Imagine an AI system that could not only assist with routine tasks but also make strategic decisions, transforming industries overnight. This is the promise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), a technology poised to reshape the business landscape. Unlike today’s AI systems, which excel at specific tasks like language translation or image recognition, AGI aspires to perform any intellectual task a human can do. Think of AGI as a machine with the ability to reason, learn, and adapt across a wide range of problems, rather than being confined to a single skill set.

AGI is often seen as the “holy grail” of artificial intelligence—a system capable of understanding, reasoning, and decision-making with the flexibility of a human mind. While the journey toward AGI began with basic machine learning and narrow AI applications, researchers now envision a future where machines can learn new tasks without explicit programming, solve complex problems autonomously, and collaborate seamlessly with humans.

How is AGI Different from Current AI?

Today’s AI systems, often called “narrow AI,” are highly effective but limited. For instance, a chatbot like ChatGPT can answer questions and generate text, but it cannot diagnose diseases or manage complex project planning. AGI, on the other hand, would integrate a broad spectrum of cognitive abilities into one system, enabling it to tackle entirely different tasks with little or no retraining. This versatility is what makes AGI a revolutionary concept.

Consider an example: Narrow AI might power an e-commerce recommendation engine that suggests products to customers. AGI, by contrast, could analyze trends, predict inventory needs, and create personalized marketing campaigns—all while adapting to real-time shifts in consumer behavior. Similarly, in the healthcare sector, AGI could provide predictive diagnostics, tailoring treatment plans for patients based on genetic data, medical history, and environmental factors.

Creating AGI, however, is a monumental challenge, requiring breakthroughs in data processing, cognitive modeling, and ethical safeguards. Predictions about AGI’s arrival vary widely. Some, like OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman, believe AGI could emerge as early as 2025, though skeptics cite the immense technical and ethical hurdles involved.

Why Should Evolving Businesses Care?

AGI has the potential to revolutionize how businesses operate, making it a game-changer for companies looking to scale or remain competitive.

For example:

• In healthcare, AGI could enable smaller practices to deliver personalized treatments by seamlessly integrating patient data, genetic insights, and the latest medical advancements. This could help level the playing field with larger institutions, allowing even rural clinics to offer world-class diagnostic services.
• In education, AGI could personalize learning plans for students by analyzing individual performance data and adapting teaching methods to their needs. This would empower small educational institutions to deliver high-quality, customized learning experiences that rival those of elite schools.
• In professional services, AGI could automate repetitive tasks such as document review or client onboarding, freeing up resources for strategic decision-making and personalized client interactions. Small accounting or consulting firms, for instance, could use AGI to analyze financial records, generate insights, and forecast trends with greater precision.
• In non-profit organizations, AGI could dramatically enhance impact by optimizing resource allocation, streamlining volunteer coordination, and automating routine tasks like donor outreach and grant management. For example, AGI could analyze community needs, predict trends, and recommend the most effective strategies for deploying aid. This level of operational efficiency and data-driven insight would enable non-profits to amplify their reach and focus more on their mission rather than administrative burdens.

For growing businesses and organizations of all sizes, AGI represents an opportunity to achieve more with fewer resources, improving efficiency and competitiveness in a rapidly changing marketplace. As noted in McKinsey’s Technology Trends Outlook 2024, advancements in AI are increasingly driving innovation and enabling companies to break barriers, leading to new efficiencies and expanded capabilities in enterprise applications. Understanding its potential now can help businesses prepare to harness its benefits as the technology matures.

A Practical Roadmap for SMBs: Preparing for AGI

Preparing for AGI doesn’t require jumping in headfirst. Instead, businesses can begin by adopting narrow AI tools, building a foundation for more advanced AI systems in the future. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap for growing companies to get started:

1. Identify Key Pain Points

Start by identifying specific challenges within your business. Are you struggling with repetitive administrative tasks, inefficient workflows, or slow decision-making processes? Narrow AI tools, such as automation platforms or analytics dashboards, can address these issues.

2. Adopt Narrow AI Solutions

Implement AI tools tailored to your business needs. For example:

• IT Support: Use AI-driven systems to monitor and resolve technical issues proactively.
• Customer Engagement: Deploy chatbots to handle routine inquiries, freeing up human staff for complex tasks.
• Data Management: Leverage analytics tools to uncover insights from customer or operational data.

