Best Practices for Companies Looking to Implement AI in 2025
AI is no longer just a tool for innovation; it is a transformative force capable of reshaping industries, driving efficiencies, and fueling growth. Yet, despite its potential, many leaders find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of where to begin. The challenge of integrating AI is not simply about adopting the latest technology—it is about aligning AI initiatives with the company’s mission, values, and long-term objectives.
As someone who has worked with multi-billion-dollar corporations to implement AI at scale, I can confidently say this is not a process to take lightly. The stakes are high: improper implementation can result in wasted resources, fractured teams, and missed opportunities. At the same time, organizations that approach AI with intentionality can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, innovation, and value creation.
Too often, leaders approach AI as a “nice-to-have” feature or a response to competitive pressure, rather than as a strategic imperative. This mindset can lead to scattered efforts, lackluster results, and frustration. Instead, leaders must start by understanding that implementing AI is not about chasing trends—it is about solving real, measurable problems that drive business outcomes.
Below, I share insights and practical advice for organizations looking to harness the power of AI. These best practices, drawn from years of experience working across industries, will help you chart a clear path forward and avoid the common pitfalls of AI adoption.
1. Start with the Problem, Not the Technology
The first step in any AI journey is identifying the specific problem you aim to solve. It is not enough to say, “We want to improve profitability” or “We need to enhance customer experience.” Instead, ask deeper, more focused questions:
- Are you trying to reduce supply chain inefficiencies?
- Do you want to improve retention among a specific customer demographic?
- Is your goal to automate repetitive tasks in a particular department?
The more granular your focus, the clearer your strategy becomes. According to Deloitte, 83% of high-performing organizations align their AI initiatives with clear business objectives, significantly increasing their likelihood of success.
Data from Accenture reveals that companies using AI to target specific challenges, such as reducing downtime in manufacturing or improving forecasting, achieve productivity gains of up to 40%. Starting with a defined problem ensures that your AI investments deliver measurable outcomes.
2. Review Your Board of Directors
One of the most overlooked aspects of AI implementation is the role of the board. Any company adopting AI becomes, in essence, an AI company. If no one on your board has experience implementing and scaling AI, how can your organization make informed decisions about this transformative technology?
Here are the key steps:
- Assess Expertise: Does your board include members with real-world AI experience? If not, consider recruiting individuals with a proven track record in AI strategy and execution.
- Challenge the Status Quo: Boards often focus on financial oversight but must also prioritize AI governance and ethics. Ensure there is someone at the table who can evaluate AI initiatives with a critical and knowledgeable eye.
- Educate Current Members: Provide training for board members to build their understanding of AI trends, risks, and opportunities. This ensures they are prepared to guide the company effectively.
According to Deloitte, only 15% of global executives feel their organizations are equipped to manage AI complexities at scale. The board plays a critical role in closing this gap.
3. Build a Robust Governance Framework
AI is not a plug-and-play solution; it requires oversight and alignment with organizational values. Establishing a strong governance framework ensures your AI initiatives are ethical, compliant, and strategically aligned.
Key elements of governance include:
- An AI Vision Statement: Define how AI supports your company’s mission and values.
- An AI Governance Committee: Task this group with overseeing AI ethics, compliance, and strategy.
- Real-World Expertise: Include AI-literate leaders at every level to ensure informed decision-making.
Accenture highlights that 84% of executives see responsible AI as critical to gaining stakeholder trust. A governance structure that prioritizes transparency and ethics not only mitigates risks but also builds confidence among employees, customers, and investors.
4. Focus on Cross-Functional Collaboration
AI implementation is not an IT project—it is a company-wide transformation. Cross-functional collaboration ensures that AI initiatives address real business challenges and deliver value across the organization.
Steps for effective collaboration:
- Involve teams from marketing, operations, IT, and HR from the start.
- Use pilot projects to demonstrate the benefits of AI and build internal support.
- Address employee concerns transparently, focusing on how AI will augment their roles rather than replace them.
Exploding Topics reports that companies using AI across multiple functions achieve 2.5 times greater returns on investment than those that silo AI within a single department. Collaboration is key to maximizing the impact of AI.
5. Implement AI with Intentionality
AI adoption must be deliberate, starting with pilot programs in high-impact areas. Measure outcomes rigorously and scale only when success is demonstrated.
Best practices for intentional AI adoption include:
- Start Small: Identify a high-value use case and prove ROI before expanding.
- Invest in Training: Build AI literacy across your workforce to ensure adoption and alignment.
- Prioritize Transparency: Clearly communicate how AI decisions are made and how they align with organizational goals.
Accenture notes that companies that approach AI intentionally and align it with strategic priorities are twice as likely to achieve their objectives.
6. Make AI Human-Centric
At its core, AI should enhance the human experience. Whether streamlining processes, improving customer engagement, or empowering employees, the focus must remain on people.
Deloitte’s research shows that organizations adopting a human-centric approach to AI report 21% higher satisfaction among employees and customers. Keeping human needs at the forefront ensures that AI serves as a force for good, driving both business success and stakeholder trust.
Closing Thoughts: The Call to Action
AI is not just a technology; it is a strategic imperative. Companies that approach AI with clarity, governance, and a human-centric mindset are best positioned to thrive in the future.
If your organization is preparing to adopt AI, I encourage you to think critically about your leadership and governance structures. Who on your board truly understands AI? What expertise are you leveraging to guide this transformation?
For companies looking to implement AI with purpose and precision, I offer actionable insights through speaking engagements tailored to your industry and goals. Let me help your organization navigate this journey with clarity and confidence.
Contact me today to schedule a keynote or workshop that will inspire and equip your team to lead in the age of AI.
