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By 2025, AI agents will be running tasks we never imagined, potentially cutting costs and streamlining operations at levels that many businesses aren’t prepared for. With companies like Anthropic, Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI racing to lead this AI evolution, “Phase 3” of AI—where agents act like autonomous digital employees—is closer than you think. It’s here now!

In this video, we’ll dive deep into what AI agents truly are, how they work, and why they’re set to redefine productivity, profitability, and even entire industries. Discover the incredible potential of AI agents, but also the risks. I’ll break down strategies to integrate AI agents into your own business and show you what’s needed to keep ahead of this game-changing technology. Prepare now, or your competition—and your clients—might leave you behind.

Download the free ‘AI Success Kit’ (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from Ben’s brand new book, ‘The Wolf is at The Door – How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World.’

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LINKS:
Free chapter + Success Kit download: https://www.thewolfofai.co/free-chapter
Book Link: https://mybook.to/thewolfbook

AI is an expensive business, costing upwards of $100 million simply to train a new model.

At Microsoft, though, a multi-billion dollar investment in AI appears to be paying off: CEO Satya Nadella said on a quarterly earnings call on Wednesday that Microsoft’s AI business “is on track to surpass an annual revenue run rate of $10 billion next quarter” and become “the fastest business in our history to reach this milestone.”

The annual revenue run rate projects revenue over a period of time based on previous revenue.

Related: Will It Take Nuclear Power to Sustain AI? Microsoft Is Betting on It.

Microsoft has invested about $14 billion into OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. It has also made several multi-billion dollar AI commitments, including a deal to reopen Three Mile Island, a nuclear power plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

^{Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images}

Nadella also pointed out on the call, which went over earnings for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, that Microsoft Cloud revenue was up 22% year over year, growing to $38.9 billion for the quarter ending September 30. Revenue overall increased 16% to $65.6 billion.

At Microsoft, “AI-driven transformation is changing work, work artifacts, and workflow across every role, function, and business process,” Nadella said.

Though Microsoft’s earnings were better than expected, the company’s shares fell by more than 5% on Thursday because its predicted cloud revenue growth was less than expected.

Related: These CEOs Have the Biggest Pay Packages in the U.S., According to a New Report

Nadella was well-compensated for leading Microsoft: He received a pay increase of over $30 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, resulting in an overall pay of $79.1 million compared to $48.5 million a year prior.

Nadella’s compensation would have been $5.5 million higher, but he asked for it to be lower following a series of cybersecurity breaches.

Meanwhile, Microsoft went through layoffs affecting nearly 1,900 people in its gaming division in January.

Microsoft now has about 228,000 employees globally.

Related: Microsoft Strikes Back at Salesforce, Announces New AI Agents That Can Take Over Finance, Sales, and Service Tasks

Daniel Lubetzky, the founder of Kind Snacks with a personal net worth of $2.3 billion, admits that his morning routine used to be exhausting.

“I used to have horrible habits,” he said in an interview with Entrepreneur.

Lubetzky founded Kind Snacks in 2004 and sold it for $5 billion in 2020; he is now the founder and chairman of Camino Partners, a $350 million fund he started in January 2023, and a regular cast member on ABC’s “Shark Tank.”

Lubetzky shared that he spent years going to sleep at 2 a.m. because he wanted to clear his inbox completely. Instead of going to sleep, he would spend hours checking and responding to emails. The next morning, he wouldn’t make his scheduled workout because he needed the extra half hour of sleep.

^{Daniel Lubetzky. Photo Credit: Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images}

“I had terrible exercise habits and sleeping habits,” Lubetzky said.

In the past two months, the 56-year-old entrepreneur has deliberately made some changes to his bedtime and morning routine.

“I conquered that,” he said. “I’m not going to sleep and waking up at the same time. It’s just transformed my life.”

Lubetzky now falls asleep around midnight and wakes up by 7:30 a.m. or 8 a.m., setting a new habit. His morning routine consists of stretching, something he says gives him “so much enjoyment.”

Related: Daniel Lubetzky Took Kind Snacks From Idea to $5 Billion. Here’s His Best Advice For Anyone Who Wants to Start a Business.

Productivity hack

Lubetzky also shared his top tip for productivity: When you’re working on a task, finish it.

“Don’t just leave things halfway, because then you have to start from scratch,” he said. “You’re being very unproductive.”

He recommended thinking about attention as a dot. Every time you read an email, that’s one dot virtually placed on the email. The goal is to minimize the number of dots, or points of attention, commanded by an email or document so that you’re not revisiting the same issue over and over again.

