By Alex Stark

The vibe is good. That’s what I’ve been reading when it comes to AI and AI-adoption. Another term I hear often is ‘infection point’ when it comes to AI’s use in business. A recent report from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania surveying more than 800 senior leaders at organizations with at least $50 million in revenue states that –

  • 82% of respondents use AI daily (10% increase from 2024)
  • 46% of respondents use AI weekly (10% increase from 2024)
  • More than 70% are tightening the guardrails around the use of AI
  • 75% reported positive returns on AI investments
  • 88% plan to increase their AI spend in 2026

 

With the announcement of Doug McMillon’s retirement from Walmart, Fortune published an article detailing how two of the largest retailers – Walmart and Target – have gone in vastly different directions in the past several years. The writer theorizes that the key factor in the success disparity between the two giants is well-executed succession planning..

Walmart shares have risen 300% since McMillon, who started his career as a warehouse worker at Walmart unloading trucks, became CEO. During his run, annual revenue rose nearly $200 billion to $681 billion. In contrast, Target’s shares are up only 60%.

 

Perhaps, like you, I’m consumed by story after story about holiday spending. I’ve read articles that are bullish on the final act of 2025, and others that are a bit more concerned. The most recent is from PwC’s 2025 Holiday Outlook. Their research anticipates a 5% drop in average holiday spending.

Holiday shopping typically plays out like a well-rehearsed melody — steady rhythms, familiar refrains. But this year, it feels more like jazz: improvisational and less predictable, with shifting consumer behavior, smarter spending and a younger generation leading the key change.

 

And since we’re talking about the holidays (and holiday shopping), maybe Nordic walking poles should be on your list for Santa. According to people much smarter than me, Nordic walking burns about 20% more calories than regular walking. Not bad, with lots of food and holiday cookies on deck. 

 

Bonus: If you are of a certain age (like me), then this should make you smile. 40 years ago, a new comic strip appeared in the newspaper. Right? What’s that? Now, I was never a huge comics reader. Sure, I liked Peanuts, Garfield, and The Far Side, because, come on, you’re simply un-American if you don’t. But this comic strip spoke a different language. It was one of wonder, imagination, rebellion, mischief, philosophy, and friendship. The strip was Calvin and Hobbes.

If you know, you know.

If you missed it, do yourself a favor and pick up one of the many compilations. Your 6-year-old self will thank you for the laughs.

Remember, it costs nothing to be kind.