As AI continues to reshape industries day by day, waiting for the perfect plan means losing your competitive edge. In this newsletter, I want to share my journey and insights to help you lead with decisive action and a test-and-learn mindset that can redefine your organization’s future.
The High Stakes of Hesitation
Throughout my career as an executive, I witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of overthinking. Early on, I was taught that failing a plan meant you were destined to fail. But let’s be honest—how many times have you seen a “perfect” plan actually work without any hiccups?
The truth is that success stems from relentless execution, continuous adjustment, and a willingness to learn from every setback. When AI is evolving every single day, pausing to develop a flawless strategy only means you’re already behind.
My Personal Journey: From Analysis Paralysis to Breakthrough Success
I once served as a VP of strategy at a publicly traded company with a multi-billion-dollar market capitalization. Transitioning to entrepreneurship and building my personal brand on LinkedIn was a steep learning curve. The first three months were grueling—filled with long hours, uncertainty, and an overwhelming desire for the “perfect” strategy.
Instead of succumbing to analysis paralysis, I made a critical decision: I had to act. I started producing content, sharing my thoughts, and engaging with my audience—even if it wasn’t perfect.
The early missteps were not failures; they were learning opportunities that allowed me to refine my approach. Fast forward a year, and those early efforts resulted in over 25 million impressions, with 20 million of those coming in just the last three months. This isn’t a fluke—it’s proof that bold action, even if imperfect, leads to exponential growth.
AI: The Ultimate Test of Leadership
In the realm of AI, waiting until you have all the answers is a luxury you can’t afford. Every week, a new AI model emerges, bringing with it both challenges and opportunities. The pace of innovation is relentless, and as an executive, your role is to steer your organization through this dynamic environment. Here are some key principles to help you lead effectively:
Adopt a Test-and-Learn Mindset: Experiment with AI tools on a small scale. Choose one tool this week and integrate it into a manageable project. Use the results to iterate and improve continuously.
Empower Your Team: Your team looks to you for guidance. When you demonstrate a willingness to experiment and embrace change, you create a culture that values innovation and agility.
Iterate Rapidly: No plan is perfect from the start. Launch projects even if they’re 70 percent ready, and then refine them as you gather feedback. Remember, the only mistake is waiting too long.
Expanding Your AI Toolbox
To add even more value to your leadership journey, consider these additional strategies:
Stay Informed: The AI landscape is vast and ever-changing. Dedicate time each week to reading industry insights, joining webinars, or even engaging in professional groups where AI trends are discussed.
Build Cross-Functional Teams: AI isn’t just a tech initiative—it’s an enterprise-wide opportunity. Bring together diverse perspectives from IT, marketing, operations, and strategy to create holistic solutions.
Measure, Analyze, and Adjust: Implement clear metrics to evaluate the impact of your AI initiatives. Whether it’s process efficiency, customer engagement, or revenue growth, use data-driven insights to steer your strategy.
Foster a Culture of Curiosity: Encourage your team to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Sometimes the most innovative breakthroughs come from unexpected sources.
Your Action Plan for Today
To ensure you’re not left behind in the AI revolution, here’s a simple, actionable game plan:
Adopt an AI Mindset: Dedicate yourself to continuous learning. Pick one new AI tool this week and explore its capabilities, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
Eliminate Perfection Paralysis: Launch that project even if it’s not 100 percent ready. Adjust and iterate based on real-world feedback.
Inspire and Lead: Show your team that bold action beats hesitation. Create opportunities for them to experiment and share their insights.
Engage with the AI Community: Join discussions, attend events, or simply follow thought leaders in AI. These interactions can provide fresh perspectives and spark new ideas.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Leadership
Remember, AI is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing journey of adaptation and innovation. The leaders who actively integrate AI into their organizations today will be the ones shaping boardrooms tomorrow. Your ability to act swiftly, learn continuously, and inspire your team will define your career success in this evolving landscape.
Take that first step today. If you haven’t already, experiment with an AI tool, share your insights with your team, and make a commitment to ongoing improvement. The future doesn’t wait, and neither should you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. If you found these insights valuable, be sure to check out my latest YouTube video.
Stay bold, stay innovative, and as always—keep moving forward.
Best regards,
Roger