Why we can't wait any longer with AI strategy

Who's the real AI expert, and why can't you postpone strategy any longer?

Everyone's an AI expert?

Everyone's an AI expert now. At least, that's how it seems when you scroll through LinkedIn or request proposals. Two months ago, nobody really understood what RAG was, and now everyone's offering to write you the perfect AI strategy as a consultant. But here's the question we rarely dare to ask: who's writing the strategy for their strategies?

This isn't cynicism. This is the uncomfortable reality every leader faces when they start researching AI implementation. And that's precisely why we can't postpone it any longer.

Introduction: Why now?

I've talked with several leaders over the past few months. Some excitedly told me about their team "dabbling" with ChatGPT. Some admitted they still don't understand why they need an AI strategy. And some honestly asked: "Tomi, is it really this urgent?"

The answer is simple: yes.

But not because tomorrow will be too late. Not because the competition will run away. But because AI implementation without strategy is like building a highway without a plan - you'll end up with something, but it might not take you where you want to go.

The problem: When there's no strategy

Let's face the truth. What happens if we DON'T create an AI strategy?

The island-like usage trap:

A few enthusiastic employees start using AI tools
Everyone works on their own little island, with different tools, different approaches
No harmonization, no common language, no interoperability
AI implementation "happens," but transforms nothing

The alpha and omega:

An AI strategy isn't a trendy document we create because "that's what's expected now." It's the map that all future decisions and planning align with:

Which processes should we automate first?
Which tools should we choose?
How do we handle data?
How do we train the team?
How do we measure success?

Without strategy, these questions get ad-hoc answers. And ad-hoc answers don't build anything - just noise.

What's at stake if we don't act?

Not the end of the world. Not the company closing tomorrow. But there's something much more painful:

You get stuck at the "dabbling" level.

And you feel it too. You see something happening in the AI space, you feel the movement, but meanwhile you're standing still. Some of your colleagues are "dabbling" with ChatGPT, but nobody feels like real change has happened.

No transformation. No liberation from routine. Just the same thing, slightly different.

And while you wait:

Your team gets increasingly frustrated because they see it could be better
Processes remain just as manually operated
Leadership time is still trapped in routine
And that vision of "more time for people" drifts further away

The solution: How to start TODAY

Now comes the part you're waiting for: concrete steps. Not tomorrow, not next week. Today.

1. Request AI strategy proposals - as many as possible

Not because all of them will be good. But because that's the only way you'll see how many different approaches exist. Some start from technology. Some from processes. Some from people. And none of them are wrong - they just have different paths.

2. Decide which fits YOUR company BEST

Not the most expensive. Not the fanciest. Not the one using the most buzzwords. But the one that:

Understands YOUR industry
Asks about you, doesn't just talk about themselves
Doesn't promise miracle cures, but shows the way
Is people-centered, not just tech-centered

3. Accept: Multiple paths exist, and everyone's path is different

This is perhaps the most important realization. There's no universal AI strategy template. What your competitor does works for them - but it might not work for you. Your path must be tailored to YOUR company, YOUR team, YOUR processes.

But wait... Who's the REAL expert?

Now comes the question I raised at the beginning, and I know it's buzzing in your mind too:

"Everyone's an AI expert now - WHO's the real one?"

Honestly? There's no perfect answer. But there are signs to watch for:

Red flags:

Only talks about technology, not people
Offers universal solutions
Doesn't ask about you, just sells
Promises: "Complete transformation in 6 months"

Green signals:

Asks first, before suggesting
Also talks about what WON'T work for you
Knows your industry, or is at least curious about it
Talks about people, processes, culture too, not just tools
Honestly admits when something isn't their expertise

And here's the twist: you can ask for help in figuring out WHO to ask for help. Talk to people who've already walked this path. Request multiple proposals and compare them. And trust your instincts - if someone seems too good to be true, they probably are.

Back to people

I know you're thinking: "Great, one more thing I have to deal with." I get it. Your to-do list is already endless.

But think back to what I wrote in my first blog post: why do I use AI agents? So I have more time for people.

The AI strategy is exactly about this. Not about adding another project to the pile. But about liberating yourself and your team from the prison of routine.

Your life will be easier. You'll have more time for the things that really matter. For people. For solving real problems. For decisions that need humans, not algorithms.

But for that, you need a map. You need a route. You need a strategy.

Starting today

Here you are. You've read the blog post. Maybe you nodded a few times. Maybe you recognized yourself at the "dabbling" level. Maybe you feel the urgency.

Now what do you do?

Three things you can do TODAY:

Find leaders who've already been through this - ask them how they started, what they'd do differently
Request at least 3 AI strategy proposals - even if you don't decide now, at least you'll see the landscape
Write down in one sentence: Why do I want an AI strategy? What makes it worth starting?

Because the path you start today will define you tomorrow.

So, are you starting?

If you have questions or need help with the first steps - reach out. Let's talk.