How AI and Human Potential Work Together to Drive Business Growth

AI is everywhere. From agentic tools to intelligent automation, it’s transforming how businesses operate at a pace we’ve never seen before. Yet for many organisations, the challenge isn’t just adopting AI, it’s adopting it in a way that delivers real value. In a recent discussion with Peritus Partner's Jodi Barrow, Bruno Bonando shared insights from two decades of building tech businesses in Brazil and Europe, highlighting how AI can empower companies of all sizes. His message is refreshingly clear: Technology alone isn’t enough. The true competitive advantage comes from harnessing AI to amplify human potential, not replace it.

Curiosity as the Starting Point

Bruno’s career began with a simple fascination: how can technology make life better for people and businesses? That curiosity led him from founding software companies in Brazil to working across startups and large enterprises in Germany. “Technology changes so fast that every few years, it feels like a new world opens up,” he explains. “I love exploring new possibilities and figuring out how tech can solve real problems.”

AI as an Accelerator, Not a Replacement

For Bruno, AI isn’t just another tool, it’s an amplifier of human potential. From drafting emails automatically to managing pricing and supply chains, AI can orchestrate processes end-to-end, helping companies act faster, smarter, and more customer-focused.

Yet he cautions against over-reliance. “AI should enhance human judgment, not replace it,” he says. “Blind trust in systems is a risk. The power comes when AI is integrated thoughtfully into business processes, guided by humans who understand the context and strategy.”

The Power of AI Agents

One of the most exciting developments is AI agents, autonomous systems capable of handling complex tasks with minimal human oversight. Bruno points to Omni Agent, a platform designed to democratise AI for smaller businesses. These AI agents can:

• Automate customer support and scheduling.

• Integrate with CRM and payment systems.

• Monitor online conversations and provide sentiment analysis.

“The goal is to give small and medium businesses capabilities that used to require large AI teams,” Bruno explains. “AI becomes a digital workforce, handling repetitive tasks while humans focus on strategic decision-making.”

Start with Data, Then Build Systems

Bruno stresses that AI is only as good as the data behind it. Retailers and legacy businesses often struggle with fragmented or outdated systems. Successful AI adoption requires:

• High-quality, integrated data.

• Engineering teams that can connect systems and deploy AI tools.

• Dedicated R&D teams monitoring emerging technologies.

  
  

Human Skills Remain Critical

Despite AI’s capabilities, humans remain central to success. Bruno highlights three key areas where people add value:

• Strategic thinking to define business problems.

• Oversight and governance to ensure AI aligns with company goals.

• Continuous learning to stay ahead of technological change.

  
  

Take Action Now

For Bruno, the message to businesses is clear:

• Invest in people. Build skills for AI-driven decision-making.

• Modernise infrastructure. Reliable systems are essential for AI adoption.

• Start small, scale fast. Focus on measurable outcomes rather than chasing every shiny AI tool.

  
  

AI is transforming work, but its impact depends on how businesses deploy it. By combining strong foundations, human oversight, and intelligent automation, companies can move from experimenting with AI to harnessing it as a real driver of growth and efficiency.

Listen to the full episode of Tomorrow's Tech Workforce | Peritus Partners to hear Bruno’s insights on harnessing AI to unlock human potential and drive meaningful, sustainable business impact.