Lucien Hughes’ Post

AI products, culture change, and transformation only take hold if you meet the business and customers where they are, not where you think they should be. My secret to data and AI success for eight years is… I start every new client onboarding and fractional CAIO engagement with a framework called ‘Meet the Business Where It Is.’ Every business is different, and every AI transformation journey will be, too. I assess the business's current state but, more importantly, how it got there. History, context, and necessity are critical to ground transformation in reality. I take the approach of empathy towards continuous improvement. Businesses that consistently improve are always fixing, which means they are never perfect. The starting point, no matter how dysfunctional, is just the baseline. The goal is to leverage technology to improve that baseline every quarter. Business strategy dictates opportunities, and opportunities dictate transformation. “Transform or else” doesn’t work. AI transformation must be justified upfront with near- and long-term returns. Frameworks assess the business, discover opportunities, support culture change, and accelerate improvement cycles, but they must flex to meet the business where it is. We can’t pretend there won’t be roadblocks. I have over 80 frameworks because transformation doesn’t care about your playbook. AI strategy must inform decision-making across the business, not just in the data team. Frontline leaders best understand their team and customers' needs. Empowerment is control and authority. Distributing both across the business requires a single decision-making framework to ensure alignment rather than chaos. My book details ‘Meet the Business Where It Is’ and more frameworks for AI transformation, strategy, culture change, innovation, and products. My courses certify people on those frameworks and teach them how to flex frameworks to meet different business realities. Click the link under my name to learn more. #AIStrategy #Transformation #DataStrategy #Innovation

AI Isn't Replacing Executives—It's Creating a New Class of Entrepreneurs That’s what they're saying... but is this really true? Here's what we're seeing in 2024: 🔄 The Shift: • Traditional executive roles are becoming project-based • Companies prefer flexible, high-impact consultants • Technology is democratizing access to enterprise-level tools 💡 The Opportunity: • Leverage AI to scale your expertise globally • Turn industry knowledge into automated solutions • Build lean, tech-enabled consulting practices 🎯 The Strategy: 1. Identify your unique expertise intersection 2. Amplify it with AI and automation 3. Package it for scalable delivery 4. Target enterprises hungry for transformation Real example: A former CTO client now serves 5x more companies by productizing his expertise with AI. The future belongs to executives who ride this wave, not resist it. Where do you see AI creating opportunities in your field? #CareerTransition #CareerTransformation #CorporateTransition #Freedom #ROMAAdvisors

🚀 Embracing the Age of AI: Revolutionizing Small Businesses & Daily Life 🤖 🔹 **Small Business Revolution**: - AI automation is reshaping small business operations, boosting efficiency and sharpening their competitive edge. - By streamlining processes like inventory management and customer service, AI empowers small businesses to thrive in the digital era. 🔹 **Personal Daily Tech**: - From smart homes to self-improvement tools, AI is seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, enhancing convenience and productivity. - Imagine personalized recommendations, health trackers, and virtual assistants—AI enriches our lives in ways we never imagined. 🔹 **Adaptation and Acceptance**: - Understanding AI and accepting change can be daunting, facing resistance and fear of the unknown. - Educating ourselves and fostering a culture of continuous learning will be crucial in adapting to the evolving technological landscape. 🔹 **Tech Forecast**: - The future holds exciting prospects with AI advancements, such as enhanced automation, predictive analytics, and personalized experiences. - Navigating this evolving landscape requires strategic foresight, staying agile, and embracing innovation as the new norm. 🔹 **Process Innovation**: - Sectors like customer service, marketing, and data analysis will be profoundly reshaped by AI, requiring businesses to prepare and upskill their workforce. - J Business IT Solutions guides companies in leveraging AI for process innovation, paving the way for sustainable growth in the digital age. Let’s shape the future together as we navigate the transformative power of AI and automation in our businesses and daily lives. 💡🌐 #AIRevolution #TechTransformation

This is insane! 90% of organizations fail to execute their strategies successfully. Moreover, 85% of leadership teams spend less than one hour per month on strategy. Strategy > Tactical In the world of business, strategy is everything. It's about setting goals, making choices, and allocating resources to achieve success. But, what does it mean to have a strategy? First, it's about having a clear vision of where you want to go. Second, it's about understanding the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Third, it's about being willing to adapt and change as you go along. In the world of AI, strategy is even more important. AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic bullet. You need to have a clear strategy for how you are going to use AI to achieve your business goals. This means thinking about things like: - How will you measure success? - How will you create change in your org? - What problems do you want to solve with AI? - What data do you need to solve those problems? - What will you do if things don't go according to plan? Having a clear strategy for AI can help you to: - Make better decisions - Improve your operations - Stay ahead of the competition - Identify new opportunities for growth In short, strategy is the key to success in the world of AI. So, if you haven't already, now is the time to start thinking about your AI strategy. We're offering 25% off Executive AI workshops signed before August 31. DM me for details.

