Introduction to AI Leadership

A leaked internal memo from Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke has quietly gone viral in executive circles — and for good reason. It is arguably one of the clearest expressions to date of what CEO leadership should look like in the age of AI.

In the memo, Lütke states plainly, “Using AI effectively is now a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify.” Not just developers. Not just analysts. Everyone. This is not some passing trend or another bullet point on an IT roadmap. It is a cultural shift. It’s a new way of working and thinking — one that Shopify is now weaving into its performance reviews, product development cycles and company-wide expectations. In the memo, Lütke makes the following proclamations:

• AI Proficiency Is Now Mandatory: Using AI effectively is no longer optional at Shopify — it is a baseline expectation for all employees, regardless of role. This marks a significant cultural and operational shift.
• Non-Use of AI Requires Justification. Employees must demonstrate why AI cannot be used before requesting additional resources (e.g., more staff or time). Stagnation is framed as failure — employees are encouraged to continuously upskill and experiment with AI.
• AI in Product Development. AI must be integrated into the early stages (prototype phase) of all GSD (get sh** done) projects. This approach is intended to dramatically accelerate learning, iteration and team collaboration.
• Performance Accountability. Shopify is adding AI usage to its performance and peer review criteria, making AI adoption part of how employees are evaluated and rewarded, including leadership and executive teams.

The Age of AI: A New Era for Businesses

The tone of the memo is direct and urgent. Lütke asserts that failing to adopt AI now will lead to stagnation and decline, emphasizing that employees must keep climbing — or risk sliding backward. “This exemplifies what CEO leadership looks like in the Age of AI," says Paul Baier, CEO of GAI Insights and Forbes AI contributor. “CEOs must adapt to leading organizations of, say, 1,000 employees empowered with 5,000 AI assistants.”

AI Is a Business Mindset, Not a Technology Stack

What makes the Shopify memo so compelling is its bluntness. Lütke doesn’t politely suggest employees try using AI. He doesn’t offer training modules or optional tools. He says adapt or fall behind: “Stagnation is slow-motion failure. If you’re not climbing, you’re sliding.” Lütke’s memo also reflects a broader reality: AI has already shifted from experiment to expectation. The companies that thrive in this new environment will be those whose CEOs stop treating AI as an initiative and start treating it as a core operating model.

CEOs Leading the Charge

Several other business leaders are issuing similar directives — less publicized, but equally transformative:

• Jon Moeller, CEO of Procter & Gamble, has articulated a pragmatic but ambitious vision for AI across the company’s business units, describing it as “a force multiplier for growth and productivity.”
• Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup, has made AI a central pillar of the bank’s $12 billion modernization strategy, not only for internal efficiencies but as a customer experience accelerator.
• Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co., has overseen the integration of AI to sharpen demand forecasting, optimize inventory and improve supply chain agility.

What Real CEO Leadership in the Age of AI Looks Like

Executive leadership isn’t about cheerleading AI or greenlighting another pilot project. CEOs must fundamentally shift how they lead. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Mandate Use, Don’t Just Encourage Exploration. Like Lütke, CEOs must make clear that using AI isn’t optional. AI literacy and experimentation should be expected of everyone — not just the innovation team.
2. Tie AI to Productive Output. Shopify isn’t asking teams to build AI for AI’s sake. It wants people using AI in the prototype phase of projects — the earliest stages of idea development — when speed and iteration matter most.
3. Formalize Accountability. Follow Shopify’s lead in including AI proficiency in feedback loops — whether through peer reviews, OKRs or team dashboards.
4. Design for Scale, Not Just Sparkle. Stop launching pilots with no path to production. Instead, build AI usage standards, define enterprise-wide tooling strategies and create “AI-as-default” policies in business workflows.
5. Lead Culturally, Not Just Operationally. One of the most overlooked CEO responsibilities in this era is cultural modeling. Use AI in your own daily work. Talk about it publicly. Ask teams how they’re applying it.