Book recommendation

Lubetzky recommended reading “The Daily Stoic” by Ryan Holiday, a book of 366 meditations. The book focuses on insights from Stoicism, a philosophical system that encourages focus on what can be controlled and acceptance of what can’t.

Related: Here’s What It Takes to Land an Investment From the Founder of Kind Snacks, Who Sold His Company for $5 Billion

Last week, Apple posted about a new security research challenge for hackers to try and test the security of the company’s servers that host its just-launched Apple Intelligence features.

If you’re successful, you could earn up to $1 million.

Related: Hackers Targeted a $12 Billion Cybersecurity Company With a Deepfake of Its CEO. This 1 Small Detail Made It Unsuccessful.

Apple is trying to protect its Private Cloud Compute (PCC) servers, which will process some Apple Intelligence requests, from bad actors and cyberattacks, ZDNet reports.

The company is looking to identify vulnerability in three main areas: accidental data disclosures, external compromises from user requests, and physical or internal access, according to the outlet.

Apple’s guide, Private Cloud Compute Security Guide, explains the ins and outs of how PCC works for anyone who thinks they can hack into the system. ZDNet notes that Apple tested the system with internal experts and other researchers in the lead-up to Apple Intelligence’s launch on Monday.

If you think you have what it takes, here is how much Apple is paying and why:

Remote attack on request data:

• Arbitrary code execution with arbitrary entitlements – $1,000,000
• Access to a user’s request data or sensitive information about the user’s requests outside the trust boundary – $250,000

Attack on request data from a privileged network position:

• Access to a user’s request data or other sensitive information about the user outside the trust boundary – $150,000
• Ability to execute unattested code – $100,000
• Accidental or unexpected data disclosure due to deployment or configuration issue – $50,000

For more information on the challenge, click here.

Americans are more likely to regret the things they didn’t do than the things they have done.

That’s according to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults split evenly by generation, which found that only 11% of Americans don’t have regrets.

Between not speaking up (40%), not visiting family or friends enough (36%) and not pursuing their dreams (35%), those missed opportunities add up.

Related: Always Waiting for the Best Option Is Holding You Back. Here’s Why.

In their lifetime, Americans average three missed chances to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip, four lost opportunities to ask their crush out and six instances of not having the perfect comeback in an argument.

On the flip side, the top actions Americans regret include spending money or purchasing something (49%), fighting with friends or family (43%) and making an unnecessary comment (36%).

Over the years, Americans also regret an average of five angry text messages and two break-ups.

In fact, nearly one-third (32%) of baby boomers have a regret that spans three decades and still crosses their minds an average of three times per month.

While millennials’ oldest regret is only about 11 years old, they average fretting about it almost once per week, more than any other generation.

Related: The Top 5 Regrets of Mid-Career Professionals

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Mucinex, results revealed that Americans are almost twice as likely to make bad decisions at night (41%) than in the morning (22%).

Moreover, Americans also tend to regret something more at night (43%). Nighttime decisions such as not going to bed at a decent time (47%), eating too many snacks or too much food (36%) and arguing with a loved one (35%) are the most likely to negatively impact Americans the next morning.

For Gen Zers, failing to do their nighttime routine (29%) or forgetting to turn on their alarm (22%) will almost always ensure morning distress.

These poor choices not only cause regret but also put Americans in a bad mood (39%), leave them unable to tackle the day (29%) or even inhibit them from fulfilling the day’s responsibilities (20%).

Related: 10 Horrible Habits You’re Doing Right Now That Are Draining Your Energy

But what factors are contributing to these bad decisions? According to the results, being tired (40%), sick and desperate for relief (20%) or after a long night out (15%) are the most likely culprits.

“We don’t make the best decisions when we’re sick or tired, especially at night,” says Albert So, marketing director of upper respiratory at Reckitt. “And while no one is going to get it right every single time, it’s important to have products you can rely on to help you make better decisions so you don’t wake up with regrets.”

For all the bad decisions made and opportunities missed, 48% of Americans still agree with the common saying, “Never regret anything because, at one moment, it was exactly what you wanted.”

This may be because almost two-thirds (64%) believe that their decision-making has gotten better as they’ve gotten older.

Results also revealed that some “bad” decisions don’t always result in feelings of regret. Staying up late with friends (24%), quitting a job (23%), taking a chance on a new food (20%), moving somewhere new (17%) and going to a concert on a weeknight (10%) are all choices Americans consider to have been “worth it.”

“Few things are worse than starting your day regretting a choice you made the night before, especially when you’re suffering from cold and flu symptoms and have a busy day ahead,” So says. “Feeling better starts with getting a good night’s sleep and making smart decisions before bed so you wake up feeling ready to go with no regrets.”

