Strategic AI: The Key to Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Market
Jennifer Naughton, President & CEO of Radiant Resources, emphasizes that AI is no longer optional—it's a strategic imperative. Companies that adopt AI strategically are outperforming their peers in speed, decision-making, and productivity.
Key Data Points:
- Customer Support: Generative AI boosts productivity by 14% and improves resolution quality (MIT/Stanford/NBER).
- Knowledge Work: Microsoft 365 Copilot users are 29% faster; 70% feel more productive.
- Economic Impact: McKinsey estimates AI could add $2.6T–$4.4T annually across key business functions.
Challenges for Late Adopters:
- Only ~1/3 of companies actively use AI.
- Common barriers: data complexity, skills gaps, siloed experimentation.
- Risks include inefficiency and data leaks (e.g., Samsung incident).
Why Strategic AI Matters
Jen warns against fragmented AI adoption. Without a unified strategy:
- Tools don’t integrate
- Data remains siloed
- Security gaps emerge
- ROI diminishes
A strategic approach aligns AI with business goals, simplifies complexity, and enhances human decision-making.
Five Critical Questions for Business Leaders:
- Value & Fit: What business goals will AI impact, and how will success be measured?
- Data Readiness: Is your data clean, secure, and accessible for AI use cases?
- Governance & Risk: Are there clear policies for privacy, security, and model oversight?
- Operating Model & Skills: Who owns AI strategy, and how are teams being trained?
- Scale & Measurement: How will pilots scale, and how will ROI be tracked?