The Emergence of the Self-Driving Enterprise

We’re fast approaching an era when leading companies will function more like self-driving enterprises — data-fueled, agentic AI orchestrated, highly automated and continuously learning and strategically adapting in real time. That won’t happen by happenstance. It will require CEOs to shift their organizations’ very metabolism. What Shopify has shown is that the path to this future isn’t paved with expensive platforms or massive headcount changes — it’s built by creating a workplace culture where AI is part of every project, every role and every decision.

Conclusion

Organizations that treat AI as a way of life will thrive. Those that relegate it to the IT department will lag — or lose altogether. The memo from Lütke is more than an internal directive. It’s a mirror for every senior executive to look into and ask: Are we organizationally adapting? Or are we merely treating AI as a science project?

FAQs

• Q: What is the main message of Tobias Lütke’s memo to Shopify employees?
  A: The main message is that using AI effectively is now a fundamental expectation of everyone at Shopify, and it’s a cultural shift that will be woven into performance reviews, product development cycles, and company-wide expectations.
• Q: How does Shopify plan to integrate AI into its operations?
  A: Shopify plans to integrate AI into the early stages of all GSD projects, add AI usage to performance and peer review criteria, and make AI proficiency a mandatory skill for all employees.
• Q: What do other CEOs think about AI adoption in their companies?
  A: Other CEOs, such as Jon Moeller, Jane Fraser, and Chip Bergh, are also making AI a central part of their business strategies, using it to drive growth, improve customer experience, and optimize operations.
• Q: What does it mean for a company to be a "self-driving enterprise"?
  A: A self-driving enterprise is a company that functions like a self-driving car, using data and AI to automate and optimize its operations, and continuously learn and adapt in real-time.

The Power of Social Media

Social media has become a crucial tool for digital activists, providing a platform to reach a vast audience and spread awareness about environmental issues. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have made it possible for individuals to share their concerns, mobilize support, and create online campaigns that can go viral. For instance, the #FridaysForFuture movement, which was started by Greta Thunberg, has inspired millions of people around the world to take action against climate change. The movement’s online presence has been instrumental in raising awareness and mobilizing support for the cause.

The Impact of Online Campaigns

Online campaigns have been instrumental in bringing attention to environmental issues and driving change. For example, the campaign to save the Amazon rainforest from deforestation has gained significant traction online, with millions of people signing petitions and sharing articles about the issue. The online campaign has put pressure on governments and corporations to take action, and has led to some significant victories, including the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable forest management practices.

Digital Tools for Environmental Activism

In addition to social media, there are a range of digital tools that are being used by environmental activists to drive change. For example, online platforms like Change.org and Care2 allow individuals to start and sign petitions, while websites like Kickstarter and GoFundMe enable people to raise money for environmental causes. There are also a range of apps and software programs that are being used to track environmental issues, such as air and water pollution, and to develop sustainable solutions.

The Role of Data and Analytics

Data and analytics are playing an increasingly important role in environmental activism, enabling individuals and organizations to track and measure the impact of their efforts. For example, satellite imagery and sensor data are being used to track deforestation and habitat destruction, while data analytics is being used to identify areas of high conservation value and to develop effective conservation strategies. The use of data and analytics is also enabling environmental activists to hold governments and corporations accountable for their actions, and to push for greater transparency and accountability.

Online Communities and Forums

Online communities and forums are providing a space for environmental activists to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. For example, online forums like Reddit’s r/environment and r/sustainability are providing a platform for individuals to discuss environmental issues and share knowledge and expertise. There are also a range of online communities and networks that are focused on specific environmental issues, such as climate change and conservation.

The Importance of Collaboration and Networking

Collaboration and networking are critical components of digital activism, enabling individuals and organizations to work together to achieve common goals. Online communities and forums are providing a space for environmental activists to connect with each other, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. For example, the online community of climate activists has been instrumental in developing and implementing effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Challenges and Limitations

While digital activism has the potential to drive significant change, there are also a range of challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. For example, the online space can be crowded and competitive, making it difficult for environmental activists to get their message heard. There is also the risk of online harassment and abuse, which can be a significant barrier to participation. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction can make it difficult to build trust and establish meaningful relationships with others.

