Vala Afshar
Boston
As seen in:
DisrupTV,
ZDNet,
LinkedIn,
slideshare.net,
MSN,
HuffPost,
MIT Sloan Ideas Made to Matter,
Yahoo Finance,
ZDNet Japan,
Flipboard,
Inc.,
La Tercera
and
Chief Digital Evangelist @Salesforce | Bestselling Books: BOUNDLESS 2023, AUTONOMOUS 2025 | Columnist: @ZDNet | Podcast: @DisrupTVShow
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Vala Afshar
The future of business is autonomous - why Relationship Design will decide who wins
The era of agentic AI is upon us, heralding the arrival of AI agents acting on behalf of companies and companies. There was very little advance notice of the arrival of this era. Even the tech companies were, and still are, scrambling to position themselves and their products to exploit the current, emerging and future capabilities of AI. Yet amid all the excitement and hype of what AI agents can do for companies, there is little talk of what it might do to their operations and the nature of work.
Businesses must reinvent their processes and workforce to scale agentic AI adoption
Only 15% of organizations have reached scaled multi-agentic orchestration. • Most business leaders are reevaluating their business models in light of advances in agentic AI. • Scaling agentic AI must begin with sufficient resources to transform the workforce. Most US-based companies are under pressure and working hard to shift from experimenting with AI agents to deploying them in production, according to the latest research from Deloitte.
Businesses must reinvent their processes and workforce to scale agentic AI adoption
Artificial Intelligence 5 hours ago The biggest question about AI is what humans will do next TNW - Monty McCoy • 5h When I had back surgery, I assumed recovery would be linear. I thought each week would bring a little less pain, a little more mobility, and another step toward normal. Then I hit a setback. I had assumed I was further along than I actually was.
AI shopping searches surged 200% in one year - and it's a top priority for commerce leaders now
Commerce leaders are seeing major improvements from AI agents. The top three outcomes for business-to-business organizations using AI agents are revenue growth, employee productivity, and organizational efficiency. Other benefits include customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and hyper-personalization of offerings. A surprising part of the report is that only 32% of commerce leaders say their organizations have fully defined AI success metrics and key performance indicators.
Field service is 95% on board with AI but these legacy issues need attention
1 hour ago Apple Upgrade launched this week, and the iPhone Upgrade Program is being discontinued as a result. But despite some similarities, the two offerings are not the same. Here are the key differences. #1: Leasing vs financing Apple Upgrade is a leasing program, whereas the iPhone Upgrade Program used …
IA Agéntica: la energía del siglo XXI
Cada generación tiene una energía que redefine su destino. Así como la electricidad redefinió el siglo XX, la inteligencia artificial agéntica comienza a redefinir el siglo XXI: no sólo como tecnología, sino como una nueva energía productiva capaz de elevar el trabajo humano, transformando economías, organizaciones y equipos de trabajo. El salto de la IA generativa a la IA agéntica marca un cambio decisivo para empresas, gobiernos y organizaciones.
Managers play critical role in a company's AI transformation - and they know it
Also: US workers are the world's biggest AI skeptics - and it's not just about job loss A recent study shows that US desk workers are concerned about employee experience, lack of training, and readiness to adopt AI technologies. The top three reasons for an unsuccessful AI tool or pilot among American workers include generic outputs, insufficient training, and low trust in outputs.
Your first AI agent is in production - so, what comes next?
Most organizations misunderstand the AI transformation journey. They imagine it as a linear progression from experimentation to scale, or from one maturity level to the next. But the real journey is much less tidy, following a more 'squiggly' path. It does not move cleanly from human-led operations to AI-led operations. It passes through a long, difficult middle phase in which humans and AI must operate together and where neither humans nor AI are really in charge.
米成人の61％、医療情報にAIを利用--2024年の2％から激増
2024年以降、医療分野におけるAIに対する姿勢は、AIをより信頼する方向へと変化している。 2026年版の報告書における4つの主要な調査結果は次の通りである。 1. 消費者向けサービスとの格差： AIは良質なサービスがどのようなものであるかの基準を引き上げた。一方で、医療の事務的負担は患者を遠ざける要因となっている。患者の58％は、予約手続きが難しすぎることを理由に、必要な診療を遅らせたり、受けなかったりした。 2. エージェント型の価値交換： 患者は、特に時間外の事務手続きや案内といった業務について、AIの活用を広く受け入れている。67％は、通常の診療時間を待つより、24時間体制でのAI支援を好むと答えている。こうした利便性を求めて医療提供者を変更する患者もいる。 3.
Why trust, not technology, will decide who wins the agentic AI era
Main content Three data points landed within weeks of each other this year, and together they tell an uncomfortable story for anyone selling AI solutions. First, American workers turned out to be the most AI-skeptical in the world, according to study by Salesforce.
