Insights by M.M. April 2025 Issue

This edition explores how businesses are going beyond AI adoption to see real impact. Companies that rethink workflows and governance are getting the biggest gains, and new AI-focused roles are emerging to manage risks and opportunities.

We also examine when AI offers real value, the rise of agentic AI, and why outdated processes can hold back AI’s potential. In telecom news AI-driven networks, smart buildings, and new business models are opening up new opportunities for growth.

These insights show AI’s expanding role across industries and what it takes to make it work.

We hope you find this edition helpful. Feel free to share it with your network and invite them to subscribe for updates.

Standout picks from last month

1 - More businesses are using AI and Gen AI but getting real value from it is not from just adopting new tools. This McKinsey survey finds that companies, especially large ones, are changing how they work to make AI pay off. With facts and figures from different industries and structure levels, and commentary to tie things together, this report is highly valuable for all our readers.

Read the full McKinsey report for detailed insights.

The state of AI: How organizations are rewiring to capture value

2 - Not every business problem needs AI, and using it without a clear strategy can be an expensive mistake. In this article, Aditi Godbole explores when AI delivers real value, like automating complex decisions, processing big data, and enhancing customer experiences, and when it’s better to skip, such as when data quality is poor or a simpler solution would do.

With nearly 30% of AI projects failing due to unclear objectives, this article offers a strategic framework to help businesses invest wisely and maximize AI’s impact.

AI For Business: When To Use It And When To Skip It

3 - Dr. Khalid Basit, Director of Automation Consultancy at M.M. & COO TIAC, demystifies agentic AI: how these advanced systems work with little human input and what that means for businesses. The article looks at real-world applications, like AI agents that gather live data, automate tasks, and assist decision-making in industries like finance and telecom.

While agentic AI offers benefits like increased efficiency, lower costs, and better decision-making, it also comes with challenges. The article covers what businesses should know before deploying it, such as the need for structured data, human oversight, and rigorous testing. If you're looking to integrate AI agents effectively, this piece offers a clear roadmap.

Understanding agentic AI: How it works and its impact

4 - Eamonn O’Neill explains why AI investments often fall short: not because of the technology itself, but due to outdated business processes that fail to support it. This article looks at how companies can adapt their workflows to make AI more effective, mitigate new risks, and get better returns. It also outlines key steps for using AI as a core part of operations rather than as an isolated tool. In the AI era, success depends not just on adopting new tools, but on transforming the way businesses work.

The Role of Business Process Transformation in Successful AI Adoption

5 - Smart buildings generate huge amounts of data, and AI is key to making sense of it. Diana Goovaerts explores the opportunity here for telcos, not just by providing connectivity but by offering AI-powered services. These include energy management, security, predictive maintenance, and more. With private 5G expanding, telcos can help building owners cut costs and improve efficiency. By moving beyond broadband, they can find new revenue streams in the growing smart building market.

Telcos have an in when it comes to in-building AI

6 - Boris Maurer from Accenture presents key takeaways from MWC 2025. As expected, AI took center stage, but the real takeaway was optimism. After years of struggle, telcos now have an opportunity to grow by focusing on B2B, adopting AI-driven networks, and leading in local AI solutions. With fiber and 5G in place, they can cut costs and invest in smarter services. The industry has had tough years, but now is the time to turn discussions into action.

MWC Takeaways: Why the Telecoms Industry is Poised for Growth After a Decade of Challenges

And that’s a wrap on our top picks from March 2025. If you enjoyed reading this issue, spread the word and invite others to subscribe.

More insights coming your way next month.