AI Journey from labs to North Star

AI as a discipline began with research in labs across progressive organizations globally. Like most technology, it is a story of collective and cumulative innovation. The pace of progress has accelerated in the recent past and the potential for disruption is at a tipping point.

?? Is everyone ready to explore AI?

?? How close are we to AI becoming an omnipresent guiding force??

?? What are the critical considerations for us to all get there in unison?

The change curve is grounded in macro social, behavioral and economic trends. By the time it gets to the fingertips of all, AI would have emerged from the limited span of Proof of Concepts and Pilots and merged into the mainstream roadmaps of execution and delivery of every organization. Over time, AI not only will evolve its foundational building blocks but also reshape the very essence of how businesses operate, innovate, and engage with their stakeholders.?

If you are curious about what's next for adoption and adaptation of AI, let's take a look at what could be.

We have tons of? learnings from disruptive innovations of the internet, cloud, handheld devices that led to transformation in products, services, ways of working and living.

So based on my personal? journey and learnings, here is one possible trajectory of AI adoption and adaptation: its ability to disrupt traditional paradigms, enhance organizational capabilities, redefine functions, and ultimately propel operations to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness on a grand scale.

The North Star of AI represents the aspirational goal of achieving a harmonious and responsible integration of artificial intelligence into society.

It involves a commitment to sustainable and inclusive progress by employing AI technologies that are environmentally and socially responsible, ensuring equitable access and benefits for all, driving economic prosperity while reducing inequalities, enhancing the overall quality of life, and prioritizing ethical and human-centered AI design.

To start where we are today, and reach North Star, we look at what change looks like in this journey.

Pivot

Reducing operational costs and strategically redirecting those savings into innovation initiatives has the potential to generate increased revenue and pave the way for substantial growth for organizations over a three to five year period. By optimizing operations through efficiency gains, automation, and process improvements, companies can free up financial resources that can be channeled into research, development, and the launch of innovative products and services.?

The flywheel of Scale!. Over time, this virtuous cycle of cost reduction, reinvestment in innovation, and revenue growth can lead to exponential scaling, positioning the organization for sustainable and transformative growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

In a world where a company was not competing with anyone else progress could be linear. But as this becomes a race to the summit, it will be key to fast track updating the operating models and scaling new innovations.

Align

To fast-track the journey of AI from the lab to widespread adoption, organizations will need to overlay transformative change and exponential growth. Planning, funding, roadmapping and executing will have to be choreographed flawlessly with nano agility.?

This shift will reflect strategic reorientation, where resources once allocated to maintaining legacy systems or inefficient processes are redirected into fostering groundbreaking initiatives.

Culture

We know now more than ever, change is inevitable. Two primary frameworks exist when dealing with business change: transactional and transformational.

Transactional change is akin to making quick fixes or adjustments within specific silos or functions to address immediate issues or improve short-term performance. It tends to focus on operational efficiency and often yields noticeable benefits in the short run. However, transactional changes typically lack strategic alignment and a holistic view of the organization. They might not address underlying systemic issues or support long-term growth and competitiveness.

On the other hand, transformational change represents a deliberate, strategic, and comprehensive approach. It requires thorough planning, strategic alignment with the organization's long-term vision and goals, and broad stakeholder management.

Transformational change goes beyond addressing symptoms; it seeks to reconfigure the organization's fundamental structures, processes, and culture. While transformational change may take more time to yield results, it has the potential to deliver compelling top-line impacts by driving innovation, agility, and sustainable growth.

Pillars

Firmly anchoring this North Star in delivering genuine value to customers and shareholders is where measurable success for the ecosystem resides.

The entire process can be built from the foundations of the organization AI Pillars of Supply and Demand, today. This holistic approach positions the company to leverage AI as a superpower, driving innovation, competitiveness, and growth in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

In the imagined destination of AI, it becomes ubiquitous and ingrained in every facet of an organization's DNA, taking center stage in our pursuit of innovation at scale. It transforms our operations into a proactive force, preventing risks before they materialize and enabling auto-healing of failures, thus ensuring uninterrupted efficiency. What's truly remarkable is how AI continuously surprises and delights our customers with unparalleled levels of personalization, delivered in real-time, all while maintaining cost efficiency. This future paints a picture where AI isn't just a tool but an integral part of our culture, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining what's possible, ultimately reshaping the way we do business and engage with the world around us.

?? AI Transformation ??

North Star | Change Culture | Pivot Strategy | Align Execution |

Market Pillars | Playbook | Metrics | Pay to Play

NOTE: The views expressed in this article are solely my own and do not represent any past, present, or future affiliations.