AI and the Future of Consulting - Embedding Strategy in Organisations (Just Great People podcast)

What if the greatest threat to AI-powered strategy isn’t technological limitation, but human implementation failure?

Following the publication of our article “AI, Strategy Implementation, and Human Collaboration”, I had the opportunity to explore these themes in depth with Barry Eustance on the Just Great People podcast. The conversation revealed fascinating insights about why human-centred approaches become more crucial as AI capabilities advance, not less.

Link here to the orignal podcast and show notes: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316310/episodes/17521116

Current Reality:

• Only 14% of employees can describe their company strategy
• 71% can't recognize their own strategy when shown options
• 85% of leadership teams spend <1 hour monthly on strategy

The Acceleration Paradox

AI generates strategies faster, but intensifies human implementation challenges rather than solving them.

Key Insights

The Airline Question: "Would you board a plane with no human pilot?"

• High-stakes situations require human judgment and "shared jeopardy"
• Same applies to AI strategy implementation

The Neuroscience Factor:

• People's brains respond to AI change like "a lion on the savannah"
• Triggers fight-or-flight, shutting down rational thinking
• Risk: "Computer Says No" syndrome—disengaged employees

Solutions

1. Team Design Principle: Those delivering strategy should help design it
2. Reframe AI: From "Artificial Intelligence" to "Agility and Implementation"
3. Human-AI Symbiosis: AI generates options, humans provide context and implementation

Bottom Line

"If you don't invest in human-centered AI integration, your organization will die."

Organizations must develop human capabilities to thrive alongside AI, not be replaced by it.

Send your thoughts to Arkaro