Remember when the tech world buzzed with the phrase “software is eating the world”? Fast forward, and that prophecy, introduced by Marc Andreessen in 2011, has not only come to life but evolved. Everywhere you turn, the software has not just integrated but dominated—from electric cars doubling as intricate computer systems to watches and phones functioning primarily as software hubs. If a decade ago the motto was, “Every company is now a software company,” the future seems to be inching towards, “Every company needs to be a data and AI company.”

This transition became evident around 2013 when forward-thinkers like the team at Databricks began envisioning a world where AI would outpace and “consume” traditional software. The basic premise? While most software was revolutionary in its time, its Achilles heel lay in the absence of AI, rendering it unintelligent. Enter Generative AI. These advanced models promise to redefine how machines and humans interface, making software more intuitive and intelligent. The bedrock for this AI success? Data. Process it aptly, infuse it into AI, and transform all software, making it smarter and more adaptive.

While companies like Facebook tapped into AI’s potential early on for niche uses such as ad sales, the real game-changer lies in its universal application. Take Uber’s disruption of the traditional taxi service, for instance. With AI at its core, Uber provides real-time data like price estimates and exact arrival times—luxuries once unthinkable. As industries from healthcare to retail embrace this evolution, a company’s prowess in data and AI isn’t just a competitive edge—it’s a survival necessity.

Given this seismic shift, the top-tier leadership landscape is also poised for a revolution. In the near future, for anyone aspiring to helm an industry-leading company, proficiency in data and AI won’t be just an added advantage—it’ll be a non-negotiable prerequisite. Aspiring CEOs, take note: understanding data and AI is the golden ticket to the corporate world’s premier league.