What does AI actually look like in 2026?

In this special end-of-year Predictions episode of Prompted, Kyle James sits down with Matthew Stein to debate ten concrete predictions for where AI, agents, and go-to-market teams are headed next year.

This is not a hype episode. There are no demos and no buzzwords. Instead, Kyle and Matthew pressure test real second-order effects like:

1. Why AI onboarding will become standard practice
2. How model quality degradation and buyer fatigue collide
3. Why AI shows up directly in GTM job titles
4. What happens when personal context becomes portable
5. Why AI portfolios matter more than resumeas
6. How marketing video creation fundamentally changes
7. Why PageRank-style authority signals may return
8. The rise of zero-party data
9. Whether Anthropic beats OpenAI to an ads platform
10. Why most companies still struggle to show AI ROI

They also close with one wild bonus prediction that could reshape the entire AI landscape.

This episode is designed to spark debate.

Watch the full episode, then head to the comments and tell us:

1. What did we get right?
2. What did we miss?
3. Which prediction do you disagree with most?

This week we are flipping the script a bit and our host is playing the guest to have Kyle James share his Builder Story. Kyle's journey from product management to podcasting is a testament to the power of curiosity and the belief that anyone can become a builder. Discover how his insights can empower you to embrace AI and transform your approach to building.

Kyle shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of AI, emphasizing the importance of starting small and iterating along the way. "Every person, every user can become a builder. They just need to understand that they can. This stuff's not hard," he asserts, encouraging listeners to demystify AI and take the leap into creation. Through engaging stories and practical advice, Kyle highlights the role of networking and community in navigating the AI era. His insights remind us that we're still in the early innings of AI, and there's a vast potential waiting to be explored. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, this episode offers valuable lessons to help you learn, think differently, and take the next step in building with agents.

Learn more and connect with Kyle James:

• Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameskm03/
• Read Kyle’s Substack: https://kylejameslearn.substack.com/
• Kyle’s Guest Prep Agent: https://agent.ai/agent/prompted-guest-prep-research
• Kyle’s Post Episode Workflow Agent: https://agent.ai/agent/942s0tehcgr6ic07

Subscribe for more Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Prompted: Builder Stories featuring Ashna Thakkar, a trailblazer in the world of AI agents. Ashna's journey from a non-coder to an AI innovator is a testament to the power of curiosity and determination. Discover how she empowers startups with no-code AI solutions, transforming challenges into opportunities.

In this episode, Ashna shares her path from working in accelerators to becoming a key player building agentic tools, where she builds agents that support startups in branding, financial projections, and more. Her story is a reminder that you don't need to be a coder to innovate with AI. "Start small, start from somewhere and they would figure it out," she advises, highlighting the importance of delivering the first step to users. Ashna's agents are not just prompt hacks; they are research-backed tools that provide startups with clarity and direction. Tune in to learn how you can harness AI to enhance productivity and drive innovation in your startup journey.

Learn more and connect with Ashna Thakkar:

• Connect with Ashna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashnathakkar/
• Follow Ashna’s Profile on Agent.ai: https://agent.ai/human/thakkar_ashna
• BonBillo’s Website: https://www.bonbillo.com/
• Build your Brand DNA Agent: https://agent.ai/profile/BrandDNA
• AEO Advisor Agent: https://agent.ai/profile/aeo-advisor

Subscribe for more Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Prompted: Builder Stories featuring Brady Cohen, a seasoned marketer and business development expert, as he shares his transformative journey with AI agents. Discover how Brady's curiosity and passion for technology led him to create innovative solutions that enhance user experiences and streamline tasks. From a Halloween party planner to a pet health advisor, Brady's projects showcase the power of hands-on learning and creativity in the world of AI.

In this episode, Brady Cohen delves into the potential of AI agents to revolutionize everyday tasks and foster a community of innovators. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation and scalability, sharing insights like, "I learn and I think a lot of people do just by doing." Brady's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and creativity, encouraging builders to embrace new possibilities with AI. Whether you're looking to enhance productivity or explore no-code building, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration for your own AI journey. Listen in to learn how you can leverage AI to think differently and take the next step in building with agents.

Sign up for a Builder Workshop Today: https://content.agent.ai/ai-skills-workshop

Learn more and connect with Brady Cohen:

• Connect with Brady on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradycohen/
• Try Brady’s Halloween Party Planner Agent: https://agent.ai/profile/bradys-halloween-party-planner
• Try Brady’s Sell Sheet generator: https://agent.ai/agent/sell-sheet-generator
• Try Brady’s Pet Symptom Checker Agent: https://agent.ai/profile/pet-symptom-checker
• Brady’s Career Journey: https://bradycohen.com/
• The Suite Collective Website: https://thesuite-collective.com/

Subscribe for more Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Prompted: Builder Stories featuring Suraj Kripalani, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from a Blackrock portfolio manager to leading entrepreneurs through an AI-driven Startup Accelerator. Discover how Suraj's work with BonBillo is empowering mission-driven founders to leverage AI for social impact and innovation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of AI agents.

