Verizon CEO Predicts AGI and Quantum Computing Breakthroughs—A Vision for the Next Five Years

Dan Schulman, the newly appointed CEO of Verizon, recently spoke at the WSJ Leadership Institute, outlining a transformative tech future that could disrupt businesses and economies over the next five years. Highlighting three "waves" poised to reshape industries Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Humanoid Robotics Schulman projected that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), or machines surpassing human capabilities, could arrive as soon as two to four years.

He emphasized the rapid pace of AI advancement, noting that AI models are drastically improving every few months and could revolutionize efficiency and value creation. Quantum Computing, Schulman predicts, might reach the milestone of a million fault-resistant qubits by 2030, making it a crucial foundation for next-generation algorithms and AI performance. He warned organizations to align with firms able to provide this rare quantum capacity, as traditional compute models risk becoming obsolete.

The third wave humanoid robotics will bring robots capable of human-like physical labor, further transforming the workforce. Schulman cautioned that the greatest challenge isn't technology but organizational culture: companies must shed bureaucratic inertia to embrace innovation and adapt quickly or risk losing relevance.

His leadership philosophy centers on humility, transparency, and proactive collaboration between CEOs and boards, reinforcing the need for clear vision and robust communication during unprecedented change.

Source: WSJ Leadership Institute- "AGI Is Coming: Verizon CEO on Quantum, Robots, and the Future of Tech"