Welcome to Wednesday's issue of Business Transformation SmartBrief. Today we'll cover:

• AI-designed antibodies poised to transform drug development
• Suppliers are crucial to Kraft Heinz's sustainability plans
• Ex-Cisco CEO sees 2026 as AI's breakthrough year

Albertsons has introduced an AI-powered shopping assistant aimed at streamlining the grocery shopping experience. The assistant, which is capable of intelligent two-way conversations, can reduce shopping time. The technology will be integrated into Albertsons' mobile apps next year, with features such as budget optimization and voice integration planned.

Smart Take: I gave the AI assistant on the Albertsons website a whirl, and it suggested a recipe for easy chicken enchiladas, along with ingredients such as cilantro, rotisserie chicken and shredded cheese. Other grocers such as UK's Marks & Spencer are opting for augmented reality to entice shoppers, while Northeast Grocers embarked on a digital transformation earlier this year.

Scientists are making strides in using AI to design antibodies, potentially transforming therapeutic development. Recent advancements have led to the creation of nanobodies and full-length antibodies with properties similar to commercial drugs. Key players in this field include Nabla Bio, Chai Discovery and the University of Washington. While initial AI-designed antibodies lacked potency, new tools have improved their design, targeting diseases like cancer and infections. These developments could accelerate the introduction of AI-designed therapeutics into clinical trials.

If you want to drive organizational change, empower your middle managers to model and reinforce new behavior with their teams, rather than relying on top-down directives, writes Michel Koopman, the CEO & founder at CxO Coaching. Prepare managers for the role with targeted coaching, peer-based cohorts for accountability and mentoring from senior leaders, Koopman writes.

Architect Frank Gehry, known for iconic buildings such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Walt Disney Concert Hall, has died at 96. Gehry's innovative designs pushed the construction industry to adopt digital methods, transitioning from drawing-based workflows to model-driven delivery. His work accelerated digital fabrication, 4D sequencing and integrated project delivery, leaving a lasting impact on construction methodologies.

Kraft Heinz structures its sustainability planning around productivity, prosperity and environmental stewardship, focusing on a seven-point agricultural framework that includes water management and soil health. The company must coordinate closely with its suppliers, as 80% of its carbon footprint comes from them. In addition, Kraft Heinz is working toward reducing its virgin plastic use by 20% by 2030, measured against a baseline established in 2021.

Next year will be a breakthrough year for AI, with productivity gains outpacing current market expectations, says John Chambers, former Cisco CEO, who believes AI adoption is still in its early stages and will drive significant transformation across industries like retail, automotive, health care and government. Chambers cautions that mid-sized and smaller firms without a strong AI strategy face significant threats, including financial difficulties and potential failure, and stresses that only companies with clear AI plans will attract necessary investment as market competition intensifies.