What Does AI Mean for Your Business?

As a senior technology leader with nearly 30 years of experience in technology, I'm here to explore the overwhelming focus being placed on AI and what it means practically for businesses. Many articles about AI predict either a zombie apocalypse or dismiss it as another failed technology fad (anyone still got their Google Glasses?). My aim here is to provide a grounded overview of what AI means for your business, right here, right now—without any grand theories about our robot overlords taking over in the next decade.  

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AI, Machine Learning, and Chatbots: Clearing Up the Confusion

AI, machine learning, chatbots—these terms are often used interchangeably, which only adds to the confusion. In simple terms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the overarching field that deals with creating intelligent applications capable of mimicking human thought. Machine learning is a subset of AI, focusing on enabling machines to learn from data, while a chatbot is a specific AI application designed for conversational interaction.

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A Brief History Lesson

When I first started in the tech industry, communication happened via pagers and landlines. People had to know where you were to reach you. I've witnessed countless hype cycles—some revolutionary, others not so much. I’ve also had numerous "experts" try to convince me that their solution would save 30% on costs or increase revenue by 40%, often without a shred of evidence. They targeted non-tech executives with these pitches, leaving me to explain why such outsized returns were unattainable. But I digress.

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If you think back to 1993 (for those old enough to remember) and compare it to today, the differences are incredible. However, the fundamentals of system change, project management, and governance remain the same. Technology is only as effective as the people deploying it. We shouldn’t implement tech just because it’s shiny and new.

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Real Tech Revolution or Just Hype?

I’ve witnessed the launch of transformative technologies like email,  the internet, smartphones, and cloud computing. It was clear very quickly that these innovations were going to change the world. When the first iPhone launched in 2007, I knew it was different and more powerful than anything that came before it. There have also been false dawns—innovations that promised much but never delivered.

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Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an example of a tech trend that promised to revolutionise businesses. The idea was solid—get bots to handle repetitive human tasks—but in practice, the technology was often clunky, with complex implementation. In hindsight, RPA was simply a precursor to what we now see with AI.

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‍AI: A Monumental Step Change

AI represents a monumental change in how businesses function. The potential to add value or disrupt is enormous. Unlike previous technological shifts, the speed and multiplier effect of AI are unprecedented. The AI revolution is here, it’s real, and it’s happening fast.

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‍Practical Steps for Business Leaders

If you’re a senior leader or manager trying to navigate the AI hype, here’s my advice - take a systematic approach, just as you would with any other transformation project. Look at your end-to-end supply chain and consider what can be automated using AI—whether built internally or sourced from vendors. Also, consider how competitors might leverage AI to displace your offerings.

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Remember, AI isn’t fundamentally different from earlier technological changes—it’s just happening faster and more impactfully. For example, deploying AI-powered chatbots can enhance customer experience while creating cost efficiencies.

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Similarly, review your business processes end-to-end. Automate steps that can benefit from AI, such as invoice processing or copywriting.  There are many reference cases out there showcasing how businesses use AI for things like content creation, email drafting, and other traditionally manual tasks. Start small—identify specific problems and solve them before moving on to the next challenge.

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For everyone else—get to know the technology. Anyone can sign up to platforms like ChatGPT, test it, and see how it might work for them.  The future belongs to those who understand and embrace these changes.  Personally, I use AI every day as my thought partner.

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Adopting AI: Fundamentals Still Matter

If you're adapting your business to utilise AI, remember that the fundamentals of transformation are the same as they have always been. The difference now is that AI offers the potential for vastly superior results. The most important part of your business is still its people. Find those who are ready to embrace this new way of working and put them in the right roles.  Beware of the hype—the governance and core principles remain the same, even if the technology has evolved.

StackUp helps ensure the foundational elements of your technology are in place - to enable rapid innovation & AI projects get started free.

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Thanks for reading. If you found this information useful, feel free to share it with others in your network. Also, a special thanks to my thought partner for helping with this post.