If you’ve witnessed technology’s evolution—from mainframe computing to client-server, then to the cloud—you know each leap created opportunities while solving past challenges. Generative AI is the latest transformative force, offering organizations ways to reduce costs and accelerate innovation.

Yet despite the headlines, 95% of enterprise AI pilots fail to deliver measurable ROI (MIT Sloan Management Review). In 2025, 42% of companies abandoned most AI initiatives—up from just 17% the year before (Beam AI Research). Success stories exist, but most organizations struggle to move beyond proofs of concept to extract real value at scale. The solution is a structured path forward.

The Five-Stage AI Success Framework.

Stage 1: Educate for Strategic Clarity

“AI” has become a buzzword, but few leaders can explain what real AI value looks like. This education gap explains why only 1% of companies achieve true AI maturity (ServiceNow Enterprise AI Maturity Index 2025).

Clear understanding of what AI is—and isn’t—helps leaders pursue realistic, high-value opportunities instead of chasing hype.