First Day of Davos 2025 with Sandy Carter
Davos 2025 was an unforgettable experience with the power of conversations around AI, Blockchain, and Quatum. Over the course of five days, I had the privilege of meeting CEOs, multiple heads of state, and a remarkable collection of experts in quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain.
I also had the opportunity to share my experience in Blockchain and AI with over 10 keynotes, panels, and podcasts. Every conversation felt like a sharing and learning experience.
What struck me most was not just the depth of expertise but the palpable energy to collaborate and solve global challenges—from advancing economic freedom through crypto to exploring ethical governance frameworks for AI.
The convergence of technologies was particularly striking, as blockchain and AI seemed to be dancing cheek to cheek, creating a harmonious blend of trust and intelligence that promises to revolutionize industries across the board.
Below are the top 13 takeaways that capture the essence of Davos 2025, spanning blockchain, AI, Web3, and the incredible power of women in leadership.
Blockchain, Crypto, and Web3: Building the Foundation for Trust
1.The Floodgates for Crypto Investment Are Open.
Corporate leaders from across industries—banks, asset managers, and payment firms—made it clear that crypto adoption is accelerating at a record pace. No longer seen as niche or experimental, cryptocurrency is now an integral part of financial transformation strategies. This shift reflects a broader institutional acceptance, with many companies doubling down on crypto as a core asset class.
I loved Brian Armstrong’s comments during the first ever WEF session on Crypto. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, emphasized the significant impact of President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance, stating: “The Trump effect cannot be denied. To have the leader of the largest GDP country in the world come out undeniably and say that he wants to be the first crypto president.” Armstrong highlighted that this unprecedented support is expected to attract substantial investment into the cryptocurrency sector.
2.Emerging Markets See Crypto as a Catalyst for Growth.
Leaders from emerging economies emphasized how crypto can unlock economic freedom and drive growth for their nations. These markets, often burdened by inefficiencies in traditional financial systems, see blockchain and decentralized finance as a way to leapfrog legacy infrastructure. It’s a powerful reminder that the true impact of crypto may be felt most profoundly in regions where economic empowerment is desperately needed.
3.Blockchain and AI: A Perfect Partnership.
Throughout the conference, the synergy between blockchain and AI emerged as a dominant theme. As my colleague Efi Pylarinou, a fintech leader, noted, these technologies complement each other perfectly—blockchain providing the trust and transparency needed to validate AI decisions, while AI enhances blockchain’s efficiency and accessibility.
This partnership is creating new possibilities in everything from supply chain management to financial services, where smart contracts are becoming increasingly sophisticated through AI integration.
At the DavosWeb3 Summit, a Davos Declaration for blockchain was signed by founding companies. The Declaration, founder by Ajeet Khurana, was to drive commitment for the new internet.
Ajeet Khurana, Founder of DavosWeb3 and the visionary behind the Davos Declarion.
4. Blockchain: A Key to Securing AI and Data.
Discussions at panels about Decentralized AI underscored how blockchain will play a pivotal role in the next wave of AI adoption. Blockchain’s ability to provide trust, auditability, and data integrity makes it indispensable for securing AI systems. As AI becomes more integrated into critical operations, blockchain’s role as a trust layer will only grow.
5. The First Tokenized Building: Real-World Assets (RWAs) in Action.
I had the opportunity to meet the founder behind the world’s first tokenized building. This landmark project showcases how blockchain is transforming real estate by enabling fractional ownership, improving liquidity, and offering unprecedented transparency.
As Stan Stalnaker, CEO of Hub Culture, said, “It’s a glimpse into how blockchain can unlock the potential of real-world assets, making them more accessible to global investors”.
Hubculture not only announced the first Tokenized building at Davos, but they had it operational as … (+)
I even had the opportunity to speak on the Hedera and Unstoppable Women of AI And Web3 panel discussing RWA. As Betsabe Botaitis, CFO of Hedera, said during the panel, “Real-World Assets (RWA) represent the next frontier for blockchain technology, bridging the gap between digital and physical economies. By tokenizing assets like real estate and commodities, we unlock liquidity, transparency, and accessibility on a global scale, paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient financial system.”
Davos Panel on Real World Assets (RWA) with (from left to right) Lisa Loud, CEO of Secret … (+)
6. Trump’s Crypto Moves Stir the Market.
Donald Trump’s influence on the crypto market sparked fascinating discussions about the intersection of politics and blockchain innovation. Even though he was virtual, his policies were felt. Many spoke about his announcements of U.S.-focused crypto initiatives, highlighting how geopolitical factors are shaping the Web3 landscape.
AI: The Force Multiplying Our Future
7.AI Agents Will Soon Be Everywhere.
AI agents were a major topic of discussion, with OpenAI’s “Operator” setting the stage for what’s to come. These agents, capable of booking flights, ordering groceries, and managing complex tasks autonomously, are predicted to become as ubiquitous as smartphones within 12 months. The implications are profound, with AI poised to revolutionize workflows, decision-making, and how we interact with technology.