AI adoption is growing exponentially 📈 in enterprises but successful implementation requires preparation. Found this article which covers the preparation and pitfalls very well: - Align AI strategy with business goals - Cultivate an AI-friendly culture of innovation  - Obtain the right skills through hiring, reskilling or partnerships - Commit to ethical and responsible AI practices   - Invest in robust data management and data protection With proper foundations in place, AI can boost business performance. 🚀 The keys are strategic alignment, cultural readiness, specialized skills and ethical practices putting human needs first.

Can any of these AI products answer the following questions? "Who, in England of UK, has new US patents granted on March 12th, 2024?" "Who, in the "江蘇‘’ province of China, has new US patents granted on March 12th, 2024?" With our intellectual property (IP), we can. Do you or any of your contacts need our expertise and our IP? We're selling, NOT just talking. Thanks. Here is our pitch deck: "Experiment results showed that with our intellectual property (IP), a copyrighted multilingual metadata, we are doing what ChatGPT, an icon of AI, can't do in data analytics. Without metadata, NO data can be found/retrieved, even by the most advanced technologies, like AI, supercomputers, etc. https://lnkd.in/g-aJFnXR Our IP can also make your information service UNIQUE in the world." P.S. We wrote this post ourselves, without using any AI tool.

AI’s transformative potential in business is already evident, and by 2025, its influence will only deepen. According to recent studies, AI adoption in business can increase productivity by up to 40%, with sectors like retail, manufacturing, and healthcare seeing significant cost reductions and improved efficiencies. In fact, McKinsey reports that early AI adopters often gain a 10% profit margin advantage over competitors who lag behind in AI integration. Startups and growth-stage companies that are nimble and innovative are especially well-positioned to benefit from early AI adoption. They stand to gain not only in operational efficiencies but also in data-driven insights that improve decision-making, customer engagement, and agility. With AI set to redefine entire industries, businesses that adapt early can gain a strategic edge over their competitors. With a focus on strategic, data-driven implementations, Early Stage Co. can help businesses transition smoothly into an AI-enhanced future. To explore how AI can benefit your business, consider booking a consultation with Early Stage Co. for insights tailored to your unique challenges and opportunities. Reach out at info@early-stage.co

The secret to building an AI first business: You don't. Andrew NG famously said in an interview that a business should not focus on creating an AI first business. Here's what he said: "If I go to a team and say, “Hey, everyone, please be AI-first,” that tends to focus the team on technology, which might be great for a research lab. But in terms of how I execute the business, I tend to be customer-led or mission-led, almost never technology-led." Technology enables us to achieve outcomes faster. It's an accelerator. It's not what should lead business decisions. The famous 'Good to Great' by Jim Collins also heirs the point that technology should only be employed when it is in strong aligment with their business strategy (Hedgehog Concept) The best businesses avoid fad technologies and don't just adopt for the sake of it. A business looking to move the needle should instead focus on how a technology could improve other factors such as: - Customer centricity - Adaptability - Sustainability - Differentiation - Resource allocation - Talent and culture AI does cool stuff but it doesn't change the foundational principles of business. Do you see people unnecessarily adopting AI without a clear reason?

AI business strategy success hinges on mastering the AI technology pyramid. Each layer of this pyramid represents a critical decision point for companies, with significant trade-offs involved. From bottom to top and broadest to narrowest, the layers include: **LLM Access**: This foundational layer involves tools, training, permission to innovate, and policy. It's crucial for setting the stage for AI integration. **SaaS Apps**: These are applications like Facebook ads and CRMs where AI is embedded, offering immediate utility. **Functional Apps**: These lightly integrated applications, such as those for Legal, HR, and Marketing, leverage functional expertise but pose data exposure risks. **Vertical Apps**: Industry-specific applications, like those in construction or medical fields, offer specialized solutions but require careful integration. **Bespoke Apps**: These custom solutions utilize unique data and processes, providing a competitive edge worth the investment. Strategic roadmaps must outline this multi-layered approach, assessing ROI, risk, benefits, and opportunity costs. The distinction between outsourced and bespoke apps is pivotal, touching on strategic questions about data value and domain expertise versus development costs and speed. The McKinsey report reinforces this approach.

Empowering enterprises with AI solutions is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Digital transformation is reshaping how businesses operate and compete. Yet many organizations still hesitate, unsure of how to embrace this shift. The stakes are high. Failing to adapt could mean losing market relevance. But the right approach opens doors to incredible opportunities. As an AI Solutions expert, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges companies face in this journey. One major hurdle? The fear of integrating advanced technologies into existing systems. Many view AI as just another tool, rather than a strategic partner for growth. This mindset limits potential and stifles innovation. Here’s what I recommend: 🔹 Start by identifying your core pain points. Where can AI create the most impact in your organization? 🔹 Focus on customization. Tailor AI solutions to meet your specific needs. 🔹 Ensure seamless integration. AI should complement existing systems without causing disruptions. 🔹 Foster a culture of continuous learning. Encourage ongoing training to adapt to new technologies and processes. By addressing these areas, organizations can transform fear into empowerment. The future belongs to those who are willing to innovate and adapt. How is your organization navigating the complexities of digital transformation? Let’s connect and share insights that drive progress together! #DigitalTransformation #AI #Innovation #BusinessStrategy #MachineLearning #Automation #DataDriven #AIImplementation #Consulting #Leadership