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Still stuck in the “AI strategy” phase, thinking it's something you can plan for in a few years? Here's the blunt truth: While you're talking about AI strategyothers are already running it – and leaving you behind. Organizations that are winning aren't waiting for the perfect AI roadmap – they're taking action today, testing, failing and adapting.
As a novelty keynote speakerMy work with organizations around the world has provided me with a unique perspective. Here's what I've learned: Organizations that are truly leading the way with AI aren't waiting for the “perfect moment” or the ideal strategy—they're taking action now. They are testing, adapting and evolving at an accelerated pace. Through over 127 innovation keynotes, AI strategy workshops, and AI transformation strategy sessions, I've helped leaders take immediate action and drive impactful change. My work is focused on empowering organizations to embrace AI as a tool for innovation and transformation.
And here's how it can help you: You don't need a perfect AI plan to get started. What matters is getting started – taking action, learning from your mistakesand embracing AI as a strategic asset. Organizations that succeed are those that focus on real, actionable steps, not abstract theory.
These are my AI 2025 leadership lessons for you:
Related: Outlook 2025: 6 AI trends to watch out for
Lesson 1: AI is not a destination, it's a journey
Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than most can keep up. Companies are facing rapid change – new machine learning models, automation tools and systems appear so quickly that yesterday's solutions are now obsolete. In this constant state of flux, the only way to succeed is by adopting one agile mindset — one that involves constant learning and repetition. Just as during the Industrial Revolution, when new machines changed the way work was done, AI today is redefining industries with similar intensity. But unlike in the past, where there were clear milestones, the trajectory of AI is determined by continuous evolution.
Action 1: Adopt a “fail fast, learn faster” approach.
Start with small-scale AI experiments, track results and iterate quickly. Launch a pilot project within 90 days and adjust your strategy based on the insights gained. This approach encourages real-time testing and learning, ensuring your organization doesn't stagnate waiting for perfection.
Action 2: Create a feedback loop for improvement
Set up regular reviews to evaluate AI models, gather user feedback, and refine them for better performance.
Action 3: Set milestones for small victories
Identify low-risk, high-impact AI projects that deliver rapid value. Use these early successes to scale AI initiatives across the organization.
Lesson 2: The right people make AI work
AI isn't just about the technology—it's about the people behind it. Too often, organizations treat AI as an IT initiative, something isolated within the technology department. This is a big mistake. Just as the Industrial Revolution relied not only on machines, but on the workers who ran them, AI today depends on collaboration in every function of an organization.
Research shows that 70% of AI projects fail due to a lack of alignment between technology and business functions. AI isn't a one-department job—it's everyone's responsibility. HR is a critical player, not only because AI can transform employment processes, but because AI will reshape how humans work alongside machines, creating new dynamics that will affect every part of the workforce, from employees frontline to C-suite executives.
If HR is not prepared to lead the charge for reskilling and managing the cultural changes that come with the integration of AI, the organization risks facing resistance or even failure. The right people, across departments, must be equipped to support AI initiatives, adapt to change, and drive AI adoption across the business.
Action 1: Retrain your workforce
Adopting AI isn't just about hiring new talent—it's about retraining your existing workforce to work together with AI. Aim to have 30% of employees in non-IT roles (HR, marketing, operations) skilled in the basics of AI within the next year.
Action 2: Crowdsource AI ideas from employees
Your employees—especially those in the field—understand the challenges and opportunities better than anyone. Launch a company-wide AI brainstorming campaign within three months to gather ideas and solutions from employees across departments.
Action 3: Cross-functional AI teams
Form AI teams that include members from every department – IT, HR, operations, marketing and leadership. Set a goal to implement at least one AI-driven solution in every department within the next six months.
Lesson 3: Build a culture of experimentation and continuous learning
In the fast-paced world of AI, success doesn't come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to experiment, fail fast, and learn faster. AI is not a single project; it is a continuous process of innovation. Companies that succeed are those that embrace a the culture of experimentationwhere failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and improve, not something to avoid.
As technology evolves, so must your approach to AI. Like the great innovators before us, AI requires a mindset of trial and error, testing, learning and refining. Thriving organizations don't wait for the perfect solution; they start small, learn from mistakes and scale what works.
Action 1: Encourage small-scale AI experiments
Launch at least one AI pilot in each department within three months. Track the results and use the knowledge to improve future efforts.
Action 2: Celebrate failures as learning opportunities
Host monthly “Fail and Learn” sessions where teams share AI failures and lessons learned.
Action 3: Invest in ongoing AI training
Aim to have 50% of your workforce participate in AI training by the end of the year to ensure your team stays ahead of the curve.
The future of AI isn't about perfection—it's about FITNESS. Organizations must move beyond traditional thinking and embrace a culture of experimentation, retraining and collaboration. The businesses that thrive will be those that operate nimbly and embrace the evolving AI landscape.
In conclusion, the ability to implement AI strategies, drive cross-functional collaboration, and create a the culture of continuous learning it will set you apart in the AI-driven world. The opportunity is here for those brave enough to seize it.