This article positions artificial intelligence (AI) as the natural progression for organizations that have already begun digital transformation. It emphasizes that AI is not just a technological upgrade, but an enabler of smarter business decisions, operational efficiency, and predictive capabilities.

Key themes include:

• AI should extend existing digital strategies, not replace them.

• Organizations must focus on data quality, governance, and explainability for successful AI adoption.

• AI’s role is best realized when aligned with real business problems, not when treated as a standalone initiative.

The article encourages leaders to think critically about where AI creates value and how it fits into a broader, purpose-driven innovation journey.

It all begins with an iIn this article, I examine the critical disconnect many organizations face when adopting AI without first addressing the foundational layer of high-quality, contextual data. While AI is positioned as a transformative capability, its true potential is often undermined by fragmented, siloed, or ungoverned data landscapes.

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.