12 rules of agentic AI for successful enterprise transformation
Artificial Intelligence 4 hours ago ‘Godmother of AI’ and tech entrepreneurs draw investors by pivoting from chatbots to ‘world models’ saying AI has to read the room, not just books Fortune - The Associated Press • 4h Computer scientist Louis Castricato was in his eighth year studying large language models — the artificial intelligence technology behind chatbots … Technology 19 hours ago The Problem With Agentic AI Isn’t the Model hackernoon.com - Paul Krause • 19h We spent three years...
AI and the new value equation - the squiggly line is the journey (3/3)
Main content The autonomous journey is usually described as a linear, logical progression from one level of maturity to the next. Yuan’s comments were based on a model that is widely employed in the automotive industry (the SAE six-level classification system). In our book Autonomous, we took an analogous approach to explain how agentic and physical AI will progress from its initial capabilities in handling small and discrete tasks to future ones in taking on entire roles and functions.
AI and the new value equation - the three phases of the AI Transformation Journey (2/3)
Main content There’s more than just one type of value that organizations should be able to generate from AI. The first, and by far the most common, is subtractive value, the use of AI to take costs and inefficiencies out of their core business processes. A second type, which was the topic of the first article in this series, is additive value, the use of AI to generate revenue, revive at risk or dormant relationships, and tap into the hidden potential of its employees.
AI and the new value equation - from cost reduction to value reclamation
The dominant logic of enterprise AI initiatives is a subtractive one. It’s all about efficiency and productivity, the classic drive to “do more with less”. This was highlighted most recently by an April 2026 report on AI initiatives among global top 2000 enterprises by Altimetrik and HFS Research which found that “only 14% have a documented AI strategy with clear goals.
The Alien Interaction Problem: How To Lead When AI Doesn’t Think Like Us
Co-authored by R “Ray” Wang, Vala Afshar, and Dr. David Bray Executive Summary: When the co-designer of the Internet’s foundational protocols tells you we’ve encountered “a new life form” and when seasoned Senior National Intelligence Service Executive suggests we stop calling it Artificial Intelligence and start calling it “Alien Interactions” you’re not hearing isolated observations.
The Atoms-Meets-Algorithms Crisis: Why AI Infrastructure Can Be a Big Blind Spot
Co-authored by R “Ray” Wang, Vala Afshar, and Dr. David Bray Executive Summary: Two days before DisrupTV Episode 437 aired, a United Airlines aircraft collided with a drone at 4,000 feet over San Diego. In parallel, a major film studio is experiencing disruptions such that increasingly cannot film without unauthorized drones appearing overhead. Meanwhile, AI is surfacing cybersecurity vulnerabilities faster than organizations can fix them. These aren’t separate problems.
The Five Principle Framework for Leading Through Extreme Uncertainty: Why Record CEO Resignations Signal Your Playbook Is Obsolete
By Vala Afshar, R “Ray” Wang”, and David Bray, PhD As AI-generated employees infiltrate workforces, hardware arrives pre-compromised, and nation-states deploy Cold War tactics against corporations, organizations need a unified approach that works across security, operations, and leadership.
Moving from AI pilots to business-wide value requires a superhighway - how to ramp up
ZDNET's key takeaways Companies must demonstrate sustained early wins from AI investments to build momentum. Companies must invest in quality, governed data, and shared workflows. The key to successful agentic transformation is shifting from siloed AI to systemic AI. Scaling agentic AI in business requires a strong data foundation. Companies need trusted quality data as the backbone of agentic AI deployments.
Why the power of relationships still matters in the AI era (2/2)
As we saw in the first part of this article, the autonomous future upon which we are embarked is not just more intelligent, it is more relationally demanding. This should not come as a complete surprise. Leaders have been saying for years that relationships are among the most important things in business. Some have gone further and suggested that they are all that ultimately exists in business.
Why the power of relationships still matters in the AI era (1/2)
We are in the early stages of AI transformation with businesses embracing digital labor and AI-first strategies. Products are becoming more intelligent, more responsive and more capable of acting in the world rather than simply waiting to be used. Factories are becoming more self-monitoring and adaptive. Software development is becoming more agentic. In one domain after another, AI is moving from the margins of the enterprise toward its operational core.
Scaling agentic AI means trusting your data - here's what most CDOs are investing in
We’re into March, and volatility has returned to markets. Geopolitics aren’t helping. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 2.24% today on fears …
90% of sales teams use AI agents - but half of them have the same data problem
Sales representatives are facing a capacity crisis, caught between rising customer expectations and limited time to meet them. Customers now demand a clear return on investment (ROI), personalized interactions, and comprehensive education before committing to a purchase. This has led to longer sales cycles as customers delay their decision-making. The focus of this article will be on the first two key findings: adoption of AI agents and the need for better data and consolidated tools.
