How to Make Your AI Strategy Actually Work: Expert Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Three years after ChatGPT launched, business leaders are growing frustrated with AI investments that aren't delivering results. But experts say the solution isn't abandoning AI—it's implementing it smarter.

The Reality Check

Many companies have fallen into what Colgate-Palmolive's chief data officer Diana Schildhouse calls "pilotpalooza"—running hundreds of AI pilots without clear business focus or scaling plans. Meanwhile, experts warn the AI investment bubble might burst as CEOs question returns on their AI spending.

Five Strategic Approaches That Actually Work

Focus on Problems, Not Technology

Instead of testing every new AI tool, identify specific business challenges first. Schildhouse emphasizes being "tangible and tactical" rather than building solutions in isolation from real business needs.

Deploy Proven Solutions

Ian Ruffle from RAC suggests waiting for mature AI technologies rather than chasing first-mover advantage. "Organizations that are going to do well in AI will be the ones who wait until they find a problem and deploy a mature AI to solve that challenge."

Embrace Learning from Setbacks

The Pensions Regulator's Paul Neville advocates an iterative approach: "Success is about learning as we go and not trying to do everything at once." He rejects the "fail fast" mentality, preferring to view challenges as learning opportunities.

Address Cultural Resistance Head-On

RS research shows resistance to change is the biggest obstacle to innovation. Mike Bray from RS emphasizes that AI success requires demonstrating clear benefits to employees in their daily work.

Prioritize System Integration

Boomi CEO Steve Lucas identifies integration as the missing link: "We have all these enterprise systems...We also have AI in the models, but we're lacking the connective tissue between enterprise systems and AI."

The Bottom Line

Successful AI implementation isn't about having the latest technology—it's about solving real business problems with proven solutions while managing cultural change effectively. Companies that focus on outcomes rather than tools are seeing the real returns from their AI investments.🔗 Read the full article on ZDNet