The future is arriving faster than most people realise.
At BizX 2026, hosted by ActionCOACH UK, Mo Gawdat delivered one of the most thought provoking sessions of the event.
For UK business owners, his message was both exciting and challenging. Artificial intelligence is no longer something arriving in the future. It is already reshaping how businesses operate, make decisions, and compete.
The businesses that succeed over the next few years will not necessarily be the largest. They will be the ones that adapt the fastest while staying grounded in human values.
AI Is Already Changing Business
Much of the public conversation around AI focuses on dramatic headlines, deep fakes, or futuristic fears.
Mo Gawdat challenged this perspective directly. The real transformation is already happening quietly inside businesses.
AI is no longer limited to generating text or answering simple questions. It is increasingly handling sophisticated real world tasks.
He shared examples of AI agents managing complex logistics and even negotiating contracts with suppliers. These are tasks that previously required significant human involvement and time.
For UK business owners, this signals a major shift.
AI is moving from being a support tool to becoming an active operational partner.
The Rise of AI Agents
One of the most important concepts discussed was the rise of AI agents.
Unlike standard AI tools that respond to prompts, AI agents can complete tasks independently on behalf of users.
This could include:
- Researching suppliers
- Managing schedules
- Comparing options
- Drafting contracts
- Analysing customer data
- Handling repetitive administrative tasks
For UK SMEs, this creates huge opportunities for efficiency and productivity.
Businesses that adopt AI agents early may gain a significant competitive advantage by reducing manual workload and freeing teams to focus on higher value work.
Self Developing AI and Why It Matters
A major development highlighted by Gawdat is self developing AI.
This refers to systems that can improve their own code and performance without direct human programming.
While this may sound technical, the business implication is straightforward. AI systems are improving at an accelerating pace.
For UK business owners, this means change will happen faster than many expect.
The tools available today will likely look very different within a short period of time. Businesses that remain static risk falling behind.
The Importance of Speed and Adaptability
One of the strongest themes from Gawdat’s session was the need for speed.
He compared the modern business environment to squash. Success comes from reacting quickly, staying alert, and adapting continuously rather than trying to predict every long term outcome.
This is a major mindset shift for many organisations.
Traditional business planning often focuses heavily on long term certainty. But in fast changing markets, flexibility becomes more valuable than rigid forecasting.
For UK business owners, this means:
- Experimenting with new tools quickly
- Staying informed about developments in AI
- Being willing to test and adapt processes
- Encouraging teams to learn continuously
The goal is not to have every answer immediately. The goal is to remain agile enough to respond effectively.
Why Human Skills Matter More Than Ever
Despite his optimism about technology, Gawdat repeatedly returned to the importance of humanity.
AI reflects the people who shape and guide it.
He used the analogy of Superman. Power itself is not inherently good or bad. The outcome depends on values, ethics, and intent.
For UK businesses, this creates both responsibility and opportunity.
As automation increases, human qualities become even more valuable:
- Emotional intelligence
- Creativity
- Ethical judgement
- Communication
- Relationship building
Technology can improve efficiency, but trust and connection still come from people.
Vigilance Over Paranoia
A balanced approach to AI was another key takeaway.
Gawdat encouraged business owners to remain vigilant rather than paranoid.
Fear driven thinking can slow progress and prevent innovation. Blind optimism can create risk.
The most effective approach is informed awareness.
This means understanding both the opportunities and the limitations of AI while remaining thoughtful about how it is implemented.
For UK leaders, this includes considering:
- Data privacy and security
- Ethical use of AI tools
- Transparency with customers and employees
- The impact on team roles and culture
Curating Better Information
Another practical insight was the importance of information quality.
Gawdat warned against relying too heavily on fast moving social media feeds, which he described as “white water”. Constant noise and short form content often reduce focus and depth of understanding.
Instead, he encouraged people to learn from “lakes” of information. Long form content, in depth conversations, books, podcasts, and educational material that allow for deeper thinking.
For UK business owners, this is especially important when trying to understand AI.
The businesses that make the best decisions will often be those that take time to learn properly rather than reacting only to headlines.
Using Multiple AI Models for Better Decision Making
A particularly practical recommendation was to avoid relying on a single AI system for important decisions or information.
Instead, Gawdat suggested using multiple models to compare perspectives and verify facts.
Examples mentioned included:
- Claude
- Gemini
- DeepSeek
For business owners, this approach can improve accuracy and reduce bias when researching, analysing, or generating ideas.
AI and the Future of Work in the UK
For many UK business owners, the rise of AI creates understandable questions around jobs, productivity, and competition.
The reality is likely to be a blend of automation and human expertise.
Routine and repetitive tasks will increasingly be handled by AI systems. At the same time, businesses will need people who can think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy.
This means the role of leadership becomes even more important.
Leaders will need to guide teams through change while maintaining trust, culture, and direction.
What This Means for UK Business Owners
The message from Mo Gawdat is ultimately one of preparation and adaptability.
To remain competitive, UK businesses should:
- Begin experimenting with AI tools and agents now
- Encourage continuous learning within teams
- Focus on adaptability rather than rigid long term certainty
- Strengthen human skills such as communication and emotional intelligence
- Stay informed through high quality, long form learning
- Approach AI with both curiosity and responsibility
Final Thought
Artificial intelligence will reshape business over the coming years, but technology alone will not determine success.
The businesses that thrive will be those that combine innovation with humanity, speed with wisdom, and efficiency with ethics.
Mo Gawdat’s message is clear. The future is arriving faster than most people realise.
For UK business owners, the opportunity is not to fear change, but to engage with it thoughtfully, learn continuously, and lead with intention.
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