Don’t blink — technology is moving faster than ever. AI is changing the way we work, bitcoin is redefining what we think money is, and biotech is making science fiction look like yesterday’s news.
But Dr. Tony Jacob wants you to remember that the fundamentals of success haven’t changed. Trust still matters. Relationships still matter. Long-term thinking still wins over short-term gains.
Seasoned pros like Dr. Tony Jacob know that every few decades, some new technology comes along that shakes up the business world. The internet did it. Mobile phones did it. Now, it’s AI and blockchain’s turn. But while the tools keep changing, the thing that really drives business success — human nature — hasn’t changed one bit.
Think about it.
No matter how advanced a product or system is, it’s still people who create, lead, and sustain businesses. AI might be able to analyze massive amounts of data, but it can’t replace the trust built between business partners.
A blockchain might offer transparency, but it still can’t replace reputation. A new platform might automate customer interactions, but it won’t replace genuine relationships.
Businesses often succeed because they’re built on great leadership, strong decision-making, and people who understand how to create something that lasts.
Investing in Ideas vs. Investing in People
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a revolutionary idea. AI-powered businesses, decentralized finance, personalized medicine — these things sound amazing on paper, but ideas, no matter how brilliant, mean nothing without the right people to bring them to life.
That’s why experienced investors don’t just throw money at good ideas. They look at who’s leading the company. Dr. Tony Jacob, an investor based in Boise, Idaho, with experience in industries ranging from health care to blockchain, has learned this firsthand:
“If I like the person, their idea, and I can explain the concept in one sentence, I’ll probably invest,” he shares. “But if their ego is out of control, it’s an automatic red flag.
The bigger the ego, the more nonsense you usually have to deal with. I’ve learned that balanced, emotionally intelligent leaders — people you’d actually want to have a beer with — are the ones who build the companies that last.”
The Balance Between Speed and Patience
If there’s one thing that defines modern business culture, it’s speed. Everyone wants to move fast: Launch fast, scale fast, fail fast, pivot fast, and in many ways, this mindset makes sense. The faster you test and iterate, the sooner you find what works.
But moving fast isn’t always the best strategy. Some things can’t be rushed.
The companies that thrive in the long run are the ones that understand when to hit the gas and when to pump the brakes. They move fast when it comes to execution, test ideas quickly, iterate often, and adapt to market changes.
On the other hand, they move slowly when it comes to strategy. They build strong relationships, develop a clear long-term vision, and ensure the foundation is solid before scaling.
A lot of businesses make the mistake of chasing rapid growth before they’re ready. They hire too fast, expand too quickly, or pour money into marketing before they’ve nailed down their product. And more often than not, those businesses burn out just as rapidly as they took off.
The key is knowing when to be patient and when to move aggressively.
Hype? Substance? Avoiding the Trap
Periodically, another gold rush ignites. The dot-com boom, social media, crypto, NFTs, AI — every era has its version of the “next big thing.” And while some of these breakthroughs do go on to change the world, many of them end up as just another hype cycle that fizzles out.
So how do you know the difference?
According to Dr. Tony Jacob, instead of jumping on every hot new trend, savvy investors and business leaders take a step back and ask these three questions:
- Is this solving a real problem, or is it just a trend?
- Does this technology create long-term value, or is it just getting a lot of attention?
- Who’s behind this venture, and do they have the experience and integrity to make it successful?
The businesses that succeed in the coming years will be the ones that pair forward-thinking strategies with solid execution. The most successful AI companies won’t just be the ones with the best algorithms. They’ll be the ones who understand ethics, regulation, and the importance of human oversight.
The biggest blockchain projects won’t be the ones that generate the most hype. They’ll be the ones that are actually trustworthy, transparent and well-managed.
And the startups that stand the test of time won’t just be the ones that raise the most money. They’ll be the ones that focus on building strong teams, a great company culture, and products that serve a need.
The bottom line?
No matter how advanced technology gets, business will always be about people.
