How to Adapt Your Business to the AI Era: Key Challenges for Entrepreneurs
    Negocios y Empresas

    How to Adapt Your Business to the AI Era: Key Challenges for Entrepreneurs

    Paloma Firgaira
    2026-02-02
    5 min read
    Redefining the Differential Value in the Age of AI Understanding the true impact of artificial intelligence on a company is the starting point for designing an effective strategy. Over the years, interaction with technology has evolved: from punch cards to graphical interfaces, from the web to mobile, and now to communication through prompts. AI represents another leap in this evolution, not because of its magical nature, but due to the way it transforms communication between humans and machines. The advancement is remarkable: from simple mathematical algorithms, we have arrived at advanced language models capable of reasoning and solving complex problems. However, the potential of AI will always depend on the quality of the data it is fed. In this context, business leaders must ask themselves a crucial question: what aspect of my business cannot be replicated by a prompt? It could be a higher level of consulting, a robust distribution network, strategic alliances, a strong brand, or an agile organizational culture. Identifying that unique element is key to maintaining long-term relevance. Companies that fail to answer this question risk becoming obsolete, as many current solutions will be replaced by AI-driven alternatives in the near future. Therefore, it is essential for founders and executives to constantly analyze what distinguishes their project and how to strengthen that difference in a rapidly changing environment. Once the strategy is defined, the next step is to integrate AI in a way that enhances the business's capabilities and reinforces its value proposition. It is not about superficially implementing AI or adding assistants just to appear innovative, but about creating comprehensive experiences that leverage existing assets and are difficult for competitors to replicate. An illustrative example is the development of the AI Travel Agent at Payhawk. Although travel was not the company's main focus, the combination of payment expertise, financial automation, and conversational technology allowed for the creation of a solution that assists clients in managing corporate travel, connecting financial infrastructure, managing payments and bookings, and generating expense reports efficiently. Thus, AI is integrated into processes to improve user experience and differentiate the product. Building with AI means going beyond isolated assistants: it is necessary to integrate it into workflows to transform the product and customer experience. However, even with a clear strategy and a solid product, AI will have no impact if the company maintains outdated processes. AI-native organizations operate with more agile teams and flexible structures. The challenge for others is to review processes, automate repetitive tasks, and free up resources for higher-value activities. Although many companies already use AI on an individual level, such as ChatGPT or Copilot, this is not enough to differentiate themselves or transform results. True efficiency arises when adoption is transversal and led from the top, allowing for faster decision-making, reducing errors, and increasing productivity. AI will not eliminate companies; the lack of action will. Every leader must decide whether they want to be a protagonist of change, adapt to the market's pace, or fall behind and risk their business's relevance. Ultimately, the challenge is strategic, not just technological, and the best time to act is now. Source: emprendedores.es
    Paloma Firgaira

    Paloma Firgaira

    CEO

    Con más de 20 años de experiencia, Paloma es una ejecutiva flexible y ágil que sobresale implementando estrategias adaptadas a cada situación. Su MBA en Administración de Empresas y experiencia como Experta en IA y Automatización fortalecen su liderazgo y pensamiento estratégico. Su eficiencia en la planificación de tareas y rápida adaptación al cambio contribuyen positivamente a su trabajo. Con sólidas habilidades de liderazgo e interpersonales, tiene un historial comprobado en gestión financiera, planificación estratégica y desarrollo de equipos.