The One Thing Missing in Most AI Strategies
Everyone’s talking about AI. But not enough leaders are talking about what actually makes it work inside an organization: culture.
AI isn’t a silver bullet. It doesn’t fix disengagement, siloed teams, or resistance to change. In fact, it often puts a spotlight on cultural weaknesses.
Companies that truly thrive with AI are the ones that intentionally shape their culture to support innovation, agility, and trust.
In other words: AI needs fuel—and that fuel is culture.
A recent BCG study found that 70% of companies fail to realize the full potential of their digital and AI investments. The biggest reason? People and culture—not tech.
So how do you build a culture that allows AI to succeed?
For over a decade, we have been making culture tangible and measurable for our clients. Here are 5 proven focus areas based on our Cultural Keys? model that make all the difference:
1. Collaboration
AI adoption requires cross-functional teams to work together—IT, HR, operations, leadership, and more. When collaboration is strong, implementation is faster, smoother, and far more innovative.
?? Leader Tip: Create mixed-role AI working groups to ensure multiple perspectives are included in planning and execution.
2. Creativity
If AI handles the repetitive tasks, human creativity becomes even more valuable. A culture that encourages curiosity and new thinking will find better ways to use AI than one focused only on efficiency.
?? Leader Tip: Give employees permission to experiment with AI tools—even in small ways.
3. Connection
Trust and psychological safety are essential. When people don’t feel connected to the mission or their leaders, they’re less likely to embrace change. Connection drives buy-in—and that’s what makes transformation possible.
?? Leader Tip: Be transparent about how AI will be used and why. Let your team ask hard questions.
4. Celebration
Recognizing progress builds momentum. Small AI wins should be shared and celebrated—especially when teams use it to make their work more impactful. When people feel seen, they’re more open to trying new things.
?? Leader Tip: Highlight AI success stories from within your team and share what was learned along the way.
5. Contribution
People want to feel their work matters—even more so when the workplace is evolving. AI should be positioned as a tool to help people contribute at a higher level, not replace them.
?? Leader Tip: Invite your team to co-create the future with you. Ask: “What could AI help us do better together?”
Final Thoughts
AI can speed up your business—but culture is what gives it direction.
Companies that treat AI like just another tech upgrade are missing the point. But those that align it with human values, team dynamics, and purpose?
Those are the companies that win.
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Want to Balance AI & Culture in Your Company?
If you're ready to future-proof your culture and make AI a real advantage—not a hurdle—I’d love to talk.
I’m currently working with companies to bring the AI Savvy Culture program in-house, helping leadership teams integrate AI in a way that strengthens trust, collaboration, and performance.
Message me directly, or reach out to [email protected] if you're curious. Let’s explore what’s possible!
If you’re looking for practical strategies to build an AI-savvy culture, balance the immense change we are experiencing while keeping your top talent engaged, check out my free Thriving as an AI-Savvy Leader masterclass: www.Evoloshen.com/aisavvyleader
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Speaking of culture taking off and fuel...here's another fun prompt for you to test on your favorite LLM.
?? Copy & Paste Prompt for AI & Culture Insight
"If culture is the runway and AI is the plane, how smooth is the takeoff in my organization? What’s one thing that’s fueling momentum—and one thing causing drag?"
Bonus Question:"Is your AI strategy ready for takeoff—or stuck in a layover because Bob from accounting refuses to trust ‘the robots’?"
→ If Bob’s holding the plane back… what conversation needs to happen next?
**No offense to anyone named Bob or to anyone working in finance on this extra bonus question. But there are people holding back on any sort of AI transformation that need to be met with understanding and patience. As leaders, it is important to know that underlying resistance is there and help them get on board in a way that is not threatening but rather supportive of their growth. Thoughts?
- Karin
Need some support on navigating the shift? Reach out to us at Evoloshen. From coaching, to empowering training around culture and trust, to Culture & AI consulting. We are here to help you on your journey! Reach out to us at www.Evoloshen.com/contact-us & let's talk.
Trusted Navigator & Authority in AI, Digital Marketing Automation & Branding. Author. Powering Thought Leaders By Leveraging Tech & Eliminating Tech Overwhelm. Recognized systems pioneer in sports, tech & entertainment.
21 小时前Great leaders lead by having a vision, giving direction to achieve that vision, and allowing the people that they lead to have a sense of ownership in achieving that vision. You're right on the mark when you say AI can provide that fuel when properly incorporated into a company's culture.
Great article Karin. Are there companies today where people are really happy? Or if not that, fulfilled? In some, it sounds like if you squeeze, you see milk. In others, you see blood. That’s the culture of which you speak. And their use of tools echoes this. Nothing was put here solely for our enjoyment. It was put here for our correct use. And in the correct use of things we find joy. ??????
Does AI ask deep penetrating questions yet? When people use it to communicate with me, mostly it presents a style similar to Behaviorist Carl Rogers. It leans forward feigning interest and then repeats back to me what I said, essentially. Its responses are an assembly of associations that pretend insight with the goal to flatter me so that I’ll keep talking. But it never asks me deep questions.
?? Sales Leadership Coach & Sales Consultant | ?? Empowering Authentic Leadership through EQ as an Executive & Leadership Coach | ?????? Therapist | ??Best Selling Author | ???Podcast Host
6 天前Couldn’t agree more—AI adoption without a people-first culture is like putting a jet engine on a paper plane. In sales leadership, I’ve seen firsthand how trust, ownership, and psychological safety dramatically influence the success of any digital shift. Coaching execs through that cultural groundwork is where transformation really begins. Curious—how often do AI initiatives fail because leaders assume process beats people?
Executive Leadership Coach | AI Consultant | Investor | Speaker | Executive Search | Birkman Certified | High Performance Leadership Team Training
6 天前Great perspective and advice for company leaders.