Why AI Strategy Matters Now More Than Ever
With studies finding that the annual economic value generated by AI could grow over $23 trillion by 2040, 92% of companies plan to increase their AI investments in the next three years. Yet only 1% of senior leaders say their organizations have full AI maturity – where AI is deeply embedded in workflows and driving measurable business outcomes.
This disconnect between ambition and execution raises a critical question: how can leaders move beyond experimentation and hype to unlock real strategic value from AI?
That was the resounding theme at our recent Executive Exchange dinner in Chicago, where senior leaders gathered to explore how AI is transforming their organizations and what lies ahead. Artificial intelligence isn’t just another tool in the tech stack but intended to be a strategic force that creates new industries, redefines business models, and demands a new kind of leadership.
Panel Exchange
The main dish of the evening was a panel consisting of current and former senior leaders from GE Vernova, Quest Diagnostics, Google Cloud, and ArcBest. The panel focused on how AI influences three core themes: Impact Results, Culture, and What’s Next.
Impact Results: From Data Silos to Strategic Soil
The panelists agreed that AI without strategy is a wasted investment. As one panelist put it: “Vision without action is hallucination.” To be successful, AI needs a strong foundation and people who support what they create.
- A memorable analogy from Google Cloud likened AI development to farming. Preparing your data infrastructure is like prepping the soil. Without proper care, nothing grows. From model selection to deployment, every step requires nurturing and care.
- Quality data is important, especially when data silos prevent teams from accessing consistent, up-to-date information. While data silos remain a barrier for AI to operate efficiently and effectively, there are also tools that can help organizations eliminate silos and integrate fragmented data.
- Trust is ROI. Building trust in AI systems through transparency, reliability, and human oversight is not just a cultural imperative, it’s a financial one.
Culture: Ethics, Governance, and Adolescent AI
AI is powerful, but it’s still in its adolescent stage – it’s full of potential, yet prone to disruption if not properly managed. Many companies are just starting to invest in AI, which means they’re still learning how to integrate it effectively and responsibly. That’s why our panelists emphasized the need for strong governance and ethical frameworks to guide its use.
- AI is not an end product, it’s a partner. And like any partner, it needs boundaries. Companies have to be careful with its strategy and need proper, effective governance to manage its use.
- Hallucinations aren’t just a technical glitch—they’re a strategic risk. Continuous monitoring and process discipline are essential to keep AI aligned with business goals.
What’s Next: Agentic AI and the Power of Now
Looking ahead, the panelists were optimistic but grounded. They acknowledged that while AI holds extraordinary promise, its future depends on thoughtful execution, not blind enthusiasm.
- Agentic AI, systems that act autonomously with goals and context, is on the horizon. But the focus now should be on what AI can already do well.
- Rather than chasing speculative use cases, companies should leverage AI’s current strengths: summarization, automation, and insight generation. These “low-hanging fruits” offer real value today and pave the way for more advanced capabilities tomorrow.
Final Reflections
The message from Chicago was clear: AI is not just a technology—it’s a strategic imperative. But strategy without culture, trust, and people is just noise.
As we continue to convene leaders across industries, we’re reminded that the future of AI isn’t just about algorithms, it’s about alignment.
Stay tuned for more insights from our Executive Exchange series as we explore how AI is reshaping the business landscape, one conversation at a time.
About our Executive Exchange Series
Evalueserve’s Executive Exchange events provide an unparalleled opportunity for senior executives to connect, share insights, and explore innovative ideas in a relaxed setting over dinner and drinks. Hosted in global business hubs such as New York, Toronto, and London, our exchanges feature engaging expert-led discussions on trends such as digital transformation and AI.
These intimate, invitation-only dinners are carefully curated around key industries including banking, private markets, life sciences and healthcare, technology, and more.