Overcoming the Challenges

To overcome the challenges and limitations of digital activism, environmental activists need to be strategic and intentional in their use of technology. This includes developing a clear and compelling message, using social media effectively, and building a strong online community. It also requires a willingness to adapt and evolve, as the online landscape is constantly changing. By being aware of the challenges and limitations, and by using technology in a way that is intentional and strategic, environmental activists can maximize their impact and achieve their goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, technology is revolutionizing the way we approach the environmental movement, and the digital activist is at the forefront of this shift. With the power of technology, individuals can now make a significant impact on the environment from the comfort of their own homes. By leveraging social media, online campaigns, digital tools, and online communities, environmental activists can raise awareness, mobilize support, and drive change like never before. While there are challenges and limitations to digital activism, by being strategic and intentional in their use of technology, environmental activists can maximize their impact and achieve their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is digital activism?

Digital activism refers to the use of technology, including social media, online campaigns, and digital tools, to promote social and environmental change.

How can I get involved in digital activism?

You can get involved in digital activism by starting or signing a petition, sharing articles and posts on social media, and participating in online campaigns. You can also use digital tools, such as apps and software programs, to track environmental issues and develop sustainable solutions.

What are the benefits of digital activism?

The benefits of digital activism include the ability to reach a large audience, mobilize support, and drive change from the comfort of your own home. Digital activism also provides a range of tools and resources that can be used to track and measure the impact of your efforts.

What are the challenges of digital activism?

The challenges of digital activism include the risk of online harassment and abuse, the lack of face-to-face interaction, and the difficulty of getting your message heard in a crowded and competitive online space.

How can I overcome the challenges of digital activism?

To overcome the challenges of digital activism, you need to be strategic and intentional in your use of technology. This includes developing a clear and compelling message, using social media effectively, and building a strong online community. It also requires a willingness to adapt and evolve, as the online landscape is constantly changing.

Introduction to Quantum Computing

Quantum computing might seem like “just another” new technology, like the internet, cloud computing and AI. In fact, it’s something rather different – more similar to the leap forward from the earliest valve-based computers to modern transistors and microprocessors. These paradigm shifts in compute don’t just bring us faster computers— they bring computers that work with data in entirely new ways. In the case of quantum computers, this means leveraging the weird and wonderful properties of quantum science, like superposition and quantum tunneling, to complete some tasks millions of times more quickly than classical computers.

The Significance of Quantum Computing

Make no mistake – quantum computing is a big deal and will redefine the way we use computers to understand the real world. From simulating the complex interactions between molecules that make modern medicine possible to predicting the behavior of chaotic systems like financial markets and the weather. Recent breakthroughs include the achievement of quantum supremacy— maybe. But for most of us, quantum computing is far from an everyday part of life, and huge opportunities are still there for the taking.

Quantum Today

We start our roadmap with quantum computing, which has already achieved several significant milestones and is moving out of labs and into businesses. Media coverage often revolves around the issue of quantum supremacy – the point where quantum computers will perform tasks that would be impossible or impractical for “classical” computers. Google claimed to have achieved it in 2019 with its 54-bit Sycamore quantum processor, but its performance was later beaten by classical computers. China’s University Of Science And Technology once again made the claim in 2020, and most recently, D-Wave, which sold the first commercial quantum computers in 2011, carried out a material simulation in 20 minutes that would take the most powerful supercomputers almost a million years.

Accessibility of Quantum Computing

As well as becoming more powerful, quantum is also starting to become accessible. Tech giants including Amazon, Google and Microsoft offer quantum-as-a-service, bringing the barrier to entry lower than ever, and paving the way for anyone with ideas to start building quantum applications to fit their needs.

