AI & Automation · AI Strategy · Medium · 25-35 min

Company Wants an 'AI Strategy' — Where to Start

Last updated 2026-07-29

What is this case about?

A retailer's CEO has told the board the company will be 'AI-first,' but there's no data foundation, unclear ownership, and a dozen disconnected pilots that never scaled. You're asked to turn the ambition into a strategy: where AI creates real value, what has to be true to deliver it, and how to avoid another graveyard of pilots.

Where strong candidates start

  • Anchor on value pools — where AI moves the P&L (demand forecasting, pricing, personalization, supply chain) rather than tech for its own sake
  • Assess readiness — data availability/quality, platform, talent, and governance

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