Synopsis: Unmesh Kulkarni, head of generative artificial intelligence (AI) practices for Tredence, dives into the impact AI agents will have on organizations once they are more widely relied on to make actual business decisions.
In this Techstrong AI video interview, Mike Vizard speaks with Unmesh Kulkarni, Senior VP for Generative AI at Tredence, about the rapid emergence of AI agents and their role in automating business processes. Kulkarni explains that AI agents represent a natural evolution from earlier AI technologies and emphasizes that while we are at the beginning of this new wave, agents will soon form “teams” based on organizational roles rather than individual tasks. These role-based agents will work collaboratively with each other and human teams, focusing on long-term outcomes rather than isolated tasks, dramatically boosting productivity by automating routine activities.
Kulkarni also discusses the need for careful orchestration of AI agents across workflows, highlighting that agents’ reasoning abilities—while more advanced than simple large language models—still require human guidance and oversight. He stresses that successful implementation will depend heavily on sound data management, including structured and unstructured data, and warns against rushing into widespread agent deployment without governance. As enterprises move forward, balancing flexibility with reliability and developing strategies to manage agent interactions will be crucial, just as frameworks and ecosystems around AI agents begin to mature.
Looking ahead, Kulkarni acknowledges that AI will significantly reshape workforces, but maintains that human creativity, decision-making, and wisdom will remain essential. He encourages individuals to upskill and focus on capabilities that machines cannot replicate easily. Culturally, organizations must find a middle ground between excessive caution and unchecked experimentation, fostering responsible AI adoption. Ultimately, the rise of AI agents is not just a technical challenge—it’s a societal transformation that will require both strategic thinking and adaptability across industries and careers.
