By Wilson Chan
Picture this: You’re in a meeting, discussing your company’s shiny new AI project. Someone mentions a cutting-edge technique they’ve just read about. Suddenly, that “innovative” plan you’ve spent months developing feels about as fresh as last week’s fish and chips. Sound familiar?
Welcome to the wild world of AI in 2024, where the only constant is change. Let me tell you, I’ve seen more “game-changing” innovations than I can remember and believe me, keeping up is no easy feat.
Embracing agility beyond buzzwords
So, what’s a forward-thinking business to do? The answer in my view is to embrace agility. But what does that actually mean, beyond being a buzzword that looks good on a PowerPoint slide?
First off, forget everything you think you know about how a “proper” company should operate. Those rigid hierarchies and meticulously planned five-year strategies? About as useful as a chocolate teapot in the fast-moving AI world.
Navigating the fast-changing landscape
Trying to drive enterprise innovation using the way things have been done before it like It’s like trying to navigate London traffic with a map from the 1800s. The landscape’s changing so fast, you need to be able to take detours at a moment’s notice. Which is why agility is king.
This means breaking down those cumbersome departmental silos that have been around since before anyone can remember. It means creating a culture where cross-functional teams can come together to tackle challenges from all angles (if there isn’t one already), and where quick pivots are not just possible but encouraged. It’s about empowering employees at all levels to take initiative and make decisions without waiting for the green light from layers of bureaucracy.
Turning challenges into opportunities
In the end, embracing agility isn’t just about staying afloat in the turbulent waters of AI innovation; it’s about turning those waves into opportunities for growth and transformation. Because in this ever-evolving landscape, the businesses that thrive will be the ones that are flexible, responsive, and always ready to adapt to whatever comes next.
Which brings me to my next point – you need to start loving failure. This requires a whole reframe because in the world of AI, getting things wrong can actually be the fastest way to get things right. Most companies are so scared of getting it wrong that they never try anything new and are frozen like a deer in headlights. In AI, that’s a death sentence.
There’s a reason why Silicon Valley has become synonymous with the phrase fail fast, learn fast. It might be a cliche and can feel devastating when your AI project initially hits stumbling blocks, but this is the perfect time to learn and reiterate.
Continuous learning and creative freedom
Speaking of learning, in the world of enterprise innovation and AI transformation, if you’re not learning something new every day, you’re already behind. This is a chance to get creative, push boundaries, and ultimately drive your business forward in ways you never thought possible. So, embrace agility, welcome failure, and keep learning—because that’s the only way to thrive in the dynamic world of AI.
But here’s the kicker: all this learning and experimenting needs freedom to flourish. That means trusting your teams to make decisions without running everything up the flagpole. Try this: Give your data scientists a budget and two weeks to work on an innovative idea they have in mind, without any restrictions as to what this might be. Rather than see these as projects or tasks, see them as experiments. In our work, we treat much of our work as experiments, and these are where some of our best innovations come from.
Implementing agility in traditional environments
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This all sounds great, but how do I actually make it happen?” Well, I won’t sugar-coat it: it’s not easy. Especially if your company is still operating in a very traditional, often analogue way of doing things.
The good news is, I’ve seen even the most stubborn of old-school firms make the leap into agility. It’s less like flipping a switch and more like coaxing – it takes patience, persistence, and a few smaller wins along the way rather than focusing on one big one.
Securing top-level buy-in, effective communication and starting small
First things first, you need buy-in from the top. Find some internal champions and allies to help push the agenda and lead the pack in AI innovation. I would also emphasize the importance of starting small. You don’t need to overhaul your entire operation overnight. Pick a team or a project to pilot your agile approach. I’ve seen companies set up ‘AI labs’ within their organisations – think of them as little islands of innovation in a sea of tradition.
Communication is also key. You need to explain why this shift is necessary. I’ve sat through my fair share of client meetings where employees looked about as enthusiastic as if they’d been told the office coffee machine was broken. The trick is to make it relevant to them and win them over. Show them how AI and agility can make their jobs easier, not obsolete.
Interactive training, celebrating small wins and overcoming resistance
Training is crucial, but make it hands-on and fun. Interactive workshops, hackathons, and real-world problem-solving exercises can turn apprehension into excitement. Which brings me onto my next point – don’t forget to celebrate wins, no matter how small. Did your team successfully implement a new AI tool? Break out the beers and toast them. Creating a positive association with change can work wonders.
Be prepared for resistance. Change is scary, and you’ll always have a few “blockers” who are negative in their approach. These are the people you need to win over the most. In the meantime, you just need to weather the storm.
Lastly, remember that becoming agile is a journey, not a destination. It’s about creating a mindset of continuous improvement. Always in beta? That’s absolutely fine and in the fast-paced world of AI, that’s exactly where you want to be.
So, yes, implementing agility – especially in a more traditional environment – can be tough. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and there will be days when you wonder if it’s all worth it. But when you see your company not just surviving but thriving in the AI revolution, you’ll know it was worth every drop of sweat (and possibly tears).
Wilson Chan is the CEO and Founder of Permutable AI, a pioneering company dedicated to transforming the landscape of AI-driven innovation. With a background in both technology and business, Wilson has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. Under his leadership, Permutable AI is becoming a trusted partner for enterprises seeking to navigate the complexities of AI transformation. Passionate about driving agility and embracing change, Wilson is committed to helping organisations thrive in the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence.