Emmy Henz

It feels like every time we open the news there’s another ransomware story. A hospital. A school district. A city government. A manufacturing plant. It’s not just happening more often - it’s happening to companies of all sizes, and across all verticals.

From boardrooms to sales decks to product roadmaps, AI is everywhere. When used well, it can unlock new levels of efficiency and insight. When used poorly, it can create risk, confusion, and costly mistakes.

As organizations move into 2026 planning cycles, budgets are continuing to tighten. Instead of across-the-board reductions, we’re seeing more selective spending: some initiatives are getting meaningful investments, while others are being delayed, consolidated, or cut entirely. Understanding where budgets are shifting can help teams prioritize more effectively and make stronger business cases for the year ahead.