Why the AI Revolution is Different Than the Internet Revolution

Lessons from Cisco’s John Chambers: Experience and Disruption

There are times when a seasoned leader offers a perspective that crystallizes a shift already underway. That’s what happened when I read McKinsey’s recent interview with John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco, in “Lead or Lag: CEOs Must Embrace AI at Full Speed.”

Chambers isn’t just a commentator, he’s a veteran of multiple tech revolutions. He led Cisco through the rise of the internet, steered it through the dot-com crash, and scaled it into one of the most valuable companies of its era. Now, he’s sounding the alarm on AI, not with hype, but with hard-won clarity.

What stood out wasn’t just his belief that AI will eclipse the internet in its impact. It was his insight into why this revolution is different, and what it will take to lead through it.

This Time, We’re Ready

During the internet revolution, many traditional companies missed the moment. They weren’t structured to move fast, they didn’t prioritize innovation, and frankly, many didn’t understand the scale of the change until others surpassed them.

That’s not the case now.

“The companies of this generation will succeed in the next. They’re not only focused on it, but their top leaders are also making it the number-one priority.”

This generation of CEOs, especially in large, established firms, isn’t just watching the AI wave from the shore. They’re investing, experimenting, and reimagining their business models. Chambers suggests we’ll see leading companies spend over a $100 billion on AI initiatives. This is more than hype. It’s strategic urgency.

The Advantage Comes From Experience and Disruption

What really struck a chord with me was Chambers’ take on experience, not just the need for innovation, but the role that experienced leaders and seasoned marketers can play in navigating the AI transition.

“All of us need sources of wisdom, people who have seen the movie before. Tap the generation that’s done it and seen the changes. Learn their key lessons.”

This insight aligns perfectly with what I believe and what this blog stands for: Being AI Forward means integrating the new with the known. It’s not just about adopting tools, it’s about having the judgment to know how to use them, why they matter, and when to challenge convention.

We also need the next generation’s push to challenge the status quo. AI demands a blend of both, seasoned experience and youthful reinvention. Chambers reminds us: in periods of rapid transition, listening is essential. So is having the courage to act.

Preparing for the Pace of Change

If Chambers is right, we’re better equipped now than we were during the internet revolution. As marketers, we have the playbooks, the tech, and the cross-functional muscle memory to scale fast.

But most importantly, we have something even more powerful: the perspective to see the long game.

This isn’t about shiny tools or fear of missing out. It’s about strategy. About leveraging AI to enhance creativity, to drive smarter growth, to better serve customers. That’s the essence of being AI Forward.

Let’s learn from those who’ve seen the movie before and help write a better sequel.