An outsource IT partner can guide businesses through the implementation of these tools, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

3. Upskill Your Workforce

Ensure your team is prepared to work alongside AI systems by providing training and resources. An experienced technology partner can offer staffing solutions and training programs tailored to growing companies, helping teams stay ahead in an AI-driven world.

4. Optimize IT Infrastructure

Invest in scalable, cloud-based IT solutions to support future AI capabilities. A technology provider with expertise in platforms like Microsoft Power Platform can help businesses set up systems that grow alongside their needs.

5. Build a Long-Term AI Strategy

Collaborate with a technology consultant to develop a roadmap for integrating more advanced AI technologies. This includes identifying opportunities for AGI applications as they become viable.

Preparing for the AGI Era

While AGI may be years—or decades—away, evolving businesses can prepare by embracing today’s AI tools. Start experimenting with AI-powered solutions in your operations, stay informed about advancements, and consider how AGI might integrate with your existing systems in the future. By understanding its potential now, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the changes it will bring.

For companies just starting their AI journey, adopting narrow AI solutions can offer immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for future AGI integration. Automating repetitive tasks, leveraging data analytics, and upskilling teams to work alongside intelligent systems are excellent first steps.

AGI holds incredible promise, but it also raises important questions about ethics, security, and the role of humans in a world increasingly shaped by intelligent machines. It’s an exciting time to be in business as we stand on the edge of a potential revolution.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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The recent National Public Data (NPD) breach, which compromised the personal information of over a million individuals, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-growing need for strengthened cybersecurity measures. As organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms to store sensitive data, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Data breaches are no longer isolated incidents—they have become a significant, ongoing threat to businesses and their customers. With the rapid evolution of technology, companies must prioritize the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard their operations, protect consumer trust, and ensure long-term business continuity.

The NPD Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity

The NPD incident was a clear demonstration of how vulnerable even large, data-driven organizations can be to cyberattacks. Although the breach reportedly impacted 1.3 million individuals, some experts argue the actual scale of the compromise might be larger, considering the 2.9 billion records reportedly exposed on the dark web. This gap between the company’s official disclosure and the broader cybersecurity community’s findings highlights a recurring challenge: many organizations underestimate the extent of their vulnerabilities until it’s too late.

In the wake of such incidents, businesses must ask themselves: Are we doing enough to protect our digital assets? Data breaches like the NPD case underscore the importance of taking proactive measures to avoid devastating consequences, such as financial losses, damaged reputations, and loss of consumer trust.

Why Cybersecurity is Critical for Today’s Businesses

Businesses today operate in an increasingly complex digital landscape. From financial institutions to healthcare providers, nearly every industry depends on digital infrastructure to facilitate daily operations, communicate with clients, and store critical data. However, this reliance on technology comes with its own set of risks.

Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in systems. They target weak spots, from outdated software to poorly configured cloud platforms, and the consequences of these attacks can be catastrophic. According to the IBM and Ponemon Institute’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach increased to USD 4.88 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase over the previous year. Business disruption and the costs associated with post-breach responses, such as customer support and regulatory compliance, contributed to this significant rise. For small businesses, these figures could result in bankruptcy or closure. This is why cybersecurity has evolved from a technical concern to a strategic business priority.

The Long-Term Costs of Data Breaches

Beyond the immediate financial impact, the long-term effects of data breaches can be equally damaging. Businesses may face legal repercussions, including fines and lawsuits from customers whose data has been compromised. Additionally, regulatory bodies such as the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA), the state of Illinois’ Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) or the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) can impose strict penalties for non-compliance with data protection standards.

A breach can also severely damage a company’s reputation. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of data security, and a company’s failure to protect their information can lead to a loss of trust. When customers no longer feel secure doing business with a company, they take their business elsewhere, further eroding the company’s market share.

Moreover, data breaches disrupt operations. Recovery efforts often involve halting production, isolating systems, and launching extensive investigations. This downtime can significantly hinder a company’s ability to serve its customers, exacerbating the damage caused by the breach.

Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

To avoid the far-reaching consequences of a data breach, organizations need to adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies. The following measures can help businesses mitigate risks and strengthen their defenses:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessments
Businesses must regularly conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities within their digital infrastructure. These assessments should not only focus on internal systems but also include third-party vendors and partners who have access to company data. A well-rounded risk assessment allows businesses to prioritize cybersecurity investments and focus on areas that present the highest risk.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A simple yet effective security measure, multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems. This reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

3. Regular Software Updates and Patching
Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensuring that all systems are regularly updated and patched is critical to closing these gaps. Organizations should have a clear patch management process in place, with designated personnel responsible for monitoring and implementing updates.

