2025 in AI and Business: Adam and Andy's Take on What Actually Happened and What Executives Must Do Next

The 2025 Year in Review episode of AI First with Adam and Andy offers an in-depth look at what truly shaped the AI landscape this year. Hosts Adam Brotman and Andy Sack revisit the predictions they made at the end of 2024 and evaluate how those expectations aligned with real developments across search, agentic systems, generative video, large language models, enterprise adoption, and the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.

This episode explores how AI search evolved without significantly weakening Google’s dominance, why reasoning models became the unexpected breakthrough of 2025, and how xAI and Elon Musk surged into greater influence. Adam and Andy also examine Apple’s limited progress in AI, the rise of new competitive pressures among leading AI labs, and the public debate around an emerging AI bubble.

For executives seeking clarity, the conversation highlights the shifts that matter for 2026, including regulatory uncertainty, the slowing but still resilient labor market, and the widening gap between infrastructure advancements and consumer-facing applications. With transparent commentary and practical insights, Adam and Andy cut through hype and offer a grounded, strategic view of where AI is headed next.

Ideal for leaders building AI roadmaps, this episode delivers essential perspective on the year’s biggest developments and lessons.