound AI Technology’s performance over the year has painted a mixed picture. After gaining nearly 99% year-to-date, the stock has seen a more subdued run lately, with a modest uptick over the past day but declines across the month and week. For a company with ambitions in AI technology, such swings are a reminder that investors are constantly fine-tuning their expectations, whether that’s in response to sector enthusiasm, competitive concerns, or changes in risk appetite.

So is the recent slip a sign that the shares are set up for a rebound, or are markets wisely factoring in the next chapter of growth already? Let’s dig into the valuation to see what the numbers tell us.

Price-to-Sales of 22.3x: Is it justified?

Unisound AI Technology currently trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 22.3, making it appear significantly more expensive than both the Hong Kong Software industry average (2.8x) and its closest peers (6.3x).

The price-to-sales ratio compares a company’s market value to its revenue, serving as a key measure for businesses that are not yet profitable. For technology and software firms, investors often use P/S when earnings are negative or volatile, as it provides a way to assess how much the market is willing to pay for each unit of sales.

A P/S ratio this elevated suggests investors are pricing in substantial growth or market dominance in the future. However, such a premium also signals heightened expectations. Unisound must deliver meaningful revenue acceleration to justify this multiple, especially given its current unprofitability.

Result: Fair Value of $589.00 (OVERVALUED)

See our latest analysis for Unisound AI Technology.

However, weak revenue growth and sustained losses remain key risks. These factors could undermine the high valuation and dampen near-term investor confidence.

Find out about the key risks to this Unisound AI Technology narrative.

Another View: What Does Our DCF Model Say?

Taking a different approach, our SWS DCF model also sizes up Unisound AI Technology but finds no reason to challenge the lofty price. It flags the stock as overvalued based on future cash flows. Could this reinforce market caution, or is there still something the market sees that is missed in the numbers?

Look into how the SWS DCF model arrives at its fair value.

9678 Discounted Cash Flow as at Sep 2025

Stay updated when valuation signals shift by adding Unisound AI Technology to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our screener to discover other companies that fit your criteria.

Build Your Own Unisound AI Technology Narrative

If you have a different perspective or want to dig into the numbers yourself, you can easily craft your own assessment in just a few minutes. Do it your way.

A great starting point for your Unisound AI Technology research is our analysis highlighting 1 key reward and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Tools & Platforms

Rochester Cloud Connect Summit to Feature Nationally-Recognized AI, Cyber Experts

Published

1 hour ago

September 11, 2025

FirstLight Fiber

FirstLight Announces High-Impact Cloud Connect Summit in Rochester, Showcasing Leaders in Cybersecurity, AI, and Cloud Innovation

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FirstLight, a leading provider of digital infrastructure services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, is bringing its highly anticipated Cloud Connect Summit to Rochester, NY. The event will take place October 2nd at the historic George Eastman Museum, gathering technology leaders and innovators for an afternoon of forward-looking insights, powerful discussions, and high-level networking.

FirstLight is a sponsor of the Rochester Cloud Connect Summit taking place Oct. 2nd at the George Eastman Museum.

Known as one of the premier IT events in the region, Cloud Connect Summit brings together top minds in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to explore the trends and technologies reshaping today’s digital landscape. FirstLight is proud to serve as title sponsor, with additional sponsorship from industry leaders Veeam and Ciena.

The speaker lineup features an impressive roster of thought leaders and innovators:

Colonel Craig E. Frank, Director of S-6 (Communications) at Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base — leading a team of 85 specialists in cybersecurity, digital engineering, and technology strategy.
Matthew Wright, PhD, Kevin O’Sullivan Endowed Professor and Chair of Cybersecurity at Rochester Institute of Technology — a globally recognized researcher with over 100 peer-reviewed publications on cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and networks.
Rick Vanover, Senior Director of Product Strategy at Veeam — presenting the latest insights from a sweeping survey of 1,000 companies on ransomware resilience and defense strategies.
Erich Kron, cybersecurity speaker, author, and KnowBe4 expert — a seasoned security leader with decades of experience across information security, project management, and senior leadership roles.

The day’s program will include dynamic presentations, interactive discussions, and actionable takeaways, capped off with cocktails and networking among peers and industry experts.

“This is more than an event – it’s a forum for sparking ideas, sharing strategies, and connecting with the people shaping the future of AI and Cybersecurity,” said Lorenzo Leuzzi, Chief Revenue Officer at FirstLight.

Registration is now open at www.cloudconnectsummit.com. For a limited time, attendees can waive the registration fee with code “FirstLight.”

About FirstLight Fiber, Inc.

FirstLight, headquartered in Albany, New York, provides fiber-optic data, Internet, data center, cloud, unified communications, and managed services to enterprise and carrier customers throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic with more than 125,000 locations serviceable by our more than 25,000-route mile network. FirstLight offers a robust suite of advanced telecommunications products featuring a comprehensive portfolio of high bandwidth connectivity solutions including Ethernet, wavelength and dark fiber services as well as dedicated Internet access solutions, data center, cloud and voice services. FirstLight’s clientele includes national cellular providers and wireline carriers and many leading enterprises, spanning high tech manufacturing and research, hospitals and healthcare, banking and financial, secondary education, colleges and universities, and local and state governments.

To learn more about FirstLight, visit www.firstlight.net, or follow the company on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contact:
John Romagnoli
[email protected]

SOURCE FirstLight Fiber

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