Artificial intelligence is not a passing trend. It’s here, and it’s reshaping everything from day-to-day operations to strategic decision-making. AI’s impact will continue growing in every industry, organization, and role. As the saying goes, “If you don’t like change, you’ll like irrelevance even less.” Leaders now have no choice but to adopt and integrate AI if they want their businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.
In my work, AI has completely transformed how I approach helping clients create a winning strategy. Research that used to take me more than a week to gather can now be completed in a few hours. This frees up time to perform more complex analysis.
But here’s the challenge: as powerful as AI is, at this stage, it mostly only answers questions. It can provide a stunning array of data, but if someone lacks experience, that data is just a collection of numbers and facts.
It’s only when combined with experience that this data becomes actionable. This distinction between knowledge work and wisdom work is critical. Knowledge work is collecting information, something almost anyone can do with AI. Wisdom work is applying human judgment to decide how best to use that information. Because I’ve been building strategies for over 30 years, I know what questions to ask. When I get an answer, I know how to refine my queries to get even higher-quality data. Then, I can apply my expertise to determine the optimal way to utilize that data to develop an organization’s strategy.
Building Buy-In by Addressing Resistance
Despite AI’s advantages, the adoption process is not always straightforward. Many employees feel uneasy about AI and wonder how it will affect their roles. Leaders need to address these concerns to ensure AI has a positive impact.
AI may take over routine tasks, but that shift allows employees to focus on more impactful work that AI can’t do. For instance, digital natives who grew up with technology may be excited about integrating AI into their roles. Digital nomads who didn’t grow up with it may need more guidance and support to see AI as a helpful tool rather than a threat.
The Reality of Job Displacement and New Opportunities
Despite what some people say, AI will replace jobs, though it will also create new ones. Based on my work with CEOs worldwide, I’m seeing a clear pattern in how they’re approaching AI-driven workforce changes. First, many allow natural attrition for individuals resistant to AI adoption. Next, hiring is frozen in areas where AI can fill the gap. Finally, layoffs are considered for tasks AI can replace entirely, and there is nowhere in the organization to move those people.
Yet this transition is also about job evolution. AI is creating new roles—such as AI trainers, ethics officers, and data curators—that didn’t exist even a few years ago. Organizations prioritizing retraining and upskilling their teams are positioning themselves for a future in which human expertise and AI complement one another. This balance is crucial for maintaining a motivated, forward-thinking workforce.
Strategic, Phased Approach to AI Integration
AI initiatives are more successful when they start with small, manageable projects where ROI can be measured. A focused pilot project allows leaders to test AI’s effectiveness in a low-risk environment. These initial successes build confidence, showing teams how AI can improve operations without disrupting workflows.
Training is also essential here. Research shows that employees who receive role-specific AI training are nearly twice as likely to view AI positively. This approach builds comfort with AI as a tool that supports specific responsibilities and allows employees to see its practical benefits.
Ethical Use of AI and Data Security
With AI’s potential also comes responsibility. Implementing AI means organizations must establish high standards for data security, ethical use, and transparency. Clear guidelines on data privacy and ethical practices ensure that AI operates as a tool that enhances, rather than undermines, organizational integrity.
AI is currently the worst it will ever be. Its potential will only grow. Organizations that adopt AI thoughtfully and strategically will be well-positioned to lead in an AI-driven business landscape. Those who don’t will be left behind. Far behind.
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