The Survivors Guide to AI Business Reviews

So, That Happened!

Business reviews are strange times of the year, aren't they? They're always the same wherever you go, no matter your journey or level of success.

We know they're meant to provide a structured evaluation of your company's performance, assess progress toward goals, identify strengths and weaknesses, and help you develop strategies for future improvement. Yet, do they really offer genuine clarity and understanding? Beyond the "actions moving forward"? What knowledge and wisdom have you truly acquired?

The colliding worlds of technological advancement and innovative business practices bring out our primal human tendencies.

So, as your Coach, Mentor and proxy AI Strategist, let's see if, through this article, we can soothe your limbic system and kick your pre-frontal cortex back into action. Let's have a calm, meaningful discussion about critical topics for successfully integrating AI into your business.

Few of us shout, "Bring it on!" as we rush into the wilderness of commercial transformation, attempting to conquer uncharted territory. Most of us do our best to navigate and adapt, consolidate resources and skills, and rely on our guiding principles: decentralise or centralise, create new infrastructure, improve operational efficiencies, and integrate new technologies with legacy systems. Meanwhile, some of us hope for rescue, paralysed by analysis, unsure how to articulate our problems, let alone ask the right questions.

Innovation is the only way businesses evolve and survive. It's a Darwinian process that leaves the majority of us overwhelmed and disempowered.

Oh, what's that? Me? What am I doing? Oh, I'm not overwhelmed! I'm leaving the LLMs alone for a minute so I can faff around with- ahem, sorry, test GenAI video-making software whilst I huff essential oils, eat Haribos by the handful, and take coffee through an IV. Me? I'm on my A-game!

So grab your factor 50, and stay hydrated. We're going to take a long walk into the wilderness.

A Touch of Radical Candour

So, why don't we feel like we're moving forward, owning our journey, leading, and inspiring with clarity and focus? Often, it's due to a lack of self-compassion, acceptance, and honesty in facing the truth.

Integrating AI into your business is hard! It's more complicated than you're being told or telling yourself. Expectations often exceed the available resources, and there's a constant sense of urgency.

AI integration is risky. Reputations are on the line. Jobs are changing. AI washing is everywhere (for more check out my last write-up)

Survivalist metaphors aside, how do we deal with the overwhelm? How do we focus on the right things to surpass ambiguous KPIs, overzealous sales targets, endless metrics, inflated job titles, and arbitrary digital transformation initiatives?

Focus on the right things! Oh. Em. Gee! Did I metaphorically hear your eyes roll? Did you read this far just to hear the obvious? You think? Maybe. But as your Coach and Mentor, my job is to hold you accountable. Let's assess your situation and figure out the next steps.

The State of Play

Let's begin from where we are. In any Business Review, organisations will find themselves in three categories regarding their AI initiatives. Whether you are behind, on target, or exceeding your goals, align your AI strategies accordingly. Below are some thoughts:

• Catching Up: Implement AI solutions quickly to optimise operations and improve productivity. Identify critical areas where AI can deliver quick wins. Start with a small, impactful pilot project to demonstrate immediate benefits and build momentum. This approach has the advantage that your people get a chance to get hands-on with real projects and develop a meaningful understanding of AI. The key to understanding is doing.
• Maintaining Momentum: Leverage AI to sustain current performance and seek incremental improvements. Continuously evaluate AI projects' performance and look for ways to enhance them. Regularly update AI models with new data - the right data, to keep them accurate and relevant.
• Excelling: Use AI to innovate and stay ahead of competitors. Explore advanced AI applications such as machine learning for product development, AI-driven market research for identifying new opportunities, and AI-powered supply chain optimisation to maintain competitive advantage.

The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It

Innovation and augmenting human ingenuity are my passions as a Coach, a Data Scientist, and an AI Consultant. I want to change the world by empowering people and applying technology. I've seen how this approach leads to successful businesses, which further enables society to achieve extraordinary things.

The journey is often challenging, but each step, will yield some form of return on investment. Even if it's not what you're hoping for, you will never leave empty-handed. So, let's take your challenges and turn them into opportunities that can propel us to greater things.

To help with your thinking for the next quarter and beyond, I've included a helpful coaching tool: the T-GROW model. Many of you familiar with coaching will recognise it. While it may seem simple, don't underestimate its power to drive impactful change. Use it thoughtfully to clarify your goals and strategies for yourself and your business. Add your own questions to each section.

Do The Thing

To implement a successful AI strategy, there are three key areas for consideration: Technological Implementation, Business Strategy, and Cultural Evolution. For these areas, I will make some suggestions on addressing some of the crucial aspects that businesses find most tricky. My objective is to give you something to pivot your conversations from.

Let me know if you want me to do a deeper dive into anything. I'm here to serve.

You're not alone.

Technological Implementation: Laying the Foundation

To leverage AI effectively, ensure you start with a solid technological foundation. It sounds obvious, but usually, you'll have a number of interdependencies to consider.

Evaluate your current technology infrastructure, identify gaps, and ensure the necessary hardware, software, and data management systems are in place. Conduct a thorough AI readiness assessment involving every aspect of your business. Develop a roadmap for infrastructure upgrades, prioritising the most critical areas first.

