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The Future of Innovation: How Humans and AI Can Co-Create Value.
The Future of Innovation: How Humans and AI Can Co-Create Value.

August 4, 2025

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AI and robotics are no longer abstract concepts, they are actively transforming industries, redefining customer experiences, and reshaping how organizations think about innovation. But with these breakthroughs come bigger questions: How do we ensure technology enhances human potential rather than replacing it? How do we innovate with ethics, inclusion, and purpose at the core?

These themes formed the core of “Humans, Machines, and the Next Leap,” a thought-provoking webinar and panel discussion hosted by Unfold Consulting, moderated by Puja Kohli (Founder, Unfold Consulting) and Shailendra Mruthyunjayappa (President and CEO, Fintellix). 

The panel featured insights from cross-industry leaders: Aman Lamba, Global Director- Partner Success, Gigamon, Gita Ghosh, Deputy GM, Strategic IP and Innovation Management, Mercedes-Benz R&D, Komal Khullar, BFSI Expert (Former Business Risk and Compliance Leader, SBM Bank) and Upendra Sai Matsa, Data Analytics and AI Lead, APMEA, Wipro. The discussion explored not only the promise of emerging technologies but also the challenges, blind spots, and human questions that come with them. Here are some key takeaways from the webinar in this article. 

The Transformative Impact: AI's Threefold Revolution

AI isn’t a far-off concept; it’s actively reshaping industries. According to

Upendra, this transformation is happening in three key ways: improving how companies operate internally, enhancing how they deliver services to customers, and fundamentally allowing them to "change the game" with entirely new products and business models.

Komal, drawing on her extensive experience in banking, provided a powerful example of this in action with HDFC Bank's 10-second personal loan. By leveraging machine learning to analyze customer data and behavior, the bank could offer pre-approved loans almost instantly- streamlining customer experience and freeing up sales staff for higher-value tasks.

 

The Human-AI Synergy: Augmenting, Not Replacing

The question isn't whether machines will replace humans- it's how they'll help us become better at what we do. 

 

Gita emphasized that while AI is incredibly advanced, it has its limits. "At the end of the day, we are humans," she stated, explaining that machines cannot replicate the feelings, emotions, or nuanced understanding that define us. She shared how Mercedes-Benz is testing the Apptronik Apollo, a humanoid robot, to assist with logistics and manufacturing—handling physically demanding tasks so human workers can focus on more complex, value-added work. However, this partnership requires vigilance. 

Aman offered a crucial reminder that we must not blindly trust AI, which can "hallucinate" or generate false information. He advised that true wisdom lies in using our own human intelligence and instinct to validate AI's output before making critical decisions.

Responsible Innovation: Navigating the Ethical Landscape

As AI advances, responsible innovation is paramount, addressing ethical dilemmas and establishing robust governance.

  • Bias in AI: A Reflection and Exaggeration of Human Flaws

AI can reflect and even exaggerate human biases, as highlighted by Upendra, who shared examples of discrimination in AI systems. Mitigating these biases requires conscious effort, starting with diverse development teams and well-curated training data.

  • Data Privacy: A Global Divide

Gita highlighted varying global attitudes towards data privacy, with Europe prioritizing protection more than some Asian regions. This creates a delicate balance between leveraging data for innovation and safeguarding personal information, necessitating transparent policies and robust security measures.

  • Governance and Oversight: Building Ethical Guardrails

Establishing clear governance is crucial. Mercedes-Benz's "Responsible AI" initiative, with its strict criteria for AI tools and data usage, exemplifies the need for ethical guardrails to build trust and ensure long-term societal benefit.

 

Evolving Leadership: Traits for the New Era

The rapid evolution of AI and robotics demands a corresponding evolution in leadership, moving beyond traditional paradigms.

 

Aman introduced IMQ (Imaginative Quotient) and SQ (Spiritual Quotient) as critical for success. IMQ emphasizes creative problem-solving and expansive thinking, while SQ highlights introspection and inner wisdom for decision-making in a complex world.

 

Komal stressed digital competence, a growth mindset, resilience, and adaptability as crucial. Leaders must embrace continuous learning and set an example of curiosity and openness to navigate constant change. Shailendra summarized this as integrating technology with human values, ethics, and a mindset of experimentation to amplify human potential.

Future-Proofing Careers: Skills for 2025 and Beyond

This evolving landscape demands a new mindset. The panelists agreed that linear career paths are becoming a thing of the past and that adaptability is the new key to success.

  • From FOMO to JOMO: Aman introduced the idea of shifting from a "Fear Of Missing Out" to a "Joy of Missing Out". In a world of information overload, he argued, it’s vital to be selective, focus on your passions, and not get lost in the noise.
  • Embrace a Growth Mindset: For Komal, traits like a growth mindset, resilience, and digital competence are now "non-negotiable" for any professional. The pace of change is so rapid that a commitment to lifelong learning is essential.
  • Be Open and Curious: "Don't be afraid to say I don't know," urged Upendra, highlighting that collaboration is more important than ever. Similarly, Gita spoke on the need to remain "open-minded" and continuously challenge the status quo, which she sees as the core of innovation.

Conclusion
AI and robotics aren’t here to replace us- they’re here to amplify what makes us uniquely human: creativity, intuition, and values. The panel reinforced that innovation isn’t just about adopting technology, but about using it thoughtfully- to create better customer experiences, design ethical systems, and build workplaces where people can thrive.

As Shailendra aptly said, “It’s not about how much one knows, but how fast one learns.” The next leap forward lies not just in the power of machines- but in our willingness to adapt, experiment, and grow by blending human ingenuity with machine intelligence to shape a future that’s both powerful and purposeful.

 

This article was previously posted on: https://community.intrapreneurshipknowledgehub.live/p/the-future-of-innovation-how-humans-and-ai-can-co-create-value-x59b8fseqdgd4a1v?refBy=MzJkZjllMWM3Mw


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Unfold is a leading culture consulting firm specializing in fostering Inclusive, Intrapreneurial, and Future-ready workplaces. With over 8 years of experience, we excel in organizational development and change management, guiding clients to build winning cultures. Our capability development programs (like Inclusive Leadership, Allyship, Intrapreneurial DNA, Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring) and research services equip your team with the knowledge and insights they need to thrive. Through audits and assessments, we provide a clear picture of your current workplace culture and identify areas for improvement. Our team is particularly passionate about promoting intrapreneurship in India through initiatives like the Vanguard Awards, Intrapreneurship Conclave, certification program and a digital knowledge hub. Unfold has held 5 editions of Intrapreneurship Conclave and engaged with ~150 organizations till date. Overall, we guide you towards a more educated, engaged, and evolved workplace.

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