In a recent LinkedIn post, Michael Merlin offers a measured perspective on the current state of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the business landscape, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations amidst widespread enthusiasm. While acknowledging AI’s transformative potential, Merlin cautions against viewing it as a guaranteed profit-making engine at this early stage.
Merlin highlights the excitement surrounding AI, stating:
AI is one of the most exciting forces we’ve seen in a long time.
And I don’t want to diminish that — not for a second.
He elaborates on the personal and professional benefits that he and his associates anticipate from AI, both for their investment portfolio and their own operations. “Both personally and professionally, we’re genuinely excited about the benefits AI will bring: to the businesses we invest in and to our own business as well,” Merlin writes, adding, “And yes… we’re already seeing some of those benefits today.”
AI’s Infancy and the Need for Perspective
Despite the palpable excitement and early observed advantages, Merlin stresses that AI is fundamentally still in its nascent stages. He posits that its current utility leans more towards novelty than established profitability.
Right now, to some extent, AI is more of a novelty than it is a true profit-making enterprise.
This observation, according to Merlin, necessitates a balanced outlook. He clarifies that this assessment does not negate the future potential of AI but rather underscores the importance of maintaining perspective.
The Evolution of AI and Strategic Preparedness
Merlin outlines key areas where he and his team are closely monitoring AI’s development. He is particularly interested in how AI will evolve to become:
- More capable of reasoning
- More efficient in its operations
- More powerful in boosting productivity
- More meaningful in improving profitability
Until AI demonstrates significant advancements in these critical areas, Merlin advocates for a dual approach of optimism coupled with robust preparation.
Because optimism is good. But preparedness is better.
This philosophy guides his strategy, suggesting that while hope for AI’s future success is valuable, proactive planning for various scenarios is a more prudent business practice. Merlin also directs readers to ‘The Financial Longevity Podcast’ for deeper insights into financial topics, including investing and legacy-building, to aid in making informed financial decisions.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Michael Merlin on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →