With headlines questioning AI’s value, it’s tempting to see experimentation as a waste. But the real problem isn’t trying new things—it’s unfocused efforts that fail to connect to real business opportunities. To avoid repeating past mistakes, you need a disciplined approach.
Frame AI as part of a bigger shift. Don’t treat AI as an isolated revolution; it’s one piece of a larger transformation toward organizations built around digital workflows and customer journeys. Keep your focus on how technology helps you serve customers better, faster, and cheaper.
Focus on solving real problems. Instead of scattering resources across flashy pilots, start with your core strategy. Look at where AI can create immediate value in your operations or customer journey. Use these projects to build momentum and demonstrate results.
Run smart experiments. Choose opportunities that meet three criteria: They solve a meaningful problem, they’re low-cost enough to iterate on, and they have a clear path to scale. Evaluate ideas using intensity, frequency, and density: How big is the problem, how often does it occur, and how many people experience it?
Prepare to scale. Scaling requires resources, focus, and cross-company support to succeed. Once value is proven, assign a dedicated team with leadership backing to expand the solution. |