Suraj Kripalani's journey is a testament to the potential of AI to democratize access to powerful tools for anyone. As he shares, "The one thing that became very clear very quickly is that these tools had gone from being fairly sort of in the early stages, I would say basic to now very powerful for a non-programmer." Through BonBillo, Suraj integrates AI into accelerator programs, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. His approach emphasizes starting with high-quality foundations to unlock creativity, a principle that resonates with builders everywhere. Suraj's insights encourage experimentation and learning, offering valuable lessons for those looking to harness AI in their ventures and GTM efforts. Tune in to explore how AI agents can revolutionize your startup journey and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Learn more and connect with Suraj Kripalani:

• Linkedin Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/surajkripalani/
• Agent.ai Builder Profile - https://agent.ai/human/SurajKripalani
• BonBillo Website - https://www.bonbillo.com/
• Awards link - https://blog.agent.ai/meet-the-winners-2025-agent.ai-community-choice-awards

Finally, Suraj encouraged me to share that Bonbillo is accepting applications for their BonBillo Innovators Community that recently launched. Join a global community of mission-driven founders and team members using AI-powered frameworks, personalized mentorship, and investor insights to grow faster and make a lasting impact. Leverage 30+ startup AI agents to get strategic clarity, fund-raise effectively and streamline operations to drive growth.

Subscribe for more Prompted: Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Builder Stories featuring Sarah Medilo, a former CEO turned AI enthusiast. Sarah's journey from leading the top HubSpot partner in the Philippines to embracing AI technology is a testament to innovation and personal growth. Her story is not just about technology but about finding balance and purpose in life.

In this episode, Sarah shares how she transitioned from a successful career to focus on family, particularly her mother battling Alzheimer's. Her return to the tech world was marked by a newfound curiosity about AI, leading her to create practical solutions like the "go bag prepper" agent for emergency preparedness. "I realized that hey, you can build agents too," she reflects, highlighting the accessibility of AI for everyone. Sarah's approach to building AI agents is rooted in her experience with workflows and process optimization, demonstrating how technology can enhance productivity and foster deeper human connections. Her story encourages builders to embrace technology without fear and explore the potential of AI to enrich our lives. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a curious newcomer, Sarah's journey offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Learn more and connect with Sarah Medilo:

• Sarah’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmedilo/
• Sarah’s Website: https://sarahmedilo.com/
• Try Sarah’s Go Bag Prepper Agent: https://agent.ai/agent/gobagprepper

Subscribe for more Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.

Join us on Builder Stories as we dive into the inspiring journey of Jorge Fuentes, a trailblazer who transitioned from law to AI. Jorge's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and the endless possibilities that AI offers. Discover how he embraced AI to create innovative agents that are transforming the way businesses operate.

In this episode, Jorge shares his unique path from being a lawyer and insurance agent to becoming a digital marketer and AI builder. He highlights the accessibility of AI, stating, "Learning AI, the barriers to entry to learning AI are super low. They've never been lower than anything else in the past." Jorge's practical approach to building AI agents emphasizes iteration and improvement, offering valuable insights for aspiring builders. He predicts a future where AI adoption will outpace traditional software, driven by its simplicity and accessibility. Whether you're an experienced builder or just starting out, Jorge's journey will inspire you to explore the possibilities of AI and take the next step in your own building journey.

Learn more and connect with Jorge Fuentes:

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfuenteszapata/
• Jorge’s Agent.ai Profile: https://agent.ai/human/JAFuentesZapata
• Jorge’s Website: https://fuenteszapata.co/
• Jorge’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jorgealbertofuenteszapata
• Sidekick Strategies: https://sidekickstrategies.com/

Subscribe for more Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.

Join us on Builder Stories as we dive into the transformative journey of Carole Mahoney, a former sales skeptic turned passionate advocate. Discover how Carole's unique approach to sales, rooted in empathy and problem-solving, is revolutionizing the industry. Her insights into AI and its potential to enhance human connection make this episode a must-listen for builders and AI enthusiasts alike.

Carole Mahoney's story is one of resilience and innovation. During the Great Recession, she transitioned from a marketing professional to a sales expert, driven by necessity and a desire to help others. Her realization that "sales skills are life skills" reshaped her career and personal life. Carole founded Unbound Growth to train salespeople with a customer-centric approach, emphasizing genuine connections over mere transactions. Her venture into AI led to the creation of an agent that assists salespeople in preparing for conversations by generating tailored questions and strategies. This tool exemplifies her belief that technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction. Carole's journey offers valuable lessons in adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning, inspiring builders to create meaningful impacts in their industries. As she envisions a future where AI empowers human connection, Carole's mission is to elevate the perception of sales as a respected and valued profession. "Nothing comes into the world, nothing happens into the world until someone makes a sale," she asserts, highlighting the fundamental role of sales in driving progress.

Learn more and connect with Carole Mahoney:

• Carole on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolemahoney/
• Unbound Growth Website - https://www.unboundgrowth.com/
• Buyer First Book - https://www.carolemahoney.com/books
• Carole’s LinkTree - https://linktr.ee/unboundgrowth

Subscribe for more Prompted: Builder Stories and visit agent.ai to start building your own agents.