4. Employee Training and Awareness
One of the most common ways cyberattacks occur is through human error. Phishing schemes and social engineering tactics exploit untrained employees to gain access to sensitive information. To combat this, businesses must invest in continuous cybersecurity training programs that educate employees on the latest threats and how to recognize them.

5. Data Encryption
Encrypting sensitive data ensures that, even if a breach occurs, the stolen information is unreadable to unauthorized users. Businesses should implement encryption protocols both for data at rest (stored data) and data in transit (information being sent between systems).

6. Incident Response Planning
Having a robust incident response plan in place can help businesses quickly address and mitigate the effects of a breach. An effective plan should include clear protocols for isolating compromised systems, notifying affected stakeholders, and conducting forensic analysis to determine the scope of the breach. Regular testing of the incident response plan ensures that all team members are familiar with their roles in the event of a breach.

The Role of Cloud Security

With the shift towards cloud computing, businesses are increasingly relying on cloud providers to store and manage their data. However, cloud environments present their own unique set of challenges. Data breaches in cloud infrastructures can occur due to misconfigurations, lack of encryption, or insecure APIs. Therefore, organizations must ensure they partner with reputable cloud providers who offer robust security measures, such as encryption, regular monitoring, and adherence to industry standards.

It’s also critical for businesses to maintain visibility and control over their cloud environments. Implementing cloud security tools, such as cloud access security brokers (CASBs), can help organizations monitor and enforce security policies across cloud services. These tools offer real-time visibility into user activities, identifying potential threats before they can escalate into full-blown breaches.

Learning from the NPD Breach: The Need for Transparency

One of the lessons businesses can learn from the NPD breach is the importance of transparency. In many cases, companies are hesitant to disclose breaches until they have a complete understanding of what happened. However, this approach can delay critical responses, such as notifying affected individuals or taking action to prevent further damage.

Transparency and timely reporting are not just ethical obligations—they are also critical components of crisis management. Customers need to be informed promptly if their data has been compromised so that they can take steps to protect themselves. Moreover, regulatory agencies often require timely disclosures, and failure to comply can result in additional penalties.

The Future of Cybersecurity: Evolving with the Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, which means businesses must remain vigilant and adaptive. Cybersecurity is not a one-time investment; it requires continuous updates, monitoring, and strategic planning. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) become more integrated into cybercriminals’ arsenals, businesses will need to leverage these same technologies to defend against sophisticated attacks.

By adopting a forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity, businesses can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, protecting both their operations and their customers. In today’s digital world, investing in cybersecurity is not just about avoiding breaches—it’s about building a resilient organization that can thrive in the face of adversity.

The NPD breach is a reminder that no organization, regardless of size or industry, is immune to cyberattacks. Strengthening cybersecurity requires a proactive, comprehensive approach that addresses both technological vulnerabilities and human factors. By implementing robust cybersecurity strategies, businesses can protect themselves from the ever-present threat of data breaches, safeguard their customers, and secure their future in the digital economy.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting GreatTechPros.com.

Here are a few video clips from the discussion:

• Business Partnerships, Relationships and Trust.
• Working with a Partner to help meet a Client Objectives.
• Contractors, Vendors and meeting client needs.
• Handling Partnership Challenges.
• Partner Expertise and Education.
• Post-Interview: Thoughts on the Value of Business Partnerships.

Connect with Traci: 

You can connect with Traci on Linkedin and by visiting Temple-IT.com. 

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting GreatTechPros.com.

Here are a few video clips from the discussion:

• Difference between Individual Contributor to Business Leader.
• Defining a Win as Individual Contributor vs Business Leader.
• Challenges when Moving into Tech Management.

You can connect with Jason on Linkedin, Facebook and Github. 

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• and more.

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Here’s the full interview:

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Useful Links:

• You can connect with Sean on Linkedin. 
• Regulatory Compliance in the United States. 

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I was recently featured in an article by the University of Illinois, Gies College of Business, highlighting what I learned as a student in the school’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program and while attending global immersions in Germany and Brazil with my fellow MBA students. Here’s an excerpt from the article titled “Blanchard Uses MBA Experience to Explore near-Shore Tech Options.” ^{1, 2, 3}

Gies College of Business MBA student Wylie Blanchard’s love of technology runs deep. The founder of Chicago-based Great Tech Pros grew up taking apart everything from toasters to his first word processor to see how they worked. His company advises clients primarily in the healthcare and insurance services industries how to design tech solutions that create value for their customers.

