ISSUE #59

Welcome to the Forward Obsessed Founder, my newsletter with insights, awesome tools, and real-world advice to grow your business and career.

GO FORWARD THOUGHT OF THE WEEK ➡️

2025 AI: The Brave New Frontier

The pace of change in the world today is dizzying, and nowhere is that truer than in artificial intelligence. As we begin 2025, AI is no longer just a tool; it’s a partner in building, creating, and solving problems. There are unlimited opportunities for people and businesses who can adapt and use AI effectively.

On X last week I shared 20 short predictions for AI in the new year, and in today's newsletter I'll consolidate that into six unignorable themes shaping the AI landscape in 2025.

1. AI as a Co-Founder: Empowering Builders

Launching a business in 2025 is a whole new ballgame. You don’t need to hunt for a technical co-founder or spend years learning to code. Tools like ClaudeGPT, Bolt, and Cursor have become the silent co-founders of a new generation of entrepreneurs.

These platforms make it easy to turn ideas into reality. Whether it’s a passion project or a potential unicorn startup, these tools bridge the gap between creativity and execution.

Speaking of this new superpower, would you be interested in learning how to build your own apps using AI tools? You don’t need any programming experience, I’ll teach you everything. Click here to let me know.

2. A Redefined Workforce: Managing AI, Not People

Middle management looks different now. Instead of overseeing people, managers are supervising AI agents—smart, autonomous programs handling tasks like customer service and project management.

This shift has created new leadership roles that require strategic thinking and problem-solving to get the most out of AI. Entry-level jobs are being automated, pushing workers to level up and challenging companies to rethink how they measure value. These changes are making the workforce leaner and more dynamic, creating big opportunities for growth and innovation.

In case you missed it, I wrote about AI Agents a couple weeks ago. Read here.

3. Creativity and Storytelling: The Human Advantage

As AI takes over repetitive tasks, human creativity is more valuable than ever. In a world flooded with AI-generated content, people crave authenticity. Movements like “Made by Humans” show that audiences are willing to pay a premium for goods, services, and stories that feel personal.

Whether it’s branding, marketing, or product design, the real winners in 2025 combine AI’s efficiency with human ingenuity. Creativity isn’t just a differentiator—it’s essential.

👋 Hey, want even more than this? I spent 100 hours and wrote almost 10,000 words mapping out the AI battlefield in 2025. If this is something you want to prioritize for your business, book a 15 minute call with me.

​Click here to read the full breakdown​

4. The Solo Entrepreneur Era: Doing More with Less

Thanks to AI, one person can now achieve what used to require a team. This shift has empowered a new wave of solo entrepreneurs who use AI tools to scale their businesses without increasing headcount.

This lean, high-impact approach is reshaping how businesses start and grow. AI agents handle customer engagement, data analysis, and product recommendations, freeing up founders to focus on strategy and vision. It’s the fastest way for you to spend more time in your zone of genius while an army of agents handles everything else.

5. Distribution as the Ultimate Moat

AI has made creating content easier than ever, but in 2025, the real challenge is standing out. Distribution isn’t only about how far your message travels—it’s about building genuine trust, earning loyalty, and gathering a community of people who care about what you care about.

Here’s the thing: with the global creator economy projected to grow to $480 billion by 2027, having an engaged audience is more valuable than ever. The winners aren’t those with the best AI tools but those with the strongest connections.

Attention is the new oil, trust is the new moat, and authentic relationships are the ultimate currency.

6. The Boring Layer Wins: Foundational Infrastructure Matters

People keep trying to do the sexy marketing thing and win the billboard battle with flashy AI applications. But there’s undeniable value in the "digital plumbing" that keeps all the shiny stuff running.

In 2025, the quiet giants—the ones building data centers, compute platforms, and backend systems—are generating gigantic revenue. Think of it like a gold rush: everyone wants to strike gold, but the smart folks are the ones selling the picks, shovels, and blue jeans.

Companies like AWS, Azure, and Snowflake are thriving because they’re providing the foundational layers that make everything else possible. They’re not chasing the sexy “look what I can talk about on social media” businesses. They’re doubling down on scalable, essential infrastructure—the stuff every AI company needs but no one wants to talk about. If you’re looking for where the long-term wins are, follow the plumbing!

What’s Next?

As 2025 continues, the lines between human and AI collaboration will continue to blur. AI isn’t here to replace creativity or human connection—it’s here to amplify them.

The question isn’t whether AI will transform your work—it already is. The real question is whether you’ll seize the moment to lead, innovate, and create.

Are you ready to embrace these trends and make 2025 your breakout year? Book a quick call with me and let’s explore what’s possible together. I’d love to show you how to use these tools and trends to do more with AI in your work and life.

- Pete Sena​

Quick Question 👋

What if you could build custom software for your business using AI tools, with no programming experience?

Would you be interested in learning how to do that?

​If you are, click REPLY to this email and tell me!​

When I look at the AI battlefield for 2025-2026, I think people are missing an incredible opportunity to build apps and products because they (incorrectly) believe they're constrained by "coding experience".

Remember, experience is not a constraint anymore. AI is your cofounder. Taste and distribution are the levers people use to move the world.

I'm planning to host a small group of builders who want to learn how to use AI to build their own apps — no coding experience necessary.

​If that sounds interesting to you, reply and let me know!​

Thanks so much for reading this edition of The Forward Obsessed Founder — you can also check out this issue on the web [Link].​
​
​Spread the word and grow my mission together

Please take a second and hit the FWD button ▶️, to share this email with your favorite growth-obsessed peer. I want to inspire 1 million awesome minds like you.

​​​​

​

​Unsubscribe | Update your profile | 470 James Street, Suite 02, New Haven, CT 06511