As 2025 unfolds, we find ourselves in the Year of the Snake—a symbol of adaptability and resilience. These qualities, often symbolized by the snake’s ability to shed its skin and start anew, will be key to navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead. Born under this sign, I’ve always been intrigued by the dual nature of the snake—both feared and admired. Embracing this spirit of transformation will be crucial as we navigate the complexities of the future.
2024 was a significant year for artificial intelligence (AI). Groundbreaking generative models exploded onto the scene, sparking global conversations about its transformative potential. These developments reshaped the tech world creating exciting new opportunities for both businesses and individuals alike to thrive in this dynamic new world.
According to Statista, the AI market grew explosively, hitting over $184 billion in 2024—a jump of nearly $50 billion from the previous year. And there’s more growth ahead, with projections suggesting the market could surpass $826 billion by 2030.
So, throughout 2025, it’s time to move from merely exploring AI to making it work for us. The excitement of last year laid the groundwork, and now it’s about turning AI’s potential into real results. Just like a snake sheds its skin to start anew, for our businesses to flourish, we’ve to leave old habits behind and embrace AI-driven solutions.
The Snake’s Wisdom: A Masterclass in Adaptation
Thriving across diverse environments—from arid deserts to lush rainforests—the snake embodies adaptability. This parallel resonates deeply in today’s dynamic market. Businesses must embrace new technologies and strategies, like AI-driven solutions, to meet evolving customer needs and outperform competitors. It’s not just about survival; it’s about thriving in diverse scenarios.
Take BMW as an example, which initially relied on traditional fixed maintenance schedules. This approach often led to unexpected downtime and wasted resources. The introduction of AI changed the game by enabling predictive maintenance through sensors and data analysis. This shift has kept BMW’s production lines running more smoothly, reducing unexpected stoppages, and even supporting sustainability goals. Combining these efforts, their AI system helps prevent around 500 minutes of disruption yearly in vehicle assembly.
Adapting doesn’t stop there—it extends to how companies manage change. My colleague Jorrit explains how AI is now crucial for understanding employees’ strengths and creating tailored learning experiences, moving away from the usual one-size-fits-all method. After all, people are the true drivers of change. Implementing AI in change management strategies helps to empower employees along the transformation journey.
Focused Growth: Directing Progress with AI
A snake’s focused movement is a reminder of the importance of clear objectives and directed progress. In the context of AI, this means reassessing your goals and using the technology to accelerate your journey.
This understanding is being embraced by forward-thinking companies like Delta Airlines. Recognizing the need to enhance customer satisfaction, Delta sought to integrate customer-facing perspectives into its management structure.
By using AI, they successfully filled 25% of corporate and management positions with individuals from customer-facing roles. This approach not only improves the company’s employee experience but also delights customers and strengthens the organization’s competitive edge.
Through this strategy, Delta Airlines ensures that its management team is equipped with firsthand customer insights, ultimately fostering a more customer-focused corporate environment.
Year of the Snake: Winding Towards Success
The Year of the Snake offers a compelling metaphor for businesses: they must cultivate both the snake’s agility in adapting to rapid change and its laser-like focus in executing precise strategies to thrive in the AI-powered era. From revolutionizing maintenance practices at BMW to reshaping talent acquisition at Delta Airlines, AI is not just a technological advancement—it is a catalyst for achieving strategic objectives and gaining a competitive edge.
The era of AI exploration is giving way to execution. Those who, like the snake, seamlessly navigate change, adapt with agility, and strike with precision will not only survive but thrive in this new technological frontier, leading innovation and achieving extraordinary outcomes in an increasingly AI-driven world.
