How to Introduce AI to Your Board: A 3-Step Guide

The INSEAD article rightly highlights that while AI’s potential to transform boardroom preparation, discussion, and decision-making is increasingly evident, there remains a significant gap in AI literacy at the executive and board level. From our work with senior leaders, we see three main reasons: 1️⃣ Confidence gap – many directors are unfamiliar with how LLMs actually work, leading to hesitation in trusting their output. 2️⃣ Context gap – AI often feels like a technical tool rather than a strategic enabler, which limits its adoption in shaping decisions. 3️⃣ Capability gap – without tailored training and board-level frameworks, executives lack the hands-on literacy needed to use AI effectively in governance. That’s why creating the right environment is crucial: 1️⃣ Developing enterprise-ready LLMs aligned with security and governance needs, 2️⃣ Training models on board-relevant data with safeguards, 3️⃣ Building AI literacy at board and executive level. Only then can we fully leverage executive decision agents—AI systems that support directors in validating assumptions, testing scenarios, and ultimately feeling comfortable relying on AI as a decision partner. This is exactly the space where initiatives like X-Phera are working: helping executives build prompt literacy, establish trusted frameworks, and accelerate the safe integration of AI into the highest levels of decision-making. AI in the boardroom is not about replacing judgment—it’s about enhancing clarity, confidence, and foresight in executive decision-making. Does your AI-Board Observer already get to read the Board Pack? 😉 #AILiteracy #BoardGovernance #ExecutiveDecisions #AIValue

- Time is our most strategic choice (as always) - In an AI world, time isn’t just something we “get back., it’s something we choose to spend differently. And there’s value there; MIT Sloan School of Management research shows teams who combine automation with workflow redesign see up to 40% more creative output, not just efficiency gains. Let’s think about that. It’s about redirecting human energy toward growth, innovation, and connection, working and collaborating differently with AI to deliver different outcomes. Which is why startups like AdeptAIML not to mention the behemoths like OpenAI are explicitly building AI copilots to eliminate admin — so teams can focus on what matters. Leaders and businesses who see AI only as a productivity tool risk missing its potential. The true edge will come from where we spend our most finite resource — time — in three areas: Reimagining: new products, markets, partnerships Reconnecting: relationships, culture, trust Thinking further ahead: beyond the next quarter Check out Fei-Fei Li and Rutger Bregman’s thinking in this space . So what are the difficult questions leaders should be asking right now: 1) What time-wasting habits are we still clinging to — and what would happen if we stopped? 2) Where could AI take over so we can redirect human effort toward growth? 3) Do we measure success by tasks completed… or by ideas sparked, innovations launched, impact delivered? Leaders: time isn’t just something we “get back.” It’s something we reinvest — in building, thinking, creating. What’s one way you’ll spend time differently this coming week? 👇 Shelly Palmer Kevin Cashman Richard Slater Karalee Close Jonathan Keane Jess Majekodunmi Yaarit Silverstone Shaheen Sayed ⸻ #Leadership #AI #Innovation #FutureOfWork #TimeWellSpent

𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱: 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 A growing number of leaders and decision makers are fundamentally changing how they approach strategic challenges using AI. Recently, a senior manager shared that he had replaced his consulting engagement with AI tools, noting significantly improved strategic dialogue quality. This trend reflects a broader shift toward AI as a "critical friend" in strategic planning to "asks provocative questions, provide data to be examined through another lens, and offer critiques as a friend". This offers leaders and decision makers access to advice that is continuous available, objective, and without organizational politics. Key advantages include: ● Enhanced accessibility to sophisticated strategic frameworks ● Cost efficiency compared to traditional consulting models ● Objective perspective free from competing client interests ● Safe environment for exploring complex scenarios But, be careful. While AI excels at analysis, strategic leadership requires much more than that. It demands human judgment for implementation, stakeholder management, and navigating organizational dynamics that AI cannot fully comprehend. The most effective leaders are already using AI's analytical capabilities while maintaining focus on human-centered outcomes and relationship management. This evolution represents a structural change in strategic leadership practices, with significant implications for both executives and the consulting industry. What does this mean for your business strategy? Read my latest Dispatch to find out more at https://lnkd.in/dXm-4xQB #StrategicLeadership #ResponsibleAI #AIatScale #DigitalTransformation #DigitalDisruption

AI adoption isn’t just about tools — it’s about mindset. I spent a thought-provoking afternoon this week at the Victory Square Partners Summit, where senior leaders came together to share practical, real-world experiences with AI — both in accelerating internal operations and in delivering ROI for customers. What stood out for me were the honest discussions about challenges. For example, a recent RCT found that skilled developers using AI on an open-source codebase actually took ~19% longer to complete tasks. It’s a reminder that software development is heterogeneous: skill levels, greenfield vs. legacy systems, familiar vs. foreign technologies — all matter. There are clear wins in certain contexts, but technology leaders still have to apply discernment: the right tool for the right job. Equally important was the conversation around workforce impact. Too often, AI adoption is framed as “doing more with less.” But one perspective I found powerful was to reframe the question: what will you focus on with the time AI frees up? That shift — from pressure to empowerment — is the kind of growth mindset leadership we need more of. Appreciate Victory Square Partners for bringing us together — and Paul Doman and Marius Banici for pushing the conversation forward on what it takes to make AI adoption real.

