Author name: Molly Ferncombe

The era of clicking through search results is ending. Artificial intelligence now delivers answers directly, fundamentally transforming how brands achieve digital visibility. Success no longer depends on attracting website visitors, but on establishing credibility with AI algorithms that determine which sources merit inclusion in their curated responses. Petra Smith, Managing Director at award-winning consultancy Squirrels&Bears, reveals how this shift demands a complete reassessment of digital strategy. From the decline of traditional SEO to the rise of AI-validated authority, this exclusive contribution for The Executive Magazine examines the strategic imperatives for organisations navigating search’s new landscape

Ralph Lauren announces the launch of Ask Ralph, an artificial intelligence-powered shopping companion that brings the personal stylist experience directly to consumers’ mobile devices. Using Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI technology, the platform delivers curated outfit recommendations through natural, conversational interactions, transforming how consumers discover and engage with the brand’s iconic collections on mobile devices

Artificial intelligence is transforming how cryptocurrencies are designed and deployed. Research led by a senior developer at Adobe Systems, in collaboration with Bangladesh’s leading universities, demonstrates that AI can autonomously create digital currencies, enforce advanced security protocols, and manage blockchain networks that promise faster development, enhanced security, and financial systems that adapt seamlessly to evolving markets and regulations

Recent McKinsey research reveals how organisations achieve remarkable results through intelligent automation, with some reducing service interactions by 40-50% whilst doubling customer self-service adoption rates. The research estimates that global banking alone could unlock up to $1 trillion in additional annual value through AI technologies, with customer service transformation representing a significant portion of this opportunity across multiple industries

Fresh insights from MIT reveal that success in AI isn’t about chasing the newest technology or building complexity for its own sake. The most effective organisations leverage external expertise, embed AI deeply into workflows, and empower front-line managers to make decisions. By following this playbook, they consistently convert AI investments into measurable business impact, while others remain stuck in perpetual experimentation

Google’s AI Mode is transforming how people discover and interact with information online. By replacing traditional search results with AI-generated summaries, it reshapes digital visibility, content strategy, and customer engagement. For organisations, success increasingly depends on establishing authority, producing high-quality content, and being referenced within AI systems. These are the foundations for credibility and sustained market positioning