Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly moved from a promising experiment to the defining technology of our era. Every boardroom conversation today circles back to AI: how it will reshape industries, redefine competition, and impact the very nature of work. Yet while startups may grab the headlines with AI, established enterprises hold an equally powerful opportunity. These organizations sit on decades of customer trust, scale, and institutional knowledge. When paired with AI, those strengths can become the engine of their next wave of growth.The question is no longer whether to adopt AI. The question is how to do it responsibly, sustainably, and in a way that empowers people.In my career, I’ve seen first-hand how organizations can use AI to not only modernize workflows but to reimagine collaboration itself. Here’s what leaders should keep in mind as they chart their AI strategy.1. Start with Business Priorities, Not TechnologyThe real value comes from anchoring AI to business priorities: reducing bottlenecks, unlocking data, serving customers better. Leaders must ask: Where are the friction points in our workflows? Which tasks slow us down? Where are we missing opportunities because knowledge is locked in silos?For enterprises with decades of layered systems and legacy processes, these questions are even more critical. Answering them helps pinpoint where AI can create outsized impact - whether that’s automating compliance checks in finance, surfacing patient records in healthcare, or speeding approvals in large enterprises.2. Think of AI as a Team MemberAI isn’t here to replace people - it’s here to work alongside them. The most successful organizations treat AI as a digital colleague: one that takes on repetitive tasks, summarizes vast amounts of data, and flags what needs human judgment.When AI is integrated into platforms employees already use - like Slack - it becomes seamless. A customer service agent, for example, doesn’t need to learn a new system to get value. Instead, AI can automatically summarize conversations, surface answers, and free them to focus on empathy and problem-solving.This is particularly powerful for large, established enterprises where workflows cut across regions, business units, and legacy systems. Embedding AI where people already work keeps adoption natural and impact immediate.3. Start Small, Scale ResponsiblyTransformation doesn’t have to be disruptive. In fact, the organizations making the most progress with AI are the ones taking an iterative approach. Start with one department or workflow, measure results, and then expand.This approach not only reduces risk but builds internal trust. Employees see AI delivering value, not disruption. Leaders gain the insights needed to scale responsibly, with governance and compliance baked in from the start.4. Invest in People and CultureSuccessful technology adoption always starts with people. AI will only thrive in an organization when employees understand the why behind it. That requires clear communication, thoughtful training, and above all, framing AI as a tool for empowermentThe right training gives employees both the skills and the confidence to embrace new tools. For example, AI-powered features like Workflow Builder allows employees to automate tasks without advanced technical skills. By lowering the learning curve, employees can start experiencing the benefits of AI right away, without being overwhelmed by complexity.Most importantly, leaders must position AI as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. When repetitive work is handled by AI, people are free to focus on the work that really matters: solving problems, serving customers, and driving growth.5. Measure What MattersAI isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about creating new forms of value. Leaders should define success in terms of both productivity and impact: faster decision-making, improved customer satisfaction, reduced error rates, more engaged employees.Dashboards, reports, and employee feedback loops ensure AI continues to evolve with the business. This is especially important for enterprises whose scale requires adaptability and resilience.A Future Defined by Human + AI CollaborationThe companies that thrive in the coming decade won’t be the ones that adopt AI the fastest. They’ll be the ones that adopt it the smartest - aligning technology with people, processes, and culture.For large enterprises, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. AI offers a chance to shed inefficiencies, unlock the full power of institutional knowledge, and deliver extraordinary outcomes for customers. With platforms like Slack at the center of work, AI doesn’t sit on the sidelines - it becomes woven into the daily fabric of collaboration.The future of work isn’t AI versus humans. It’s AI with humans - and the organizations that embrace this partnership will set the pace for the rest of the world.The author is Himanshu Rajpal, Regional Sales Director, Salesforce India.Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETCIO does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETCIO shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organization directly or indirectly.
Published On Dec 16, 2025 at 09:25 AM IST
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