What Aristotle and Socrates can teach us about using generative AI
Vala Afshar ZDNET's key takeaways AI language models can erode our ability to create new ideas. Other types of AI models can help us improve our critical thinking. The focus on globalization technology must shift to local intelligence. We are at a confluence of AI advancement , geopolitical fracturing, and machine-speed cyber threats ; a perfect storm that will decisively separate the successful organizations from those that fail to adapt.
What Aristotle and Socrates can teach us about using generative AI
5 hours ago New iPhone, iPad and multiple Macs are on the cards. Apple’s cryptic March 4 "special experience" event may not be so mysterious after all. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is gearing up for a busy early-2026 hardware cycle, with a product launch potentially slated for the week of March 2. …
AI agent adoption and budgets will rise significantly in 2026, despite challenges
Most IT leaders (82%) believe that data integration is a big AI challenge. • IT leaders will spend 19% of their IT budgets on AI agents this year. Organizations are rapidly adopting autonomous systems. The average enterprise now manages 957 applications -- rising to 1,057 for those furthest along in their agentic AI journey -- with only 27% of these applications currently connected, creating a significant challenge for IT leaders aiming to meet their near-term AI implementation goals.
Gen AI boosts productivity, but only for certain developers - here's why
ZDNET's key takeawaysClose to one-third of code is now AI-generated.Developer productivity is up 4% due to generative AI.Productivity gains are limited to more experienced developers.The amount of AI-generated code worldwide has grown sixfold over the past two years, from 5% in 2022 to nearly 30% by the end of 2024.
These 4 big technology bets will reshape the global economy in 2026
nadla//iStock/Getty Images Plus Several innovation platforms are reshaping the global economy. AI remains the critical platform, accelerating global GDP growth. Look out for the impact of AI on infrastructure and consumers. Big Ideas 2026 marks the 10th annual edition of ARK Invest's flagship research report, designed to identify and contextualize the technologies reshaping the global economy.
These 4 big technology bets will reshape the global economy in 2026
Apple’s Secret AI Pin Looks Like an AirTag and it Might Just Kill The Smartwatch Apple’s wearable future might not be strapped to your wrist at all. According to new reports, the company is developing an AI-powered pin about the …
9 strategic imperatives every business leader must master to survive and thrive in 2026
gremlin/E+/Getty Images Tech investments are national security bets - digital strategy inseparable from global stability. Businesses must act decisively despite uncertainty and build systems that maximize adaptability. Leaders must be willing to change organizational purpose when circumstances demand it. My podcast co-host, Ray Wang, CEO of Constellation Research, reminded me recently that our show reached a significant milestone: a full decade of broadcasting.
The AI leader's new balance: What changes (and what remains) in the age of algorithms
ZDNET's key takeawaysIn the age of AI, business leaders must be fluent in technology and human values. Distinguish between decisions augmented by algorithms and those requiring human judgment.
The AI leader's new balance: What changes (and what remains) in the age of algorithms
16 hours ago OpenAI is in a far less commanding position than it was following the public release of ChatGPT a few short years ago. Back in 2022, the sudden popularity of ChatGPT sent Google into a panic. The company was so worried about the possibility of the upstart chatbot disrupting its Search business, …
Reinventing your career for the AI age? Your technical skill isn't your most valuable asset
2 hours ago Even if you already have an Apple Watch on your wrist, you might not know about these features that can support your health. An Apple Watch can be used for countless tasks -- making phone calls, responding to text messages and reading emails, to name just a few -- but did you know that this …
Does the CEO doubt your AI savvy? CIOs must upskill in these 3 critical areas
yuanyuan yan via Moment / Getty Images AI implementations have surged by 282% in 2025, according to Salesforce's annual CIO study. 94% of CIOs report that scaling AI forces them to expand their skills. The CIO and CEO partnership is broadening to drive AI transformation. According to Salesforce's second annual CIO study, AI implementation has surged 282% since last year.
The CHRO Role In The Age Of AI
For decades, HR has been about people—finding them, developing them and keeping them engaged. But the definition of “workforce” is changing faster than any C-Suite title. Companies are no longer made up solely of human talent. They now operate with a mixed resource pool: humans and digital labor, employees and AI agents, all contributing to the same outcomes. This isn’t science fiction or even futurism.
AI agents are only as good as the data they're given, and that's a big issue for businesses
zf L/Moment/Getty Images 63% of business leaders describe their organizations as very data-driven, up 10% from 2023. Only one in two business leaders is confident about the ability to deliver timely business insights. The most valuable insights for organizations are currently trapped in unstructured data. Business leaders understand the value of data.
