In many organizations, a striking contradiction is emerging: While AI systems grow more powerful, their potential remains untapped in practice. It is not due to a lack of investment in technology, but because the organization is unprepared.
AI competence is not a new department or a standalone training program—it is top management’s priority.
Executives who leverage AI with a focus on value creation take on an uncomfortable truth before embedding it in the organization: the responsibility they have toward their employees, the organization, and its shareholders. AI projects rarely fail due to technology; they fail because teams lack guidance and clarity on the outcomes they should achieve with AI.
In my experience, executives fall into two groups when it comes to AI initiatives: those who actively lead change, and those who expect AI to deliver results without their active involvement. Change does not happen by deploying technology; it happens when executives treat AI as a continuous transformation that touches every part of the organization.
At its core, the issue is not just technological infrastructure, employee skills, or fear of making mistakes. It comes down to one key question: how does the company approach change? If executives are unable to answer this question clearly, any AI initiative is bound to fail. Crucially, AI cannot and should not be handled solely by the IT department. It must be an integral part of the company’s culture.
In short, the C-Suite reflects the change—whether they want to or not.
This requires courage and clarity. As executives, we cannot hide behind technology; we must ask ourselves: What does it mean to use AI responsibly? How will our values and ways of working change? And above all, how do we build trust among employees that this technology is not just something “new” or even “scary,” but an essential part of the future?
The responsibility for the success of AI initiatives does not lie with the technology, but with those who lead the company. Executives who continue to see AI merely as a technical challenge are treading on thin ice: Artificial intelligence is—more than ever—a cultural transformation. And this transformation does not start with employees or the middle management alone; it begins at the top.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely the author’s opinion and not investment advice—it is provided for educational purposes only. By using this, you agree that the information does not constitute any investment or financial instructions. Do conduct your own research and reach out to financial advisors before making any investment decisions.