On April 24, 2025, in Ojai, California, Tom Edwards—renowned futurist and EY’s Americas Consumer AI Leader—delivered a compelling 90-minute keynote that delved into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on human behavior, business innovation, and the evolving interface between humans and machines.​

Empower 💪, Exponential 🚀, Enhanced ✨: The Three Filters of AI Adoption

Tom Edwards structured his keynote around his signature framework: Empower 💪, Exponential 🚀, and Enhanced ✨. This model encapsulates how AI is reshaping our world:

• Empower 💪: AI tools are augmenting human capabilities, enabling individuals to achieve more with less effort.
• Exponential 🚀: The rapid acceleration of AI technologies is driving unprecedented growth and innovation across industries.
• Enhanced ✨: AI is enhancing experiences by integrating seamlessly into daily life, making interactions more intuitive and personalized.

Decoding AI: From Inner Workings to Business Transformation

Edwards provided insights into the inner workings of AI models, demystifying complex concepts and illustrating how businesses are leveraging AI to transform operations. He emphasized the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations to harness its full potential responsibly.​

The Five Levels of Autonomy

A highlight of the session was Edwards’ exploration of the five levels of autonomy in AI systems, ranging from basic automation to full autonomy. He discussed how each level impacts decision-making processes and the implications for various sectors, from manufacturing to customer service.​

Practical Demonstrations and Future Outlook

To ground his insights in real-world applications, Edwards showcased practical demonstrations of AI in action, illustrating its current capabilities and potential. He concluded by previewing the future convergence of AI with spatial computing and cognitive intelligence, painting a picture of a world where technology and human cognition coalesce seamlessly.​

For those interested in exploring more of Tom Edwards’ perspectives on AI and innovation, his thought leadership platform, BlackFin360, offers a wealth of resources and insights.