In 12 months, the proliferation of AI agents will drive an unprecedented flow of data, making verification, transparency, and security critical. Without these safeguards, businesses risk facing significant disruption and inefficiency.
8.The Leadership Revolution: AI and Robotics Reshape Management.
One of the most striking revelations at Davos was how AI and robotics are fundamentally transforming leadership roles. I had the pleasure of watching a panel with a humanoid on it!
Humanoid on a panel at DAVOS 2025.
Traditional management hierarchies are being flattened as AI takes over routine decision-making and administrative tasks. Leaders of the future will need to excel at emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, and creative problem-solving—areas where humans still maintain a decisive edge over machines. This shift is creating a new paradigm where leaders focus more on inspiration, innovation, and human connection rather than operational oversight.
9. Governance Is the Gateway to AI’s Potential.
Trust and governance emerged as central themes. Without robust governance frameworks, the promise of AI cannot be fully realized. Leaders at Davos emphasized the importance of ensuring AI systems are secure, ethical, and aligned with societal values. Governance isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s an enabler of innovation.
Navrina Singh, the Founder and CEO of Credo AI, is recognized for her leadership in AI governance. She serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC), advising the President and the National AI Initiative Office. She commented during her Davos fireside chat at Axios and C3.ai, that AI’s future depends on our ability to evolve alongside it—responsibly and with Governance and trust as our foundation.
Navrina Singh is the Founder and CEO of Credo AI, being interview by Axios Ina Fried.
10.The Shift from Infrastructure to AI Applications.
AI conversations have evolved from building foundational infrastructure to focusing on applications that amplify human creativity and solve global problems. The shift highlights AI’s potential not just as a tool for efficiency but as a force multiplier for innovation and problem-solving on a global scale.
Andrew Ng made this point at the CNBC chat at Davos. He commented that the place for companies to focus is on the applications that live on top of the LLMs.
Andrew Ng, founder of Deep Learning, and Sandy Carter, Author, AI First, Human Always.
11. FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) Is Real
The rapid pace of AI advancement has sparked widespread discussions about FOBO—Fear of Becoming Obsolete. As tools become better than humans at an increasing number of tasks, individuals and organizations are rethinking purpose, adaptability, and identity. While some view this as a challenge, others see it as an opportunity to embrace change and prioritize AI literacy to stay ahead.
12. The Surprise AI Announcement: DeepSeek.
American AI firms are on high alert after a Chinese hedge fund unveiled DeepSeek, an impressive AI model reportedly developed at a fraction of the cost incurred by firms like OpenAI and Meta. In response, Meta has established four dedicated “war rooms” to analyze the DeepSeek model, seeking insights to enhance its own Llama AI, which is anticipated to launch later this quarter. This development underscores the intensifying global competition in AI innovation.
DeepSeek bypassed export restrictions by optimizing low-level code for memory efficiency and selectively training active tokens, reducing GPU requirements by 95% compared to Meta. Their innovations, including KV cache compression and reinforcement learning for tasks like math and code, significantly lowered training and inference costs. Despite restrictions, the minimal performance gap between H800 and H100 chips had limited impact. While DeepSeek’s breakthroughs are notable, the U.S. remains competitive in AI due to its robust compute resources, data, and incremental innovations. Adopting elements of DeepSeek’s architecture could further enhance U.S. models.
The Power of Women at Davos and in AI
13. A Testament to Leadership
The 100 Women @Davos session, founded by Dr. Anino Emuwa, was a highlight of the week, showcasing the incredible leadership, resilience, and innovation women bring to the table. These leaders, representing diverse industries, shared stories of breaking barriers and driving change. It was a powerful reminder that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but essential ingredients for shaping a more equitable and innovative future.
My favorite was our dinner on the first night where we heard from Cyrille Vigneron, Chairman of Culture & Philanthropy, Cartier and the former CEO of Cartier, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General & CEO, United Nations Global Compact, Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability & Institutional Affairs Officer, Dr. Leila Fourie, Group CEO, Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Also the Inclusive Leadership Council was inaugurated with a mission to contribute to the advancement of women’s leadership in organizations globally.
The founders of 100 Women @Davos and the Inclusive Leadership Council that was inaugurated with a … (+)
As Dr Anino told me, “The 100 Women of Davos is a celebration of women’s leadership and impact across industries. By amplifying the voices of extraordinary women, we are not only driving meaningful change but also building a more inclusive and innovative future for everyone.” (Note: I am a member of the 100 Women Davos)
A Future Defined By Collaboration And AI
Davos 2025 was a masterclass in global collaboration and forward-thinking innovation in AI and Blockchain. Whether the focus was on crypto’s potential to empower emerging markets, AI’s ability to enhance creativity, or blockchain’s role in anchoring trust, one message was clear: the future depends on our ability to work together responsibly.
The rapid pace of change demands adaptability, governance, and a willingness to embrace new paradigms brought to us by AI.
As I leave Davos, I am inspired by the incredible minds and bold ideas shaping the next decade. It’s clear that technology, when guided by ethical principles and global cooperation, has the power to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
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