Back in 2011, Marc Andreessen penned a game-changing prediction: “Software Is Eating the World.” Fast forward to today, and we’re knee-deep in the digital age. From electric cars acting as sophisticated computers to our everyday gadgets like thermostats and watches running on software, Andreessen’s prophecy was spot on. Essentially, if your business isn’t in software, you might as well say it’s in the Stone Age.

Now, let’s steer the conversation to the world of AI. A bold statement from us at Databricks in 2013 was that “AI will eat all software.” At a glance, it might sound far-fetched, but dive deeper, and you’ll see the method in the madness. Conventional software? Brilliant, but lacking the intelligence of AI. The next evolution of software will undoubtedly be AI-infused, leading to smarter, more intuitive tools that cater seamlessly to user needs.

Driving this AI revolution? Data. With data acting as the bedrock, AI can transform existing software platforms, making them more intelligent. This ethos is precisely why at Databricks, we’ve melded the world of software with AI. It’s our belief that generative AI will reshape the interface between humans and machines, necessitating businesses to integrate AI for smarter user interaction. And that’s where we come in – to act as the bridge facilitating this monumental shift.

Here’s the thing: AI isn’t a futuristic concept exclusive to tech giants. A few frontrunners tapped into the AI magic early on – think Facebook optimizing ad sales. But as we gaze into the crystal ball, it’s clear that the titans of tomorrow, regardless of the industry, will be rooted in data and AI.

A case in point? Uber’s dramatic reshaping of the cab landscape. Remember the pre-Uber days when hailing a cab meant uncertainty about the fare or even its arrival? With Uber, AI powers real-time fare estimates and ETAs – a transformative user experience we now consider par for the course.

The writing on the wall is clear. From healthcare to retail, AI-driven data is the fulcrum on which industries will pivot. And leading these future-ready organizations? CEOs who’ve embraced AI and data as their north star. So, here’s some food for thought: In a decade, if your resume lacks fluency in AI and data, the corner office might just remain a pipe dream.