At Executive Connections, we’re often asked what we see happening with AI. It’s a broad question, and not one that’s easy to answer quickly. But there is one consistent theme emerging that feels like déjà vu. One of the benefits of my grey hair and 30+ years in technology transformation is that it becomes easier to recognize recurring patterns.
Many companies are approaching AI the same way they approached e-commerce 20+ years ago.
Back then, CEOs often delegated “the internet strategy” to the marketing or digital team and assumed the organization would figure it out organically over time. Some companies adapted and evolved. Many underestimated how fundamentally e-commerce would reshape operations, customer experience, supply chains, talent, and competitive advantage.
We’re seeing a similar pattern with AI today.
Organizations are encouraging internal teams to experiment, learn tools, and identify use cases – which absolutely has value. But in many cases, AI is still being treated as a departmental initiative rather than a company-wide transformation strategy.
The companies pulling ahead are doing something different:
- Bringing in experienced AI leadership early
- Aligning AI initiatives to measurable business outcomes
- Thinking beyond productivity tools toward operating model transformation
- Investing in talent that can bridge technology, business strategy, and execution
AI will not simply become another software layer inside organizations. It is reshaping how companies operate, compete, hire, and grow.
The lesson from e-commerce wasn’t that experimentation was wrong. It was that waiting too long to add experienced leadership and strategic direction created a massive gap between market leaders and everyone else.
We’re beginning to see that separation happen again. If you’re a CEO or board member questioning the value of your AI investments so far, keep reading.
At Executive Connections, we built our AI practice specifically around this reality. As seemingly everyone has suddenly become an “AI expert” 🙂, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for organizations to distinguish the true AI leaders from the imposters. That’s why we maintain a curated network of 100+ of the market’s top AI leaders, from Director to EVP level, with deep experience in machine learning, big data, AI strategy, and real-world enterprise application. These are leaders who were building practical AI solutions long before AI became today’s boardroom conversation.
And if you’re reading this and you’re an engineer, researcher, data scientist, product leader, transformation or commercial executive, who believes you fit this description – but we haven’t confidentially connected yet – let’s change that. We’re always looking to build relationships with exceptional AI leaders who are shaping what comes next.
Reach me confidentially at chendren@executiveconnects.com.
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