I keep seeing companies overthink AI and underinvest in what really matters.
They chase the latest tools, pilots and startups, neglecting the real foundations required to make any of them work.
Data. People. Technology. Operating model. Leadership. Investment.
The fundamentals haven't changed
The irony is that none of this is new. One book reminded me of that.
Leading Digital was written more than 12 years ago. It travels with me everywhere, reminding me of the critical ingredients behind any successful digital or AI transformation:
- "Too few companies do what it takes to succeed."
- "Having a vision is not enough. The vision needs to be transformational."
- "Digital transformation cannot happen without digital investment."
- "You have to win people's hearts and minds and build a coalition of believers."
- "You need a dual-speed IT (one focus on day to day, while the other operates at digital speed)."
- "Operational analytics may be less sexy, but hugely effective."
- "It is easy to stay motivated in the early days."
- "You cannot hope to see immediate results. The challenge is maintaining momentum."
The fundamentals of transformation have not changed because of AI.
Don't take shortcuts.
Don't buy the hype.
Don't confuse pilots with transformation.
Think big. Fund the transformation. Mobilize the organization. Build the foundations. Maintain momentum.
The real goal is not simply "deploying more technology". It's "unleashing people from the constraints that once bound them".
Tools don't change organizations
Too many CEOs want a fast track to AI. But without the foundations, 95% will keep failing. Tools don't change organizations.
AI is new. Transformation is not.