Many executive teams are now being asked to make consequential decisions about AI investments, often with incomplete information and competing narratives. This article examines A 12-Month Roadmap to a Realistic AI Strategy from an executive perspective, focusing on risk, value and sequencing rather than specific tools or vendors.
The emphasis is on framing: clarifying why this topic matters for the organisation, which decisions are genuinely strategic, and which details can safely be delegated. It outlines a small number of questions leaders can use to test proposals, uncover assumptions and ensure AI activity remains aligned to business outcomes.
Throughout, the discussion is grounded in practical experience with enterprises adopting AI—not just idealised models. The goal is to provide language and structure that supports board and executive conversations, rather than adding more technical noise.
Used in this way, A 12-Month Roadmap to a Realistic AI Strategy becomes less of a buzzword and more of a concrete lens for shaping portfolio choices, operating models and governance arrangements over the coming years.