AI, Tax Strategy & The Future of Work: Insights from Salima Lin, Alan Porter & Ed Lyon

In this power-packed episode of the Neil Haley Show, three industry experts come together to explore the most pressing topics shaping business in 2026 and beyond. Salima Lin, Managing Partner at IBM Consulting, kicks things off with a deep dive into the IBM Institute for Business Values' Enterprise 2030 study, revealing what it truly takes for companies to become AI-first organizations. Alan Porter of Strategic Wealth Strategies follows with a sharp look at the hidden risks buried inside predictable tax legislation. Finally, tax attorney and Lion's Share Podcast host Ed Lyon rounds out the conversation with candid answers to listener questions about paying less in taxes — legally and strategically.
Salima Lin pulls no punches when addressing the biggest challenge facing C-suite executives today: the glaring disconnect between AI expectations and measurable outcomes. While 80% of leaders expect AI to significantly contribute to revenues by 2030, only two in ten can clearly articulate where that revenue will come from. Lin urges leaders to build AI-first workflows from the ground up rather than patching the technology onto outdated processes, act with speed rather than waiting for perfect data, and above all, prioritize people. Her message is clear — humans who use AI will replace humans who don't, and companies must invest in continuous learning cultures to close the growing skills gap.
Alan Porter brings a grounded, strategic perspective to tax planning under the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," warning business owners not to mistake predictable tax rates for predictable risk. Porter explains that stability can actually breed complacency, causing owners to stop redesigning their financial structures. He highlights that the 20% QBI deduction remains powerful but still comes with income thresholds that can bite high earners without proper planning. His core message echoes throughout the segment: having a plan isn't enough — you must continuously improve that plan, because 93% of businesses are estimated to overpay their taxes by as much as 35%, a staggering figure that underscores just how much money is left on the table without proactive strategy.
Ed Lyon delivers a masterclass in tax strategy for both business owners and retirees, dismantling the myth that conservative tax planning means waiting to see what changes. He pushes back on CPAs who refuse to use legal strategies because they fear future law changes, pointing to the S-corporation "loophole" that skeptics have predicted Congress would close for over two decades — and never has. Lyon also addresses the growing anxiety among accounting professionals about AI replacing their jobs, offering a nuanced take: AI will absolutely transform the profession, but the highest-value work — client relationships, storytelling, strategizing, and teaching — remains deeply human. The number crunching may go to machines, but the trusted advisor role is here to stay.
Together, Salima Lin, Alan Porter, and Ed Lyon paint a vivid and urgent picture of a world in rapid transition. Whether the topic is AI adoption, tax legislation, or workforce evolution, the throughline is the same: those who adapt, upskill, and think strategically will thrive, while those who cling to the status quo risk being left behind. As Lin puts it, more than half of today's skills are expected to be obsolete by 2030. As Porter reminds us, a plan you never revisit is no plan at all. And as Lyon concludes, the best tax strategy isn't the one you used last year — it's the one built for where you're going next.