The Executive Wake-Up Call: AI Isn’t a Threat—It’s a Mirror

The biggest AI problem in business today isn’t the technology—it’s the leadership gap around it.On Monday, I got a call from a former colleague—an executive who’s built and led national sales teams, knows tech, sharp as ever. He calls and says:

“Eric, where do I even start with AI? Is it ChatGPT? Claude? Gemini? What matters?”

Let that settle in.This isn’t a laggard. This is a guy who’s been out in front on digital adoption his entire career—and he’s still trying to find the starting line.Later that week, I spoke with another executive—runs a multi-million-dollar organization. He’s always said he doesn’t want to be afraid of technology.

He tells me,

“I’ve started using AI. Just ChatGPT mostly, to summarize notes or write a few things. Do you think I should pay for it?”

And I realized:

We’re not dealing with ignorance.

We’re dealing with noise—and a lack of structured clarity.Even high performers don’t know what to focus on. The hype is everywhere. But the how and why of AI? That’s still missing in too many boardrooms.

Let’s Get One Thing Straight: Technology Has No Inherent Value

Sounds harsh. But it’s true.ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude—on their own—mean nothing.The real value of any technology isn’t in its features. It’s in its alignment with purpose.

You wouldn’t give a quarterback a new playbook without teaching him the reads, the protections, the timing.So why are we handing out AI tools to leaders with no system to plug them into?AI isn't the point. Strategy is.

AI isn't the hero. You are.

The 3-Step Playbook for AI-Ready Leadership

Forget chasing apps. Forget shiny object syndrome.Here’s what matters:Visibility. Efficiency. Action.

1. Visibility

Start with awareness—strategic awareness. Not just “I’ve heard of ChatGPT.”Understand the landscape:

• Generative AI creates content—text, images, code. Think ChatGPT.
• Predictive AI finds patterns—forecasts, risk models, churn prediction. Think machine learning.
• NLP and Computer Vision help machines understand what we say and see. Think transcription tools, image analyzers, and smart document automation.
• Autonomous AI drives robots, drones, and digital assistants.
• Responsible AI ensures what you build aligns with ethics, security, and trust.

You don’t need to master these—but you need visibility into what exists, and what matters for your business.Most execs stop at GenAI.

But if that’s all you’re exploring, you’re only seeing 20% of the field.

2. Efficiency

Once you know what’s out there, the next question is:

“Where am I losing time, energy, or clarity?”

AI shouldn’t replace you.

It should multiply the moments that matter.This is where I focus most: solving for speed.

Speed with precision.

Speed with security.

Speed with margin.Ask yourself:

• What process in my week needs to move 10x faster?
• Where am I spending time on low-impact work?
• What’s one bottleneck I can relieve with smart automation?

Efficiency is how AI earns its seat at your table.

3. Action

This is where most leaders stall.They get curious. They read articles. They even “play” with ChatGPT.

But they don’t move. And that’s the death of momentum.So here’s the play:

• Test one tool. Don’t shop—test.
• Build one workflow. Even just internal.
• Track one outcome. Time saved. Insight gained. Task reduced.

Don’t build a 12-month roadmap.

Take one hour, and find a way to move.

The Real ROI? It’s Not AI. It’s Alignment.

Here’s what most people miss:

Better visibility → better alignment
Better alignment → better assignments
Better assignments → better execution
Better execution → your ROI

AI is just the amplifier. Alignment is the amplifier’s power source.And just like football:

If the offensive line isn’t in sync, the quarterback’s getting sacked—no matter how smart the play call is.Same with AI. Don’t get lost in prompts. Get aligned with purpose.

You’ve Got 1,440 Minutes Today

So does every other leader on Earth.

The real question is:

Are you multiplying your minutes—or just managing them?

AI doesn’t replace your leadership.

It reveals it.It shines a light on:

• Your systems
• Your process
• Your mindset
• Your adaptability

So start here:

• Gain visibility into what’s real.
• Build for efficiency that earns time back.
• Take action that creates momentum.

That’s the play.

And it’s one we all need to run—now.