Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword – it is becoming a decisive competitive factor. Nevertheless, a recent McKinsey study shows that only 20% of companies worldwide successfully integrate AI strategically.
The reason?
Many initiatives remain limited to technology and need to create the necessary strategic framework. As a CEO, you face the challenge of introducing AI and using it in a targeted way that creates value.
AI is more than technology – it is transformation
The introduction of AI requires a change of perspective. It is not primarily about implementing tools but transforming processes and business models. Successful companies first define clear goals, e.g., how AI contributes to increasing efficiency or generating revenue, and align their entire organization accordingly.
Leadership and alignment are crucial
As CEO, you are the driver of change. You are responsible for developing and communicating a clear vision across all company levels. Close coordination between technology and specialist departments is essential to avoid silos. AI should be integrated into the company’s goals and not viewed in isolation.
Strengthen culture and skills
An AI strategy stands and falls with the people who implement it. Promote a learning culture and invest specifically in further training. According to a 2023 PwC study, 65% of CEOs identify needing more digital skills as the biggest hurdle in AI implementation. Close cooperation between management and employees creates the necessary acceptance and innovative strength.
Practical example: Strategic AI integration
I recently had the opportunity to speak to the CEO of a global corporation about its AI strategy. The company was already well positioned technologically and used AI in its initial processes, but the desired breakthrough has yet to materialize.
The decisive turning point was an apparent change of perspective: instead of focusing exclusively on individual use cases such as automated analyses or chatbots, we shifted to a comprehensive approach. As a result, the CEO and his team developed a roadmap that started from the strategic corporate goals and planned backward.
A core element was creating an “AI innovation team” that brought together managers and specialist departments. This team identified processes with high added-value potential, such as supply chain optimization. Not only were technological solutions evaluated, but employees were also involved at an early stage. Workshops and training sessions created trust and improved the acceptance of the new technologies.
Success was already evident in the first year: The supply chain processes became more efficient and resilient as the AI analyzed risks in real-time and supported forward-looking decisions. The CEO emphasized that the key is not the technology but the consistent link between strategic goals and an open corporate culture.
The result underlines how crucial it is not to view AI in isolation but as a driver for transformation and value creation.
Key takeaways
- Strategic goal: Anchor AI in your corporate strategy with a clear focus on value creation.
- Holistic implementation: Promote collaboration between technology and specialist departments to overcome silos.
- Cultural change: Strengthen digital skills and create acceptance through clear communication.
Conclusion
AI is a journey, not a one-time decision. Companies that use AI strategically have a competitive advantage today, but it will become necessary tomorrow.
Take the first step: Ensure your AI strategy includes tools and your company’s future viability.
“The biggest threat to companies is not AI, but the lack of vision.”
See you in the following memo,
– Mike Flache
