We are in a revolutionary period for enterprise technology, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) moving from a buzzword to a strategic reality. Organizations need to shift their mindset from viewing AI as just a feature or tool to becoming AI-First companies. This transformation involves reimagining how a company operates, makes decisions, and delivers value. According to an IDC report, AI spending in India will grow at 35% annually, reaching $9.2 billion by 2028, highlighting the importance of data quality, governance, and cloud migration to maximize AI’s potential. This shift starts with people and leadership, shaping the culture of the entire organization.

Embracing an AI mindset means moving from reactive experiments to proactive exploration, with every function, including HR, finance, operations, marketing, and product, rethinking its role in the context of intelligent systems. For instance, HR can use AI for more precise and inclusive recruitment, finance can leverage predictive analytics for better-informed decisions, marketing can understand customer behavior in real-time, and supply chains can become more resilient by identifying patterns that humans often miss.

AI represents a revolution, not just an iteration. Unlike previous technologies that amplified human capabilities but still required human direction, AI learns, adapts, and operates autonomously in certain contexts. This fundamentally changes how products are built, how customers are engaged, and how success is measured. The revolution is already underway, with 54% of organizations reporting that they are currently using or intend to implement AI in the next two years, according to the EY Global Integrity Report 2024. However, only 40% of these have controls to regulate its application, indicating a readiness gap.

To lead in the AI era, organizations must view AI as a growth engine rather than just a cost-saving measure or operational efficiency play. AI can unlock new business models, uncover opportunities that humans miss, and drive faster, smarter innovation. It enables businesses to personalize offerings at scale, predict customer needs, and deliver better outcomes in real time. AI augments human judgment when used purposefully, freeing humans from mundane tasks to focus on strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and significant innovation. In this sense, AI is a force multiplier.

Building an AI-First operating model requires a clear strategy that links AI initiatives to the organization's core mission and customer requirements. Leaders must identify where AI can create real business value, generate measurable results, and establish internal frameworks to support scale and governance. A strong AI strategy involves cross-functional teamwork, ethical guidance, and regular measurement. It also challenges traditional organizational structures by promoting cross-functional teams, facilitating data-sharing across silos, and making AI development a business-wide initiative, not just an IT effort. Ownership, accountability, and a culture of continuous learning and adaptation are essential.

Culture is paramount. An AI-First organization is defined by how it thinks and acts. It fosters curiosity, relentless testing and experimentation, and a reliance on data-driven decision-making over gut feelings. This involves a willingness to disrupt and reconstruct strengths and competencies at every level. Being AI-First means asking smarter questions and equipping teams with the tools and confidence to manage uncertainty, supported by intelligent systems that learn and improve collaboratively. The cultural transformation is as significant as the technological one.

The transition to an AI-First approach is neither easy nor quick, requiring intention, alignment, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. However, the rewards are substantial. In the age of the intelligent enterprise, the advantage will belong to those who integrate AI deeply, not just those who adopt it quickly. The future belongs to organizations that boldly reimagine themselves and diligently build that vision through intelligent decision-making.

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.

By Raja Mansukhani, Chief Strategy, Technology, and Transformation Officer, Comviva. Published On May 15, 2025.