I’m a big believer in AI.
I use it every day.
Whether it’s helping me structure ideas, tackle complex problems, draft content, or simply get through work more efficiently, AI has become a valuable part of how I operate. In many ways, it’s one of the most powerful productivity tools I’ve seen emerge in my career.
That’s why I find some of the conversations around AI interesting.
On one side, you have people who think AI is going to solve every problem. On the other, you have those who want to avoid it altogether because of the risks.
Personally, I think both perspectives miss the point.
The question isn’t whether businesses should be using AI.
For most organisations, that ship has already sailed.
The real question is whether you’re adopting AI in a way that supports your business goals while managing the risks that come with it.
AI Is Already In Your Business
One thing I’ve noticed in conversations with business owners is that many still see AI as something they’re considering for the future.
The reality is often very different.
In many organisations, AI is already being used today.
Employees are using it to write emails, develop proposals, summarise documents, create marketing content, analyse information, and automate routine tasks.
Most of the time, they’re doing exactly what you’d expect good employees to do. They’re looking for better and more efficient ways to work.
That’s not a problem.
In fact, it’s exactly where the opportunity lies.
The Risk Isn’t AI
When people talk about AI risks, the conversation often becomes highly technical.
Data security. Governance. Compliance. Privacy.
Those things matter, but I don’t think they’re where business owners should start.
The bigger question is whether you have visibility.
Do you know how AI is being used across your organisation?
Do you know which tools employees are using?
Do you know what information is being shared?
Do you have clear expectations around how AI should support the business?
In my experience, many organisations simply haven’t had time to step back and ask those questions yet.
And that’s understandable. The technology has moved incredibly quickly.
We’ve Seen This Before
Years ago, businesses faced a similar challenge with cloud applications.
Teams would find tools that helped them work better and adopt them before formal processes had caught up.
The result was what became known as Shadow IT.
We’re now seeing the same thing happen with AI.
Employees aren’t trying to work around the business.
They’re trying to be productive.
But when AI adoption happens organically, business leaders can find themselves in a position where they don’t fully understand what’s happening across the organisation.
That’s where risk starts to emerge.
Not because AI is inherently risky, but because visibility has been lost.
Don’t Let Risk Distract You From The Opportunity
Here’s the thing.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t encourage any business to ignore AI.
Quite the opposite.
The productivity gains are real.
The organisations that learn how to use AI effectively are likely to gain meaningful advantages in efficiency, responsiveness, innovation, and decision making.
I’ve seen firsthand how quickly AI can help simplify tasks that previously consumed hours.
It’s one of the reasons I’m so optimistic about its future in business.
But like any significant business change, success doesn’t come from adopting technology for technology’s sake.
It comes from having a clear understanding of where it creates value and how it fits within the broader business strategy.
The Right Question To Ask
Rather than asking:
“Should we be using AI?”
A better question might be:
“Do we understand how AI is already being used, and are we comfortable with that?”
That’s a very different conversation.
It’s not about fear.
It’s not about stopping progress.
It’s about making informed decisions.
What Should Business Owners Do Next?
If you’re a business owner or leader, now is probably a good time to take stock.
Not because AI is something to be afraid of.
But because it’s becoming embedded in the way people work.
Start by understanding:
- How AI is being used today
- Which areas of the business are seeing value
- Whether employees have clear guidance
- Where opportunities may exist to improve productivity
- Whether any unintended risks have emerged along the way
You might be surprised by what you discover.
Some businesses find they’re further ahead than they realised.
Others discover there are gaps that need attention.
Either way, it’s valuable information to have.
If AI is already finding its way into your organisation, now may be a good time to step back and assess where things stand.
A review doesn’t need to be about technology. It should be about understanding how AI is being used across the business, where the opportunities are, and whether the right guardrails are in place for future growth.
The insights from those conversations are often valuable, regardless of where you are on your AI journey.
– Kris