Culture, AI, and the Forces You Don’t Control I’ve been giving considerable thought to the “dance” we are currently in with AI. This, I feel compelled to say, was not written using AI. Let me posit a hypothesis. Strategy sits atop the pyramid when it comes to effective corporate operations. While definitions vary, most strategic thinking follows a consistent pattern: strategy originates at the top of the organisation and becomes the rallying point for focus, resources

2026 is exposing an uncomfortable reality for many organisations. Despite heavy investment, AI adoption has not delivered the transformational impact leaders expected. The issue is not a lack of tools, talent, or ambition. It is that most organisations are solving the problem at the wrong level. AI adoption is not primarily a technology challenge. It is a behavioural one. Yes, AI can drive efficiency by automating routine work. But its real value lies elsewhere. It lies in cr