Executives urged to act swiftly or risk falling behind in AI era
Lancom Technology has highlighted the growing importance of executive leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, cautioning that senior leaders risk being left behind if they do not act swiftly to adopt and guide company-wide AI initiatives.
The company, which provides managed services and cloud infrastructure, has raised concerns about a disconnect between individual use of AI for personal productivity and the integration of AI into broader corporate strategies.
Lancom Technology Chief Executive Officer Priscila Bernardes noted, "Through a series of round tables we're running, it's clear that most executives are using AI, generally finding it useful in varied tasks."
Bernardes went on to say that while use of AI at the individual level among executives is common, there remains a lack of clarity at the leadership level regarding how to harness AI to drive company-wide productivity, attract talent, and deliver competitive advantages to customers. She commented, "A common thread, however, is a noticeable lack of executive clarity to drive a company-wide strategy focused on using AI to enhance productivity, attract talent, and deliver competitive edge to customers. Along with that, there is strong awareness of the emerging necessity for companywide policy and strategy."
The hype cycle
Bernardes explained that the current AI trend should be understood in the context of previous shifts in information technology, referencing the consumerisation of IT, the phenomenon of shadow IT, and the Gartner Hype Cycle. She said, "Right now, it's arguable AI is a combination of all three of those things. The accessibility of AI is like the dramatic rise in accessibility of technology through cloud, SaaS, and smartphones. Consumerization drove that and inverted the technology accessibility curve, giving small businesses ready access to technology once reserved for big companies, like ERP, CRM and more."
She added that the proliferation of app stores contributed to the widespread adoption of technology, which often bypassed traditional governance and resulted in issues related to shadow IT and unused software. "App stores provided access to a seemingly infinite number of point solutions handy to individuals, exacerbating shadow IT, governance challenges, and in many instances, a bloat of shelfware attached to corporate credit cards."
"Meanwhile, the hype cycle has shown that with every introduction of new technology, we move from a trigger to a peak of inflated expectations, into a trough of disillusionment, and on to the plateau of productivity," Bernardes says.
Bernardes stated that, in her view, AI is now on what she termed the "plateau of productivity". She said, "While many may argue that 'this time it is different', AI has already progressed through the hype cycle, with its longer-than-generally-appreciated history ushering it through multiple unfulfilled expectations to where we find ourselves today. And that is very much on the plateau of productivity. Only this time, we're accelerating so rapidly into productivity that some might be left behind."
AI readiness
The research cited by Lancom references findings such as the Stanford AI Index, which reports that 83% of companies will prioritise AI in 2025, following high-profile examples including Goldman Sachs' report of a 20-30% increase in productivity attributed to AI.
Bernardes cautioned that enthusiasm about AI is not enough without clear strategic planning and governance. "Take the stark example of a career CTO losing credibility in a boardroom for lacking a clear AI plan. Executives today are judged on their AI readiness alongside traditional skills."
She further commented that successful adoption of AI goes beyond simply deploying new technology, and requires a broader change within organisations. Bernardes said, "But the shift towards becoming an AI-first organisation requires more than technology deployment. It demands cultural transformation and new performance indicators. And we're in that transformation right now, whether executives are across it or not, whether you like it or not. That's because people are using AI for personal productivity in the office, every day. Just like their leaders are."
Competitive advantage
Bernardes concluded by noting the strategic importance of building an AI legacy promptly. "The decisions you make in the next few months will determine whether you lead or become a cautionary tale. Organisations prioritising AI are securing long-term advantages in talent acquisition, operational efficiency, and market responsiveness. With boards and investors increasingly scrutinising AI strategies, executives must act swiftly."
