Intelligence No Longer an Edge
The landscape of business competition is undergoing a significant shift, with artificial intelligence moving from a niche advantage to a broadly available
tool. Rohan Murthy, founder of Workfabric AI, posits that relying solely on intellectual prowess to outmaneuver rivals is becoming obsolete. As AI systems become more sophisticated and accessible to all companies, the basis of competition will inevitably evolve. Historically, companies vied for dominance by recruiting exceptionally talented individuals, a strategy Murthy suggests is no longer sufficient. He shared these insights during a conversation at the Nasscom Summit, highlighting that the commonality of AI tools necessitates a move beyond simple intelligence as a primary differentiator. The focus must now be on how organizations implement and utilize these technologies, rather than their inherent availability.
The AI Twin Experiment
To illustrate the practical application and potential pitfalls of AI, Murthy shared his personal experience with an 'AI twin' he developed. This sophisticated AI agent was designed to handle a range of his routine professional duties, including managing his schedule, processing incoming emails, and meticulously taking notes during meetings. This personal AI assistant offered a unique perspective when prompted about company improvements, controversially suggesting the termination of its 'boss.' This anecdote underscores a crucial point: AI, while powerful, requires precise context to make sound decisions. Murthy also revealed that his engineering team has created similar AI twins for themselves, reporting a noticeable enhancement in their collective productivity. He observed that current AI adoption is often siloed within specific departments, indicating that many enterprises are yet to fully harness the capabilities of AI agents.
Harnessing Agentic AI
The true acceleration in the adoption of agentic AI, Murthy asserts, will be catalyzed by the comprehensive integration of an organization's internal data. He emphasized that proprietary intellectual property (IP) belonging to a company should be safeguarded and strategically leveraged from within its own confines. This data, he explained, is the key because the underlying intelligence of AI is becoming increasingly democratized. By keeping internal data secure and accessible to the AI, companies can build specialized, context-aware AI agents that offer unique advantages. This approach moves beyond generic AI solutions and allows businesses to unlock proprietary insights and efficiencies, making their AI implementations a distinct competitive asset rather than a commodity.