Related: 10 Regrets Most Entrepreneurs Eventually Face

Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.

For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.

While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.

However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.

For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.

Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.

If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.

Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.

Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.

I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.

Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise

For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.

2. Tech gender gap narrows

One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.

3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs

Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.

Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur

A promising future

Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.

Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Restaurants in 2024 tend to be filled with Instagramable spots and a robust menu that can appeal to a variety of TikTok trends. But the new Italian bistro, Cotoletta, in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood, has become a buzzy new addition to the Magic City’s scorching-hot dining scene because of its decidedly pared-back approach.

The menu only offers one entrée, the Cotoletta alla Milanese.

The restaurant opened last week, serving its single, perfected veal cutlet, and has garnered much fanfare. The dish is based on the classic Veal Milanese and is served with a side.

Related: Want to Open a Restaurant? Here’s a Step-By-Step Guide

Restaurateur Andrea Fraquelli of 84 Magic Hospitality told the Miami Herald that the simplicity adds a “human touch” to dining.

“We’ve all had Cotoletta alla Milanese before, but rare in the way the Milanese intended,” he told the outlet. “It’s been imitated and altered over the years, but here, we’re focused on doing justice to this dish.”

Cotoletta offers a prix fixe menu for two at $80 that includes Cotoletta alla Milanese and a choice of side: pasta, fries, or salad. Desserts are $9 each, and there’s also a wine list.

Related: An Ivy League Sophomore Says He Found a $105,000 Side Hustle: Selling Coveted Restaurant Reservations

Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance — which protects business leaders from personal losses if they are sued due to their decisions made on behalf of the company — is a critical component of risk management for businesses of all sizes. Small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) and non-profits, in particular, face growing pressure to secure this coverage as they navigate regulatory complexities, market volatility and increased exposure to lawsuits. The outcome of the 2024 election will likely shape the Directors & Officers insurance market in several key ways, particularly through changes in regulatory frameworks, litigation risk and corporate governance expectations.

1. Regulatory and compliance pressures

D&O insurance premiums are heavily influenced by the regulatory environment that business leaders operate within. Regulatory enforcement and new compliance requirements can significantly increase the exposure of directors and officers to lawsuits and regulatory actions, impacting the cost and availability of Directors & Officers insurance.

Republican influence: If Republicans gain control, we could see a rollback of certain regulations, particularly in sectors such as finance, healthcare and environmental protection. Reduced regulatory enforcement may lower litigation risks for directors and officers, which could stabilize or even reduce the cost of Directors & Officers premiums for SMBs. However, less regulation could also lead to greater public scrutiny and private litigation, which could offset some of these benefits, especially in industries where consumers or shareholders are more likely to take legal action in response to perceived misconduct. This could potentially affect non-profits more than most businesses.

Democratic influence: A Democratic victory could lead to more robust regulatory enforcement, especially in areas like environmental compliance, data privacy and corporate governance. This increased regulatory pressure may heighten the risks for directors and officers, making the cost of Directors & Officers insurance more expensive and harder to secure. SMBs, which often have less robust compliance programs than larger corporations, could see a significant uptick in the cost of their Directors & Officers premiums in the elevated risk of regulatory actions and lawsuits.

Related: Do You Have the Right Insurance for Your Business? Here’s How to Understand Your Options

2. Litigation risk and corporate accountability

D&O insurance protects business leaders against lawsuits from shareholders, employees, competitors and regulatory bodies. The legal landscape that shapes these risks can shift dramatically based on political control, impacting the frequency and severity of claims filed against directors and officers.

Republican influence: A more business-friendly environment under Republican leadership may reduce the overall litigation risk for companies, potentially easing the burden on Directors & Officers insurers. There may be fewer regulations and less aggressive enforcement of corporate accountability laws, resulting in lower claims activity. This could translate into lower premiums for SMBs, as insurers face reduced risk of large payouts.

Democratic influence: A Democratic-led administration could lead to increased accountability measures, such as more aggressive oversight on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues and expanded legal protections for employees and shareholders. These policies could lead to a higher frequency of lawsuits, particularly around issues of corporate governance, labor practices and climate-related risks. As a result, Directors & Officers insurers may raise premiums or tighten underwriting standards, especially for SMBs that might not have the same level of risk management resources as larger companies.

3. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) considerations

The push for stronger ESG standards has already begun influencing the Directors & Officers insurance market, with insurers increasingly focusing on how companies manage risks related to climate change, diversity and corporate ethics. The 2024 election could either accelerate or slow down this trend, affecting how D&O policies are priced and underwritten.

