AI Unplugged: The Future is Open (Source)

2025’s Must-Read AI Books, the Open-Source Disruption, and JD Vance’s AI World Tour

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Hey AI Trailblazers,

Today we’re diving into the AI books that should be on every exec’s nightstand, why open-source AI is shaking up the enterprise game, and what JD Vance’s first international trip as VP means for AI policy. Plus, a new AI-native security platform just dropped. Let’s break it down.

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5 AI Books Every Enterprise Leader Needs in 2025

Not all AI books are created equal. These five? Absolute goldmines for anyone serious about AI strategy:

  • The Coming WaveMustafa Suleyman’s breakdown of AI risks and opportunities. Required reading for decision-makers navigating AI’s wild ride.

  • AI SuperpowersKai-Fu Lee’s classic on US-China AI dominance still holds weight in 2025. If you missed it, now’s the time.

  • The Algorithmic LeaderMike Walsh lays out the blueprint for AI-first leadership. Practical and no fluff.

  • Power and Progress – Awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics, Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson’s book is essential, not just for AI, but for understanding how tech advancements historically benefit the few over the many. Enterprise leaders, take notes.

  • The AI-First CompanyAsh Fontana’s tactical guide to actually integrating AI into your business (not just talking about it).

Open-Source AI and Proprietary AI finally shaking hands... but one of them is definitely keeping secrets.

Open-Source AI: The Enterprise Shift You Can’t Ignore

Open-source AI refers to artificial intelligence models, frameworks, and tools whose code is publicly available for anyone to use, modify, and improve. Unlike proprietary AI (like OpenAI’s GPT-4 or Google’s Gemini, which are closed-source), open-source AI enables enterprises to customize models to their specific needs without vendor lock-in.

For example, Meta’s Llama 3, Mistral AI, and Hugging Face’s Transformers are open-source AI models that allow businesses to build and fine-tune AI without paying for expensive proprietary licenses.

Is 2025 the tipping point for open-source AI in enterprises? Many believe so, and suggest it’s a good thing. Here’s why:

  • Lower Costs, Faster Innovation –Ditching proprietary models means lower costs and more flexibility, allowing businesses to innovate without the hefty price tags.

  • Security Trade-Offs – Open-source AI isn’t risk-free. Expect increased focus on governance and compliance.

The likely outcome? Hybrid models—leveraging open-source for adaptability while fine-tuning with proprietary safeguards. Forward-thinking leaders should assess how to balance cost savings with risk management before making the leap.

Is Your Company Going Open-Source in 2025?

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AI Security Gets a Major Upgrade

Enterprises struggling with AI security? ID Privacy AI just launched the first AI-native security platform designed for building custom, secure AI models without data exposure risks.

  • Autonomous AI Agents – Real-time security adjustments, no manual intervention.

  • End-to-End Privacy – No more patchwork solutions—this one’s built from the ground up.

  • Enterprise Ready – Custom AI models tailored to your specific security needs.

JD Vance’s First International Trip: Why It Matters for AI

VP JD Vance is heading to Paris and Munich for his first overseas trip, where he’ll attend the AI Summit and the Munich Security Conference. Here’s why enterprise leaders should care:

  • Global AI Policy is Coming – The EU is leading on AI regulations. Expect discussions on global AI governance.

  • Enterprise AI Strategy – US and European companies are the AI leaders—harmonized policies will shape future enterprise adoption.

  • AI & National Security – Cybersecurity and military AI applications will take center stage in Munich.

Past Poll Results: Do You Trust AI Regulations?

📊 42% – Yes, regulations will help prevent AI risks.
📊 38% – No, they’ll slow down innovation.
📊 20% – Unsure—too early to tell.

Verdict? Mixed feelings. But one thing’s clear—AI regulation isn’t slowing down, and enterprises that adapt early will stay ahead.

TL;DR

  • Must-Read AI Books – The five books every enterprise leader should read this year.

  • Open-Source AI Revolution – Cost savings, security concerns, and the rise of hybrid models.

  • AI Security Breakthrough – ID Privacy AI’s new platform secures enterprise AI without compromising speed.

  • JD Vance’s AI Summit Trip – Global AI policies are shifting—enterprise leaders need to pay attention.

  • Poll Results – Mixed trust in AI regulations, but companies that stay ahead will benefit.

Whether it’s open-source disruption, new security innovations, or policy shifts on the global stage, staying ahead isn’t optional—it’s essential. Keep pushing boundaries, leading with insight, and making AI work for your business.

Stay sharp,

Cat Valverde
Founder, Enterprise AI Solutions
Navigating Tomorrow’s Tech Landscape Together