The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been accompanied by a wealth of promises and predictions. Yet, for many organizations, the journey from early adoption to sustained transformation remains uncharted territory. In fact, there was an entire forum dedicated to these discussions at Davos 2025, dubbed AI House, with global leaders discussing societal and economic impact, value creation, and more. As companies strive to integrate AI into their operations, they face challenges in turning initial productivity gains into long-term competitive advantages. Technology and business consulting company Slalom unveiled timely research which highlights this gap and underscores the urgency of moving beyond experimentation to meaningful transformation.
Uncovering C-Suite Perceptions of AI
The momentum behind the adoption of AI is undeniable. According to Slalom’s recent survey of C-suite executives, 85% plan to increase spending on AI initiatives in 2025. These leaders recognize the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and deliver measurable value. However, the challenge lies in bridging the divide between enthusiasm and execution.
As Amalia Goodwin, Global Managing Director at Slalom and a leader in the future of work, notes: “Early adoption of AI is no longer the finish line—it’s the starting point for true transformation. Companies that align their strategy, technology, and workforce readiness will be the ones to unlock sustained growth.”
The adoption of generative AI has captured widespread attention. According to a recent Prosper Insights & Analytics survey, 25% of U.S. adults over 18 have heard of generative AI and are already using it. This rapid integration showcases the speed at which AI is entering everyday workflows and reshaping expectations across industries.
Changing the Way People Work
While AI is often hailed as a technical revolution, its success fundamentally depends on people. AI adoption requires organizations to rethink how they equip employees to thrive in this new landscape. Bridging the workforce support gap is critical: while 71% of companies provide tools to leverage AI and 61% offer training programs, only 39% offer the mentoring and coaching necessary to truly integrate AI into daily workflows.
This disconnect between technology deployment and workforce readiness limits the transformative potential of AI. Goodwin emphasizes: “fostering a culture of continuous learning is the most critical investment an organization can make. AI thrives when people are empowered with the skills and confidence to use it effectively.”
Beyond the workplace, AI adoption is reshaping consumer behaviors. For example, the Prosper Insights & Analytics survey found that 43% of U.S. adult AI users are already using AI to research—generating summaries, providing relevant information, and enabling smarter decision-making. This level of engagement reflects the growing reliance on AI-powered tools to streamline tasks and enhance productivity.
AI-Adoption Versus Business Transformation
The distinction between AI adoption and business transformation is critical. Early adoption often focuses on augmenting existing work—for instance, using chatbots to improve customer service. However, true transformation requires integrating AI into the very fabric of business operations.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 forecasts that AI will drive 86% of business transformations by 2030. Generative AI, for example, is not only enhancing productivity but also reshaping job roles. Demand is rising for specialists in AI, data analytics, and machine learning engineering, reflecting a shift toward higher-value, technology-enabled work.
Despite this momentum, only 27-33% of companies are investing in advanced AI applications, such as process automation or AI-powered decision support systems. This highlights a significant opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves by committing to transformative AI initiatives.
Integrating AI Into Core Business Operations
To achieve true transformation, organizations must:
- Align AI initiatives with business strategy: Clearly define the problems AI is intended to solve and ensure alignment with broader business goals.
- Build scalable AI solutions: Focus on developing AI systems that can grow and adapt alongside the business.
- Empower teams with the right skills and tools: Provide employees not only with technical training but also with the support needed to integrate AI into day-to-day operations.
- Measure impact and iterate: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of AI initiatives and adapt as needed.
As Goodwin emphasizes, “the most successful organizations will be those that view AI not as a standalone technology but as a catalyst for reimagining their business.”
Companies across industries are already reimagining with AI to better connect with their customers. In partnership with Slalom, the Chicago Cubs combined human insight and machine learning analysis to deeply understand their fans and develop an effective customer segmentation to create more engaging fan experiences and offerings. Leveraging AI, Slalom developed 12 new customer segments—including insight into who they are, how they tend to behave as ticket buyers, and the types of experiences they might like—to better target customers with promotion efforts.
Moving Toward Transformation
The key to unlocking AI’s full potential lies in adopting a holistic approach to business transformation. Companies must align their strategic goals with AI capabilities, foster a culture of continuous learning, and invest in transformative technologies. By doing so, they can turn early wins into sustainable competitive advantages.
As organizations navigate this journey, the focus must remain on people. AI is not a replacement for human ingenuity—it’s a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth. Leaders who embrace this mindset will position their companies not just to survive but to thrive in the age of AI.