Republican policies: A Republican administration may downplay the importance of ESG regulations, reducing the pressure on businesses to meet stringent ESG criteria. This could lead to fewer claims related to ESG failures, keeping the cost of Directors & Officers insurance premiums lower for businesses not heavily invested in ESG compliance. However, directors and officers may still face reputational risks, which could result in private litigation even in the absence of regulatory enforcement.

Democratic policies: A Democratic government is likely to intensify the focus on ESG issues, increasing the expectations placed on directors and officers to ensure that their companies comply with environmental standards, social justice initiatives and governance reforms. This heightened scrutiny could lead to more claims being filed against directors for failing to meet these expectations, pushing up the cost of Directors & Officers insurance premiums even higher for businesses seen as lagging in ESG efforts. SMBs, in particular, may struggle to meet these requirements, further increasing their risk exposure. This may become an added benefit or consequence for non-profits depending on their market and mission.

4. Cybersecurity Risks and D&O Insurance

Cybersecurity is an area of growing concern for directors and officers, especially in an increasingly digital world. The exposure to lawsuits stemming from data breaches, ransomware attacks and failure to protect sensitive customer information is on the rise, and D&O policies are evolving to address these risks.

Republican Influence: A Republican administration may adopt a lighter regulatory touch when it comes to cybersecurity, focusing more on voluntary guidelines rather than strict enforcement. While this could reduce immediate compliance costs for businesses, it may increase litigation risk if cyberattacks lead to major breaches and subsequent shareholder lawsuits. Directors and officers could still be held personally liable for failing to implement adequate cybersecurity protections, which could impact the cost of Directors & Officers premiums.

Democratic Influence: A Democratic administration may impose stricter regulations around data privacy and cybersecurity. This could lead to greater liability for directors and officers, especially if their companies suffer breaches or fail to meet enhanced security standards. Insurers may respond to this heightened risk by raising the cost of Directors & Officers premiums, particularly for businesses in sectors that are frequent targets of cyberattacks, such as healthcare, finance, and retail.

October is National Cyber Security month and a great time to audit your online security. During this annual event, government and cybersecurity leaders and the insurance community, come together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. If you want to audit your cybersecurity, here are nine essential cybersecurity controls you can implement to manage your exposure.

Related: 5 Tips for Business Owners to Control Insurance Premiums

Navigating the D&O insurance landscape post-election

For small and mid-size businesses and non-profits, the D&O insurance market is likely to experience significant shifts depending on the outcome of the 2024 election. The regulatory environment, litigation landscape and corporate governance expectations will play a critical role in shaping the cost of Directors & Officers insurance.

Regardless of the election outcome, SMBs should prepare for potential changes by reassessing their risk management strategies and ensuring that their directors and officers are well-protected against evolving risks. Working closely with insurance brokers to tailor D&O coverage to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the business will be crucial in maintaining effective coverage at a reasonable cost in the post-election environment.

Nvidia’s Blackwell AI chip, the same one that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said had “insane” demand, is now free of a design error that caused a production delay.

According to a Wednesday Reuters report, Huang said that the design mistake “was 100% Nvidia’s fault.”

“We had a design flaw in Blackwell,” he stated. “It was functional, but the design flaw caused the yield to be low.”

He specified the nature of the problem, stating that “in order to make a Blackwell computer work, seven different types of chips were designed from scratch and had to be ramped into production at the same time.” After fixing the design flaw, Nvidia has been producing Blackwell “at an incredible pace,” Huang said.

Related: Here’s Why Nvidia Just Broke Another Record and Could Take Apple’s Crown as the Most Valuable Company in the World

The chips were supposed to ship in the second quarter of this year, but are now shipping in the fourth quarter.

^{Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang displays a Blackwell chip. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

Reports that Blackwell could be delayed ramped up in August, causing Nvidia shares to drop. Since then, the stock has climbed back up, growing over 188% year-to-date at the time of writing.

Related: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says Nuclear Energy ‘Is a Wonderful Way Forward’ to Keep AI Data Centers Running

Huang has previously said that intense demand was the one thing that kept him up at night and that everyone wanted to be the first to use the Blackwell chip.

“We have a lot of people on our shoulders, and everybody is counting on us,” he said last month.

Snags in Blackwell production affect some of the world’s biggest tech companies, which are Nvidia’s biggest customers. Over 40% of Nvidia’s revenue comes from just four clients: Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

Related: Here’s How the CEOs of Salesforce and Nvidia Use ChatGPT in Their Daily Lives