Blanchard said the iMBA experience has also taught him to think more globally about how to grow Great Tech Pros, founded in 2013.

Blanchard is exploring setting up near-shore database operations with fellow iMBA student Paul Taylor in his Jamaica home base. He turned to Taylor to create a solution that had a US-friendly time zone when Great Tech Pros couldn’t meet a client’s price point with a US-based solution.

The Gies iMBA program isn’t Blanchard’s first experience with online learning. He received a BS degree in business administration and management from Walden University. Blanchard said interacting with more marketing, strategy and finance decision makers is what prompted him to consider getting a master’s degree.

Visit the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business, website to read the full article that includes my quoted statements.

“Blanchard Uses MBA Experience to Explore Near-Shore Tech Options.” Gies College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 9 Oct. 2020, https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/news/2020/10/09/blanchard-uses-mba-experience-to-explore-near-shore-tech-options.

“Blanchard Uses MBA Experience to Explore Near-Shore Tech Options.” IMBA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 18 May 2021, https://onlinemba.illinois.edu/blanchard-uses-mba-experience-to-explore-near-shore-tech-options/.

“Blanchard Uses MBA Experience To Explore Near-Shore Tech Options.” Poets&Quants. 24 Feb. 2021, https://poetsandquants.com/2021/02/04/blanchard-uses-mba-experience-to-explore-near-shore-tech-options/

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Here’s the full interview:

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Here are a few video clips from the discussion:

• What does Smart Technology Roadmapping Mean?
• Smart Technology Automation.
• Journey to a Career in Cannabis Technology
• How has the Product Road Map changed and evolved?
• What’s on your current Road Map?
• What’s changed from Individual Contributor to Company Leader?
• How are you addressing current customer pain points and challenges?
• Current State of the Cannabis Industry.

Useful Links:

• You can connect with Eric on Linkedin.
• Cannabis industry history in the United States.

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting  GreatTechPros.com.

Here are some short video clips of topics discussed:

• What has changed in Business Analytics?
• What is your approach to creating data visualizations?
• Free/Low cost data visualization tools for small businesses.
• What type of data visualization recommendations do you offer to larger businesses that do not have tool/platform preferences?
• What were you doing with CDC?
• What drove you to Analytics & Data Visualization as a Career?

Useful Links:

• You can connect with Teneika on her website, Twitter and Linkedin.
• Tools include PowerQuery, PowerBI, Tableau, Google Data Studio and SAP Tools.
• Though it is important to implement a new platform/solution, it is equally as important to inform and educate end-users on how to utilize the new platform or solution.
• Every career/job has a data component – Do make an effort to learn how to utilize data as a skill. Doing so will enhance your skill-set and help you enhance your career.
• College students should look into scholarship, internship and other opportunities offered by their university like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and INROADS internships.
• For those who are new to data visualizations, start with Microsoft Excel, work to graduate from a beginner Excel user to an advanced Excel user, then learn Microsoft Power BI and Tableau.
• Microsoft currently offers free Power BI training, Tableau Prep & Tableau Desktop are not free unless you are a student, freeCodeCamp and SimpliLearn.

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In this discussion, we explored the challenges that prevent people from obtaining the career success that they’re working toward, the obstacles that are in place that lock people out of the sales cycle when working to close deals with their high-profile clients and what people and organizations can do to shatter through the glass ceiling so that they can find the career success that they are working toward.

Here’s the discussion.

Here’s the pre-event message that I created leading up to the event.

Useful Links:

• You can find more events from Lotus Bucker on her website, Twitter and Linkedin.
• During the talk, I advised that people should read Shattering the Glass Ceiling: How to Break Through Without Breaking Down by Gia Suggs and Hayward Suggs.

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Here’s the full interview:

Get the bonus Q&A with the audience by visiting GreatTechPros.com.

Here are some short video clips of topics discussed:

• What does Tectonic Speed of Government mean?
• How do you interact with the local college (University of Illinois)?
• How to get role working in Technology and Government?
• Journey to a Career in Technology & Government.
• Sales Cycle & Technology.
• Skills & Experience we look for in New Employees.
• Training & Education for Technology Generalists.

Useful Links

• You can connect with Sanford on his website and Linkedin. 
• The Tectonic Speed of Government is the website where Sanford shares his thoughts on Government, IT, Change, Government IT Change … and Movies.
• Sanford recommends that aspiring technology professional consider Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

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• and more.

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