Gartner just dropped its 2026 tech trends - and it's not all AI: Here's the list
The Modern Day Tech Worker Is Obsolete. Amazon’s CEO Just Told Us Why Why did Amazon announce another round of mass layoffs? Because why not. In over 25 years working in tech—from my first days as an entrepreneur developer, through co-inventing some of the first generative AI, to my current stint helping all kinds of companies figure out the AI evolution—I’ve never …
In 2 years, half of all service calls will be resolved by AI - survey
Beyond Q&A: Agentic AI can do tasks faster than humans When most people think of AI, they think of chatbots like Chat GPT and Gemini. But tech leaders are trying to get the word out about a new form of AI …
Embracing inherent instability in business - AI and the new stability-performance equation
We have always prized stability in our businesses. We’ve built stability in to such an extent that nowadays, we need change and transformation and innovation programs just to shock us out of one way of operating and into another. Functional silos and reporting hierarchies are near universal ways of maintaining stability and control. We have annual planning, annual financial cycles, annual budgets, annual performance evaluations and promotions rather than dynamic ones.
7 trends shaping digital transformation in 2025 - and AI looms large
2 hours ago Trademark applications suggest the US President might be planning to start a mobile carrier. Yes, really! After launching a social media platform, a sneaker line, and NFTs, US President Donald Trump might be coming for your cellphone next. According to trademark applications spotted by Bloomberg, DTTM …
The death of spreadsheets: 6 reasons why AI will soon be the dominant business reporting tool
5 hours ago These unassuming dots could stop you from becoming nauseous on your next car ride. Looking at your phone while in a moving vehicle is often a recipe for nausea. Yet as unpleasant as motion sickness is, passenger princesses the world over remain determined to test the limits of their upchuck reflexes …
AI agent deployments will grow 327% during the next two years. Here's what to do now
1 day ago Graduation is a time for optimism and expectation - and for Gen Z graduates in 2025, the celebration is tempered with a harsh salary reset. According to a recent survey of approximately 3,000 rising and recent graduates, the salary shock is a deep disconnect between expectations and what the market …
Smarty Pants or Life-Hacker: What type of AI agent user are you?
Yes, Topshop Is “Back” and I Tried on the New Collection First Welcome to the Gen Z Mood, where I—Who What Wear UK's 26-year-old social media editor—keep you updated with my mood of the month and the most …
The 4 types of people interested in AI agents - and what businesses can learn from them
3 hours ago How to delete your personal info from the internet for free Hiding your address, phone number, and other details from Google and people search sites is easier than you might think. For years, Google made it incredibly easy to look up someone’s address, phone number, age, and other personal info. All you had to do was type in a person’s name and where they … Now We will pay for Apple Intelligence, even if the survey saying so is junk I’m often skeptical about survey results.
Rethinking technology and IT's role in the era of agentic AI and digital labor
14 hours ago AI like ChatGPT has left many of us wondering what job artificial intelligence is going to take next. But now, according to a new survey by digital insight company Cint, not only are many more workers using AI to do their jobs than you might think, but they’re also doing it secretly, afraid to tell their bosses they’re doing so. Veuer’s Tony Spitz has the details.
How businesses are accelerating time to agentic AI value
A recent survey of 1,050 CIOs revealed that 93% of IT leaders will implement AI agents in the next two years, with IT leaders working to implement the technology by focusing on removing data silos. The average number of apps used by respondents was 897, with 45% reporting using 1,000 applications or more, hindering IT teams’ ability to build a unified experience. Also: The end of data silos?
How businesses are accelerating time to agentic AI value
1 day ago In today’s column, I identify and showcase a new prompting approach that serves to best make use of multi-agentic AI. The deal is this. We are increasingly going to witness the advent of agentic AI, consisting of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) that perform a series of indicated …
Knowledge management takes center stage in the AI journey
Now You have valuable wisdom to share, but you're not showing up online. Your dream clients scroll past your stuff without a second glance. Your ideal opportunities go to someone else who shows up more consistently. A weak personal brand costs you cash. But cracking the code of showing up online isn't …
6 ways businesses can leverage generative AI
By Experts from Salesforce, S&P Global, and Corning share six key strategies to unlock generative AI’s potential without falling for the hype. facebook X linkedin email print Generative artificial intelligence is now in its third year of widespread adoption, bringing a mix of massive opportunities and big challenges that are redefining industries.
Autonomous businesses will be powered by AI agents
Research from 2025 finds that 77% of executives believe unlocking the true benefits of AI will only be possible when it is built on a foundation of trust, according to the Accenture Technology Vision 2025 report. The Accenture Technology Vision 2025 explores how the future is being shaped by AI-powered autonomy.
Businesses must reinvent themselves in the age of agentic AI
4 hours ago The platform’s original series shall live on through Prime Video’s free service. Amazon Freevee first debuted in 2019 as IMDb Freedive. Since then, the service has offered viewers in select countries, including the US and UK, a limited, ad-supported catalog of TV shows at no cost. With Amazon now …
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Vala
Contact Vala, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack