Agentic AI: innovation or hubris? Part 2

Intro

In Part 1, we saw Agentic AI’s dazzling wins and face-palm fails. Now, let’s explore its human side: Will it redefine work, outsmart regulators, or even become your boss? Buckle up—the future’s stranger than sci-fi.

AI won’t replace you— but the intern using AI might.

Core areas to watch

1. 1

   Survey: 40% of retail workers fear job loss from AI

   SourceChain Store Age

   Executive summary A recent survey conducted by Chain Store Age found that 40% of retail workers are concerned about losing their jobs due to the rise of AI technologies. While some workers believe AI could lead to new roles in the retail sector, others fear that their positions may be replaced by automation. The survey highlights the growing uncertainty among retail employees as they navigate the increasing integration of AI in their industry.

   Key takeaways

   • Younger retail workers (ages 18–34) are more optimistic about AI's potential to create new job opportunities, with 70% expressing this view. In contrast, only 50% of workers aged 35 and older share this optimism.
   • 35% of retail workers anticipate that AI will replace some or all of their current positions, highlighting concerns about job security as automation becomes more prevalent in the industry.

2. 2

   AI Watch: Global regulatory tracker - United States

   SourceWhite & Case

   Executive summary In early 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order aiming to enhance America's global AI dominance by rescinding prior policies from the Biden administration. While Congress has introduced various AI-related bills, most advocate for voluntary guidelines and best practices, reflecting a cautious approach to regulation. Consequently, developers and deployers of AI systems in the U.S. navigate an increasingly complex landscape of state and local laws, highlighting the challenges of ensuring compliance amidst a fragmented regulatory environment.

   Key takeaways

   • Several U.S. states have enacted or proposed laws to regulate automated decision-making by AI systems. For instance, Colorado's AI Act, effective February 1, 2026, is the first comprehensive AI legislation in the U.S., applying to both private and government entities involved with high-risk AI systems.
   • Currently, there is no comprehensive federal legislation or regulations in the U.S. that specifically regulate the development of AI or prohibit or restrict their use.

3. 3

   Future of AI in Financial Services 2030 - A Thought Experiment

   SourceAdvisorpedia

   Executive summary The future of AI is transformative. One in which AI fundamentally reshapes financial services by 2030. This article introduces the concept of a "Living Financial Nervous System," where interconnected AI systems dynamically segment clients into evolving "financial tribes" based on real-time behavioral and market data. This ecosystem enables the creation of personalized financial strategies and products, enhancing client engagement and decision-making. Furthermore, the emergence of "Cognitive Financial Agents"—autonomous AI entities capable of negotiating complex financial agreements and adapting strategies in real-time—ushers in an "Agentic Economy." In this new paradigm, AI agents act as independent economic participants, collaborating and competing to optimize outcomes for their principals, thereby transforming traditional banking models into more fluid, agent-driven financial ecosystems.

   Key takeaways

   • Financial time travel: AI enables corporate clients to simulate multiple future scenarios, assessing the potential impacts of various financial decisions on their businesses. This capability allows for more informed strategic planning and risk management.
   • Emergent financial products: AI identifies unmet financial needs and automatically generates new products tailored to specific client segments. These products evolve based on usage patterns and client feedback, fostering continuous innovation in financial services.

The wrap-up

Agentic AI isn’t just changing how we work—it’s redefining who (or what) works. The line between innovation and hubris hinges on one question: Do we control the tech, or does it control us?

Call to action

1. Pilot. Start small—test AI co-pilots in low-risk areas like HR screening.
2. Govern. Form an AI ethics board (bonus points if it’s livelier than your last Zoom meeting).
3. Debate. Give your take on LinkedIn: “Would you take orders from an AI CEO?”

Final noteIf your board still thinks “Agentic AI” is a Marvel villain, forward them this. You’re welcome.