Applied Quantum Supremacy

So, it’s all well and good that quantum computers can beat classical computers at hugely complicated theoretical calculations in laboratory conditions. A more significant milestone will be reached when they offer real improvements when it comes to running practical applications. Exactly when this will happen has been the subject of some debate. The CEO of Nvidia caused quantum computing stock prices to drop when he recently said practical quantum computing was “decades away” (he later admitted he might be wrong about this). Google’s director of Quantum AI, however, has said he believes it could be as little as five years until quantum computers become the go-to option for common tasks that they’re more suitable for than classical computers.

Quantum Encryption

At some point in the not-so-far-off future, quantum computers will become powerful enough to easily crack many forms of digital encryption. Unfortunately, this includes some public key security protocols like RSA cryptography, which, among other things, is used to secure private conversations, financial transactions and government communications systems. This is not unforeseen, and for some time, cybersecurity researchers have been working on the challenge of creating quantum-safe cryptography. Former U.S. President Joe Biden issued an executive order making this a national security priority.

More Reliable Quantum Computing

Technically, the term is fault-tolerant quantum computing. The qubits that quantum computers use to process data have to be kept in a delicate state – sometimes frozen to temperatures very close to absolute zero – in order to stay stable and not “decohere”. Keeping them in this state for longer periods of time requires large amounts of energy but is necessary for more complex calculations. Recent research by Google, among others, is pointing the way towards developing more robust and resilient quantum methods. This includes trapped ion quantum computing, which isolates positively charged ions in a way that makes them stable for longer periods of time. Another technique demonstrated by scientists at QuTech involves measuring the spin of electrons inside diamonds. It’s predicted that truly fault-tolerant quantum computers could be a reality by 2030.

Quantum AI

One of the most exciting prospects ahead of us involves applying quantum computing to AI. Firstly, many AI algorithms involve solving the types of problems that quantum computers excel at, such as optimization problems. Secondly, with its ability to more accurately simulate and model the physical world, it will generate huge amounts of synthetic data. This data will more closely resemble real-world data than existing synthetic data, down to the molecular or sub-atomic level, while also being far cheaper and easier to produce. Work is already ongoing to make this a reality – Quantinuum is focusing its efforts on developing the machine learning techniques needed for quantum-powered natural language processing. It’s hard to put a timescale on this one as breakthroughs could occur any day, but I predict we can expect to see progress within five to 10 years.

Further Ahead

Looking beyond the next two decades, quantum computing will be changing the world in ways we can’t even imagine yet, just as the leap to transistors and microchips enabled the digital world and the internet of today. It will tackle currently impossible problems, help us create fantastic new materials with amazing properties and medicines that affect our bodies in new ways, and help us tackle huge problems like climate change and cleaning the oceans. Key challenges, like the risk of exacerbating inequality if access is limited to the rich and the significant energy demands, will need to be addressed. But make no mistake, quantum computing is on its way, and its impact will be felt by us all. Those who don’t want to risk missing out should start preparing for it now.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is moving beyond theoretical milestones into practical business applications faster than many realize, with industry leaders predicting widespread adoption within just five years. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see significant advancements in areas such as quantum encryption, fault-tolerant quantum computing, and quantum AI. While there are challenges to be addressed, the potential benefits of quantum computing are undeniable, and it is essential for individuals and organizations to start preparing for its impact.

FAQs

Q: What is quantum computing?

A: Quantum computing is a new paradigm in computing that leverages the properties of quantum science to complete tasks millions of times more quickly than classical computers.

Q: What is quantum supremacy?

A: Quantum supremacy refers to the point where quantum computers will perform tasks that would be impossible or impractical for “classical” computers.

Q: How accessible is quantum computing?

A: Tech giants including Amazon, Google and Microsoft offer quantum-as-a-service, bringing the barrier to entry lower than ever, and paving the way for anyone with ideas to start building quantum applications to fit their needs.

Q: What is the potential impact of quantum computing on encryption?

A: Quantum computers will become powerful enough to easily crack many forms of digital encryption, including some public key security protocols like RSA cryptography.

Q: What is the timeline for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers?

A: It’s predicted that truly fault-tolerant quantum computers could be a reality by 2030.