Start with pilot projects to demonstrate AI's potential. Choose areas with clear, measurable outcomes. Select a pilot project with high visibility and clear ROI potential. Use it as a case study to build internal support for broader AI adoption.

Select AI solutions that can scale with the business. Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions. Choose AI solutions with modular architectures that can expand functionalities as needed. Ensure your chosen platform integrates well with existing systems and can handle increased data volumes.

Continuous Improvement and Benchmarking

Remember, you can only improve what you measure.

Ensuring continuous improvement and recognising success are crucial to maintaining momentum with AI initiatives. Regularly review AI implementations and make adjustments based on performance data. Implement a continuous improvement framework that involves regular performance reviews, user feedback sessions, and iterative development cycles to keep AI solutions effective and relevant.

To stay competitive, benchmark AI initiatives against industry standards and competitors. Conduct competitive analysis and industry benchmarking regularly to identify best practices and emerging trends in AI. Use this information to inform strategic decisions and maintain a competitive edge.

Business Strategy: Effective Change Management

Ironically, the key to being a successful disruptor in your vertical is ensuring smooth-running operations within your own organisation.

The survival of an organisation is tied to its capacity to adapt. Effective change management and risk mitigation are essential for smooth transitions and minimal disruptions during AI adoption. AI adoption is not just a technological upgrade; it's a transformative journey requiring meticulous planning and execution. Implement robust change management practices, communicate clearly about the benefits of AI, and involve employees in the transition process.

Establish a dedicated change management team for AI projects, regularly communicate progress, and solicit feedback to address concerns promptly. Programmatise this process. Finish what you start!

I'm going to make a point around communication here. You already know that any change in the way a business operates is messy. Develop a program for internal comms that allows concerns to be highlighted in a constructive and respectful manner, leaving everyone knowing they have a stake in the game. Contrary to popular belief, Change Management can be a forgiving process, as long as you listen more than talk. You want an effective AI strategy? Put your people first!

Proactive Risk Management

The risks associated with AI adoption can range from data security issues to operational disruptions. Develop a comprehensive risk management plan for AI implementations and regularly review AI models for biases and inaccuracies, adjusting them as needed to maintain fairness and accuracy.

Proactively identifying and addressing these risks safeguards your operations and builds a resilient framework capable of handling future challenges. Consider the implications of biased AI models on your decision-making processes and the potential fallout. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure your AI systems remain fair and accurate. For more on how to approach your challenges around your data, check out my previous article.

Continuous Feedback and Agility

Establishing a continuous feedback loop with your employees and stakeholders ensures that the AI adoption process is dynamic and responsive. It allows you to pivot strategies in real-time, addressing issues as they arise and capitalising on new opportunities. This agile approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your AI initiatives.

Effective change management and risk mitigation are not just about avoiding pitfalls; they are about building a sustainable and competitive edge. By fostering a culture that embraces change and proactively manages risks, you position your organisation as a forward-thinking leader in your industry. Successfully managing the transition to AI demonstrates to your clients, partners, and the market that your organisation can handle complex transformations. This builds trust and credibility, essential components for long-term business relationships and market positioning.

Fostering an AI-Friendly Culture

No matter how advanced your technology or processes, it always comes back to people. We are the ones running the show, after all! Consider a holistic approach that ensures your organisation has both the cultural foundation and the necessary skills to thrive in the AI landscape. Reassure employees that AI is a tool for enhancement, not a threat to job security. The best way to do this is to include them in the process.

Create passionate communities, implement AI ambassador programs to champion adoption and share success stories, and provide platforms for employees to experiment with AI tools and propose new applications.

Prioritise AI projects that deliver the highest ROI and seek strategic partnerships or external funding if necessary. Identify partners with the expertise and resources needed and explore funding options like grants, venture capital, or AI-focused investment funds.

Finally, invest in training programs to upskill employees, ensuring they understand how to work alongside AI technologies. Tailor the curriculum to different roles and offer continuous learning opportunities to keep skills up to date. Overcome the lack of expertise by hiring AI experts or partnering with AI service providers. Develop a talent acquisition strategy focused on attracting AI specialists, and consider partnerships with AI consultancies or academic institutions to access cutting-edge expertise and research.

Embrace the Journey: Turning Vision into Reality

Navigating the complexities of AI adoption requires a strategic approach that addresses both the technological and human aspects of your business. Success hinges on more than just technology; it lies in addressing common challenges head-on and overcoming hurdles related to resources, expertise, and fear of change.

To truly succeed, cultivate a culture that embraces AI, that fosters an environment where continuous improvement and benchmarking are standard practices. Prioritise projects that offer the highest ROI seek strategic partnerships and communicate transparently about AI's benefits. Implement a continuous improvement framework and benchmark your initiatives against industry standards to stay competitive. Communicate. Include. Iterate.

Finally, remember to celebrate successes! We can only build on that which we achieve! By addressing these critical areas, you will adopt AI effectively and create a sustainable, competitive advantage. Your journey towards an AI-driven future is filled with potential. Embrace it, and watch as your business transforms and people thrive in this new era.