Want your team to actually adopt AI?  Stop talking about technology. Start talking about growth. The biggest mistake leaders make isn't choosing the wrong AI tool - it's failing to frame the opportunity correctly. In my conversation with Jamie, Managing Partner & CTO of Alt Digital , we uncovered the strategy that drives real adoption. Here's the shift that changes everything: Stop saying: "We're implementing AI to improve efficiency." Start saying: "We're scaling the business without scaling headcount. This tool lets two people do the work of five - not to cut jobs, but to handle the growth that's coming." When you position AI as an enabler of expansion rather than a cost-cutting measure, resistance drops. Your team stops seeing a threat and starts seeing opportunity. The key? Identify your change champions early. The people who are part of building the solution become your biggest advocates. They're the ones who will drive adoption when the tool goes live. And here's the bonus: frame AI as eliminating the boring, repetitive work so your team can focus on the strategic, engaging projects they actually want to do. That's when buy-in becomes inevitable. The lesson? Technology adoption isn't a tech problem - it's a communication problem. Get the message right, and the rest follows. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gDNqqREP Curious about what AI could unlock for your business? Book a free 30-min evaluation: https://lnkd.in/gi-DcT_H Or learn more at www.roaraisolutions.com Learn more about Alt Digital: https://altdigital.ai #ChangeManagement #AIAdoption #LeadershipStrategy #DigitalTransformation #TeamEngagement

I've got some bad news for you...AI punishes the weak. 👇 👇 👇 Not because it’s malicious or out to get us, but because it scales what already exists faster than any person ever could. I've taken the summer off from posting my newsletter (though will be making a return soon) and in the meantime wanted to share a bit of what I'm seeing. Weak workflows collapse faster. Weak strategies are exposed. Weak leadership becomes obvious. AI is not just another tool, it’s an amplifier. It doesn’t make bad systems better, it makes them visible. It doesn’t magically fix inefficiencies, it magnifies them. In my work, I see a clear divide emerging: Teams and organisations who treat AI as a strategic capability are already accelerating. They’re automating manual tasks, surfacing insights instantly, and creating time for innovation. Teams who wait for a perfect plan, or just bury their head in the sand because they haven't got time to think about it are losing ground every quarter and will continue to do so at an accelerated pace. The real competitive advantage isn’t AI itself, it’s leaders who can harness it to create leverage. Those who learn, experiment, and adapt will thrive. Those who don’t will feel the gap widen. If you’re leading a team or running your own business, now is the time to: 1. Audit your workflows – where are you slow, repetitive, or blind to data? 2. Build AI fluency – this is a leadership skill, not just a technical one. 3. Reimagine your value – what could your team achieve if they had 5x the time and insight? AI will expose your weak spots and reward your strengths. The question is whether you’re ready for that level of visibility. If you want to talk more about this, or don't know where to start (I know this can feel overwhelming pretty quickly), then get in touch! #ai #productivity #businessgrowth #futureofwork

‘AI is 99% practice and 1% theory’ The risk of missing out on the AI race is prompting many leaders to pursue an ‘invest and hope’ strategy, with no clear sense of what to expect. But AI needs to be properly understood if it is going to be more than just a gamble. Leadership needs to understand the value it could unlock – not just cost savings, but productivity gains, customer experience and new growth avenues. Read this interesting article to learn how to foster an AI culture in your organization. #AI #AIculture #Financialservices #ACCA #machinelearning #digitaltransformation #accountantrole Laura Reay Kyle Tyrrell Vinay Handa FCCA Victoria Gillespie FCCA MCSI CFA Sustainable Investing Louise Morriss BFP FCA FCCA Taurai P Manyanga,FCCA,CISA Tania Amin Mohammad, ACCA Becky Glover

