Leading in a global market in 2025 requires more than reacting to technological changes. It is necessary to anticipate them so that they become catalysts for growth. And, currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital networks are emerging as the central pillars of this journey, with the potential to generate significant impacts in the short and medium term, positioning companies ahead in the digital transformation.
What does this mean for leadership? It is an opportunity to shape the market with initiatives that consolidate operating profit and promote sustainable growth.
In this sense, the PwC's "Global Investor Survey 2024" found that 70% of investors point to technological transformation as the main factor to redefine the creation, delivery and capture of value. In other words, organizations that adopt these solutions in a scalable way are already consolidating their leadership, expanding operating margins and generating significant financial impact.
However, the big challenge is to align technology, business model and workforce, ensuring sustainable results.
Below, you will better understand how to overcome these challenges. Keep reading!
Digital Networks for Stability
Digital networks are the foundation for creating integrated ecosystems, enabling growth with optimized costs and generating new revenue streams. Thus, by connecting suppliers, partners, and customers on digital platforms, companies expand their operations without proportionally increasing costs.
For example, the network effects applied to digital platforms promote integration between internal teams and external partners, offering real-time visibility and increasing operational efficiency. This is especially valuable in sectors such as logistics and manufacturing, where tight margins demand increasingly optimized processes.
Furthermore, companies that adopt digital platforms find new monetization opportunities, such as partnerships, marketplaces, and subscription models, reducing costs and creating new revenue streams.
AP Tip: Adopt the Discovery approach to map bottlenecks, identify opportunities, and maximize ROI in digital technologies.
AI Accelerating Decisions and Results
Artificial Intelligence is transforming companies into vectors of productivity with more assertive decision-making. The PwC survey, mentioned earlier, reveals that 73% of investors expect companies to scale AI solutions in the coming years, with direct and significant financial impacts.
Do you know why? The gains provided by AI are transforming the way companies operate. From operational efficiency to increased revenue, its applications are diverse and powerful.
For example, AI-based solutions optimize supply chains, automate processes, and predict demand. Amazon is a prominent example, using this new technology to reduce waste and improve customer experience.
In addition, AI enables predictive simulations with high accuracy, helping leaders anticipate market changes and proactively adjust tactics. Even generative AI technologies, such as creating personalized content and accelerating product development, are already simplifying customer service and driving innovation.
It is estimated, according to McKinsey, that generative AI could add between US$2.6 trillion and US$4.4 trillion annually in areas such as customer service, marketing, and R&D. Among the most benefited sectors, the banking sector stands out, with the potential for gains of up to US$340 billion per year.
AP Tip: Implement AI with a focus on governance and data protection. This maximizes the maximization of financial gains and increases your ability to capture future opportunities before the competition.
Current Trends
As you can see, AI and digital network solutions are profoundly transforming business models. But what is the practical impact of this for leaders who need to drive results?
Below, we highlight three key trends that are shaping companies' priorities and creating competitive advantages:
Integration of digital ecosystems
Marketplaces and digital platforms connect suppliers, partners, and consumers in an integrated way, allowing for greater visibility and operational agility. This integration facilitates the monetization of new opportunities, accelerates product launches, and improves the ability to respond to market demands, consolidating a leadership position.
A great example beyond Amazon Business is the Magalu Partner program, which allows small and medium-sized retailers to sell their products online, using integrated management, logistics, and payment tools, expanding their visibility and operational efficiency.
Personalization and customer experience
AI solutions make it possible to offer tailor-made products, increasing conversion and loyalty rates. Companies that implement customized communications and offers observe improved customer engagement and more agile sales cycles, directly impacting Return on Investment (ROI).
Netflix clearly illustrates how AI can turn personalization into a competitive advantage. Its algorithms analyze user behavior to offer personalized recommendations and dynamic covers, increasing engagement and loyalty. With 80% of watched titles being the result of these suggestions, the platform optimizes the experience for its more than 100 million users and maximizes the return on investment.
Margin transformation
Process automation and advanced data analysis are enabling the elimination of redundant costs and expanding operating margins.
In the case of Shell Box, an application developed by AP Digital Services in partnership with Raízen, the integration of mobile payments, loyalty programs, and personalized promotions revolutionized the customer experience. With more than 40 million transactions and 35 billion liters of fuel processed, the application optimized operations, reducing costs and increasing efficiency, while strengthening the relationship with consumers.
To maximize these benefits, technology alone is not enough. It is essential to have a trained team aligned with digital strategies.
Workforce and Technology for 2025
For AI to deliver its full potential, it is essential to invest in training. As a leader, you must prioritize the development of technological and digital skills among your employees.
The same PwC survey, mentioned earlier, shows that 74% of investors expect companies to prioritize reskilling and upskilling, preparing their teams to face the challenges of digital transformation.
But how? Leaders must take an active role in promoting important initiatives:
Develop technical and digital skills, with specific training programs for AI and digital networks.
Scale pilot projects to validate ROI and build internal cases that inspire the organization.
Adopt organizational agility frameworks so that the company can quickly adapt to market changes and emerging trends.
By aligning people, processes, and technology, a favorable environment is created for more agile and resilient organizations and a strengthening of the ability to capture opportunities and lead in the market.
Strategic Governance for Solid Results
It is important to emphasize that investors also expect pragmatism, speed, and measurable impact. In this context, digital networks and AI are proven solutions to scale efficiency, boost revenue, and consolidate competitive advantages. However, the real differentiator lies in the ability of senior leadership to align these investments with robust strategic governance focused on development and training.
After all, with proper governance, companies can optimize their current processes and also establish a solid foundation for sustainable long-term innovation, exceeding the expectations of investors and consumers in an ultra-demanding market.
Are you ready to lead now?
AP Digital Services can be your partner in structuring and executing high-impact technology solutions, guaranteeing concrete and competitive results. Together, we can integrate AI and digital networks in a scalable, efficient, and highly profitable way, positioning your company ahead of the market.
Talk to us and take the next step towards the future.
Professional with over 20 years of experience in product development and innovation. Luciana has worked in major companies such as CI&T, Coca-Cola Company, and Accenture.
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