How To Choose The Right AI Initiatives: 16 Tips For Company Leaders
- Matei Dumitru
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
The rapid evolution of generative AI has introduced both opportunities and uncertainties for businesses integrating these tools into their operations. As new AI competitors emerge, existing technologies shift and the market is regularly disrupted, companies leveraging it must stay agile to future-proof the AI initiatives they undertake, avoiding investments in solutions that may quickly become obsolete or misaligned with their long-term needs.
Rather than chasing trends, wise company decision-makers ensure their adoption of AI in the workplace aligns with their organizations’ strategic goals. Here, 16 members of Forbes Coaches Council share expert insights to consider as leaders navigate the ever-evolving world of AI.
1. Resist Trendy Tech Without A Strategy In Place
Business leaders should be strategic about what they choose to implement, resisting the temptation to jump on board the latest GenAI bandwagon. Consider how the new tech impacts operations, stakeholders and financials and how it drives the company toward its purpose. Leaders should be strategic about the AI tech they invest in, too, resisting the temptation to fund trendy tech without strategic alignment. - Kelly Byrnes, Voyage Consulting Group
2. Follow A Customer-Focused Vetting Process
Adopt a robust, customer-focused vetting process that prioritizes desired outcomes. Before implementing AI solutions, companies should: 1. Define clear objectives focused on improving customer experiences. 2. Evaluate multiple options, recognizing that not all problems require AI solutions. 3. If AI is deemed appropriate, start with small-scale experiments to learn and adapt before full-scale implementation. - Ula Ojiaku, Mezahab Group
3. Prioritize Interoperability And Modularity
AI market disruptions—like unexpected competitors with breakthrough models—signal that stability is an illusion. Businesses leveraging generative AI must rethink vendor lock-in, ensuring adaptability over allegiance. Key takeaway: Future-proof AI initiatives by prioritizing interoperability and modularity so your strategy evolves with the tech, not against it. - Andre Shojaie, HumanLearn
4. Establish Clear Data Governance Frameworks
Companies using emerging technologies must stay adaptable, monitor the landscape and prioritize innovation to remain competitive, as new players may disrupt their advantages. Business leaders must establish clear data governance frameworks addressing quality, privacy, security and compliance, as these elements are critical to success, more so than the specific AI technologies used. - Maryam Daryabegi, Innovation Bazar
5. Assess Internal Pivotability
Rapid AI disruptions underscore the need for nimble strategies. Companies can’t rely on static approaches or single-vendor solutions. Before green-lighting new AI projects, leaders should assess whether their infrastructure, workforce skills and data governance can quickly pivot. This readiness ensures resilience as new players, tech breakthroughs and challenges emerge. - Kerri Sutey, Sutey Coaching & Consulting LLC
6. Prioritize AI Agility
Recent AI disruptions signal rapid evolution; for example, companies leveraging generative AI must prioritize adaptability over rigid strategies. AI’s advantage isn’t in the use of tools but in how seamlessly it integrates with business goals. Decision-makers should focus on AI agility, which means investing in flexible, ethical and scalable AI strategies that evolve with market shifts, not against them. - Arthi Rabikrisson, Prerna Advisory
7. Introduce And Integrate AI Gradually
Look at using AI tools as an aid to help guide people in infusing it into their most repetitive tasks. By gradually introducing AI, you can potentially seamlessly allow it to be introduced without drama. It may then allow people to be freed up to be more productive. The fear factor in AI is that it will take our jobs. Lessen the drama. Integrate AI to help productivity. - John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
8. Work Backward From Your Ideal Vision
Static AI strategies will fail. Instead of chasing every new tool, decision-makers should first envision their ideal AI-infused organization and work backward from there. What does AI integration look like? How will employees work, and how will it impact customer experience? Once the destination is clear, they can chart and select AI solutions that fit the vision rather than getting distracted by AI noise. - Thomas Lim, Centre for Systems Leadership (SIM Academy)
9. Consider The Human Impact
With rapid changes, unforeseen competitors and disruptions in AI markets, decision-makers should know the myriad areas, jobs, functions and human abilities that AI will replace in good time. They need to more seriously consider the absolutely core psychology of what it means to be human. There are some things that AI will not replace because they are not in the nature of a technology that is man-made. - Vinesh Sukumaran, Vinesh Sukumaran Consulting
10. Focus On Data Quality Over Model Choice
AI market disruptions highlight the need for businesses to focus on data quality over model choice. The best AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on. Companies leveraging generative AI should prioritize clean, structured and proprietary data to stay competitive, ensuring adaptability regardless of shifting AI providers, emerging competitors or evolving regulations. - Stephan Lendi, Newbury Media & Communications GmbH
11. Look For Applications That Are LLM Agnostic
While many of the large language models are built on closed systems, companies can look for open-source alternatives (such as Llama) that will allow for future pivots. In addition, looking for applications that are LLM agnostic can also help to defuse single-source supplier risk. Perplexity AI is one such vendor that can work with OpenAI as well as new disruptors such as DeepSeek. - Kelly Huang, Coach Kelly Huang
12. Focus On Agility And Continuous Learning
Major AI disruptions will continue and require a leadership approach that focuses on agility and continuous learning. Before moving forward, decision-makers should gain a deeper understanding of AI themselves and take a people-first approach to ensure their teams are able to keep up. They should also factor in ethical considerations and potential risks to leverage AI responsibly and effectively. - Elisa Mallis, Center for Creative Leadership
13. Focus On Flexible Solutions
AI market disruptions highlight the volatility of the space, where new entrants can redefine standards overnight. This presents opportunities for innovation and risks of dependency on soon-to-be-outdated tools. Decision-makers should focus on flexibility, choosing AI solutions that integrate well, allow for quick pivots and align with evolving regulations and ethical considerations. - Rukayat Alabi, RKY Careers
14. Integrate, Iterate And Evolve With AI
AI will disrupt business, work and life—but not equally. Tasks will be automated, roles will evolve and expectations will shift. Adaptability is essential. AI will reshape workflows, customer routines and business processes. The future belongs to those who integrate, iterate and evolve with AI—not to those who see it as a magic bullet. - Ira Wolfe, Poised for the Future Company
15. Assess Competitors And New Tech Regularly
Recent disruptions in AI markets highlight the need for adaptability among companies using generative AI. Decision-makers should regularly assess competitive landscapes and evolving technologies. It’s also crucial to prioritize ethical AI practices and user training to maximize benefits, minimize risks and ensure alignment with organizational goals before advancing AI initiatives. - Jay Garcia, Jay Garcia Group
16. Take A Phased, Strategic Approach
The AI market is rapidly evolving, with new players like OpenAI and DeepSeek. Lower barriers to entry and open-source models are fueling disruption. Businesses must integrate AI strategically, not as a stand-alone upgrade. A phased approach—starting with productivity boosts, moving to customer innovations and aiming for full business model transformation—can drive long-term success. - Lital Marom, LITAL MAROM
