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Four lessons for the AI revolution from 30 years of tech disruption

Australian Financial Review

ENRICHED

Details

Date Published
3 Mar 2026
Priority Score
2
Australian
Yes
Created
3 Mar 2026, 04:00 am

Description

Operational history shows that “transformers” such as Google often win by learning from pioneers. Here is how to time the artificial intelligence shift.

Summary

This article offers insights into navigating the AI revolution by drawing parallels from 30 years of technological disruption. The author, CEO of Xero and former executive at major tech companies, posits that established players often learn from pioneers. The piece suggests that understanding historical patterns of disruption is crucial for businesses to effectively adapt and succeed in the current AI landscape. While not directly addressing catastrophic AI risks, it provides a strategic business perspective on AI adoption crucial for economic adaptation.

Body

TechnologyAIPrint articleMar 3, 2026 – 12.00pmOver the past 30 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to several firsts that fundamentally reshaped our digital lives. From launching the first third-party marketplaces at Junglee/Amazon and building the fintech data backbone at Yodlee, to launching Google Maps and pioneering video commerce at Joyus, I’ve seen the same patterns of disruption repeat.As the business world navigates the current AI revolution, these patterns aren’t just historical trivia, they are the blueprint for our future. Here are the four lessons I’ve learnt from witnessing these firsts over 30 years of operating.Loading...Sukhinder Singh Cassidy is the CEO of Xero, a New Zealand-based accounting software company, and former president of StubHub.SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreAIOpinionXeroCloudAmazonAmazon effectAndrew CharltonGoogleInstagramMicrosoftOpenAIYouTubeFetching latest articles