🤖 𝗔𝗜 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻. 📈 5.6x more new AI models since 2022 💸 280x cheaper to run in just 18 months ⚡ Being adopted 4x faster than the desktop internet Early movers are already making 𝟭.𝟱𝘅 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀. So the big question leaders ask is: “How do we actually keep up?” Here’s a simple 5-step playbook 👇 1️⃣ 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 → Make sure everyone knows why AI matters and how it helps the company. Leaders should also show how they use it. 2️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 → Teach people how to use AI, pick team champions, and let them try things out safely. 3️⃣ 𝗔𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 → Don’t let wins hide in one corner. Share success stories, write down what works, and build spaces where everyone can learn from each other. 4️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 → Remove delays. Give teams quick access to the tools and data they need so good ideas can go from “just an idea” → “real results.” 5️⃣ 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻 → Move fast, but with care. Set simple rules so teams know what’s safe to try, while still keeping things responsible. 💡 Companies that do this well don’t just “𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗜.” They work in a whole new way - faster, smarter, and stronger. 👉 The real question isn’t if your company should use AI… it’s how quickly you can Align, Activate, Amplify, Accelerate, and Govern. 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆? 👀 #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #Leadership #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #AIAdoption #GenAI #AIinBusiness #AITransformation #AILeadership #TechTrends #WorkplaceInnovation #BusinessStrategy

#FutureOfWork #HumourWithInsight 🚨 Two challenges every organisation faces today: 1️⃣ Artificial Intelligence; & 2️⃣ Natural Stupidity The irony is striking. While we pour billions into advancing AI, many organisations still struggle with the basics—decision-making clouded by ego, resistance to change, and blind adherence to outdated practices. AI may disrupt industries, but “natural stupidity” viz., poor judgment, lack of curiosity, and unwillingness to learn; can quietly destroy organisations from within. ♦️ The real test of leadership: It’s not just about integrating AI. It’s about cultivating human intelligence: • Critical thinking over blind following; • Curiosity over complacency; • Wisdom over noise. Technology will keep evolving. The question is—will our thinking evolve with it? 👈 ♦️ A leadership reminder: • Technology amplifies decisions—it doesn’t fix them. • Tools are only as powerful as the people who wield them. • The real competitive edge lies in combining human wisdom + machine intelligence. 👉 Tech won’t save us from bad decisions. 👉 Algorithms don’t fix outdated thinking. 👉 Before we upgrade our systems, we need to upgrade our mindset. Sometimes, it’s not the algorithm that needs debugging… it’s us.🤭 ♦️ Food for thought: 💬 If “natural stupidity” is the bigger risk, how do we tackle it inside organisations? • Is it about education and training? • Is it about better leadership? • Or is it about creating cultures where curiosity and critical thinking thrive? Leaders - here are some sharper provocations to spark discussion (and do some MM as well): 1. 🚀 If AI keeps learning and improving, why do so many leaders still resist learning themselves? 2. ⚖️ Which is more dangerous for an organisation’s future: lagging in AI adoption, or clinging to outdated human thinking? 3. 🧠 How do we build cultures where “natural stupidity” (ego, bias, poor judgment) is challenged, not rewarded? 4. 🔍 When was the last time you saw a poor decision cause more damage than a tech failure? 5. 🌍 Is the real competitive edge in AI; or in the mindset of the people using it? I’d love to hear how organisations can overcome this challenge. Comment below. 💐

What’s Really Holding Back AI Adoption? The media is abuzz about an AI bubble, a surge of investment and hype but not enough results. Research confirms that 80 to 95 percent of AI pilots fail to move the needle, financially or operationally. It is familiar territory for anyone in the technology industry. Every major tech shift begins with inflated expectations before reality sets in. But the challenge is not just hype. Many employees are being asked to transform how they work while also covering for staff cuts and heavier workloads. Resistance is natural. Without trust, clarity, and support, adoption will always disappoint. That is why AI adoption should be managed like any major change effort: 🟢 Phase it out: Crawl, walk, then run. Start with small, safe use cases. 🟢 Lead by example. Leaders should use AI themselves and show teams what is possible. 🟢 Make it practical. Demonstrate easy-to-adopt wins such as research, assisted content creation (solving blank page syndrome), simple automation, or light code support (including spreadsheet formulas). 🟢 Keep the human feedback loop. AI improves when people engage critically, not blindly. Here is a mindset shift to consider: AI should be about enabling growth, not only cutting costs. If we think of AI as a personal assistant, the question becomes: what can we delegate so we can focus more time on strategic efforts? The work we rarely have time for such as researching industry trends, analyzing competitive shifts, or exploring new opportunities now becomes possible. That also means delegation will become a critical skill, even in roles where it was not before. Knowing what to offload to AI and what to keep for yourself may become one of the most important ways to unlock value. AI may feel all-powerful. But the leaders who treat it as a disciplined, human-centered change journey, not just a budget line or buzzword, will be the ones who move beyond the bubble. I would love to hear your experiences with AI adoption, what's worked, what hasn't? Hashtags: #AIAdoption #AIBubble #ChangeManagement #Leadership #DigitalTransformation