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The McKinsey Podcast

Gen AI is here—but where are its users?

Mar 13, 2025
Navin Chaddha, managing partner at Mayfield Fund and an expert in early-stage AI investments, dives into the complex landscape of Generative AI adoption. He discusses the slow employee uptake of this technology and its implications for talent management and organizational structure. Chaddha highlights the promise versus reality of AI, emphasizing the potential for enhancing human creativity through hybrid collaboration. The conversation further touches on the evolving role of leadership as businesses adapt to AI, ultimately advocating for a hopeful future in the workforce.
24:04

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Quick takeaways

  • Generative AI adoption is hindered by cultural and organizational challenges, echoing the initial slow acceptance faced by the iPhone.
  • Ethical concerns surrounding trust, safety, and bias necessitate vigilance to mitigate risks while maximizing the benefits of AI advancements.

Deep dives

Barriers to AI Adoption

Despite the significant investment in generative AI, its adoption is slower than anticipated due to several factors. Users must first learn how to effectively utilize the technology, akin to the initial struggles seen with the iPhone, which took years to gain widespread acceptance and integration into daily use. Early adopters express frustration as AI's transformative potential has yet to be realized across various sectors, affecting enterprise operations more than consumer engagement. The challenge lies particularly in bureaucratic environments, where decision-makers may resist adopting technology without a clear understanding of its capabilities and potential benefits.

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