Recap: Taking Action on AI for 2025 with Serge van Dam

We were thrilled to have tech entrepreneur Serge van Dam on board at Business Canterbury for our Taking Action on AI in 2025 event this week. Serge, who emphasized the urgency for businesses to embrace AI highlighted AI’s transformative power, compared its impact to the invention of the wheel, and stressed that companies delaying adoption risk becoming obsolete. 

Attendees left with practical steps to start their AI journey, including dedicating time to AI exploration, supporting early adopters within their teams, and embedding AI into daily operations. The session reinforced that AI is not just a trend but a fundamental shift that businesses must navigate to stay competitive. There was a special offer for attendees on our Business Canterbury AI Resource Bundle and useful downloads to help you get started. 

For those who missed it, here are

5 of the  key takeaways from Taking Action on AI in 2025:

1. 2025 is the Year to Act on AI

• AI adoption is no longer optional—businesses that fail to integrate AI risk falling behind.
• Cost-effective AI tools are readily available, and competition is increasing.
  
  

2. AI is a Business Superpower

• AI can function as a superpower (enhancing capabilities), many interns (automating tasks), or a collaborator (working alongside humans).
• It improves efficiency at multiple levels—company-wide, product development, and personal productivity.
  
  

3. Practical Steps to Get Started

• Dedicate time weekly to explore AI tools.
• Support "Exceptional Tinkerers" who can champion AI within the company.
• Embed AI into company culture, norms, and strategic planning.
  
  

4. Overcoming Barriers & Ethical Considerations

• Resistance often comes from fear or lack of understanding—education and experimentation are key.
• Ethical concerns (bias, transparency, accountability) must be addressed for responsible AI use.
  
  

5. AI is a Tool—Use it Strategically

• AI can optimise strategy, product development, marketing, operations, and risk management.
• Using structured prompts (the Five S’s: Set, Specific, Simplify, Structure, Share) improves AI effectiveness.
  
  

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