Unlocking AI Value: From Hype to Strategy

Have you noticed the paradox around AI lately? Nearly every business is experimenting with artificial intelligence, yet very few are seeing real results. A recent MIT report found that 95% of generative AI projects deliver zero ROI. In fact, despite 78% of companies using AI in at least one function, only about 1% have successfully scaled AI beyond pilot projects, the same survey found. Why the gap between excitement and execution? The answer often comes down to one simple thing: a compelling business case (or rather, the lack of one).le thin

 When it comes to emerging tech like AI, strategy matters more than ever. Without a clear plan that ties AI investments to business goals, even the most impressive pilot can stall in “pilot purgatory.” We’ve all seen it: a company jumps on the AI bandwagon, buys a fancy tool or launches a chatbot, but a year later there’s little to show for it. No measurable cost savings, no significant revenue gain, maybe just a cool demo. The core issue is usually that the project started with technology in search of a problem, rather than a business problem in search of the right technology. In other words, no solid business case to drive it.

 So how do we bridge this gap between AI’s potential and actual outcomes? It starts with building a rock-solid business case. That means identifying the right opportunities where AI can make a difference, quantifying the benefits and costs, and addressing the risks and requirements upfront. When you do this, you’re not just asking leadership to trust a flashy demo – you’re showing them a roadmap to real ROI. You’re answering the tough questions like: How will this improve our customer experience or cut costs? What’s the investment required? What are the risks and how will we mitigate them? By the time you’ve answered these, you’ve turned AI from a shiny object into a strategic asset.

 This topic is close to my heart, and today I have some big news to share related to it. 🎉 After months of work, I’m thrilled (and a bit nervous) to announce my first full-length course! It’s called “Unlocking AI Value: Build a Compelling Business Case.” This course is all about taking the mystery (and the hype) out of AI initiatives and helping you create a winning plan that delivers real value.

 

Announcing Unlocking AI Value – Exclusive Launch for Subscribers

Building a strong AI business case is fast becoming an essential skill for IT leaders and business strategists. That’s why I poured my experience into creating this course. It’s only just finished and I couldn’t wait to share it with you, my most loyal readers. In fact, you’re getting first access before anyone else.

Here’s the plan: For the next week and a half, IT Strategy Matters subscribers alone will be able to enrol in Unlocking AI Value. During this exclusive early-access period, you’ll also get 50% off as a special subscriber reward. The course’s regular price will be £200 +tax when it opens to the public (I'd love your feedback on that), but as a member of this community you can get it for £100+tax.

Why an early exclusive? First, I genuinely value this community and wanted you to have the first opportunity. You’ve been engaging with IT Strategy Matters and some of my other content for months, so you deserve early access. Second, I’m a big believer in continuous improvement. By letting a smaller group in early, I can gather your thoughts on the course content before rolling it out broadly. Think of it as a win-win: you get the content early (and cheaper!), and I get the benefit of your feedback to fine-tune everything.

To access the course, I will send a separate email with a private link (only for subscribers): The 50% discount will be automatically applied at checkout via that link. Remember, the exclusive window is open for 10 days only. After that, I’ll close enrolment briefly to incorporate any feedback and then reopen the course to the public at full price. So, if you’re interested, don’t wait too long and miss the window!

 

What You’ll Learn: A Sneak Peek at the Course

Let me pull back the curtain a bit on “Unlocking AI Value.” The course is a step-by-step playbook for turning an AI idea into a convincing business investment. It’s packed with practical tips about building business cases and cash flows, examples, and templates I’ve developed over years of crafting IT strategies and business cases. Here’s a quick preview of what’s inside:

·        Understand the components of a business case and how do you go about creating one?

·        Delve into strategic context for a business case and what is the critical role that it plays when defining and delivering your strategy?

·        See how can AI benefit an organisation and how do you go about quantifying and measing the value?

·        Step through worked examples for large and small organisations of how AI can be of benefit.

·        Learn how you can pull it all together, communicate your plan and produce a cashflow that will impress even the most hardened CFO!

 

Your Feedback Matters 🙏

Since this is an early access launch, I am actively seeking your feedback as you take the course. I want to ensure that the content truly hits the mark for you: from the depth of the material to the flow of the lessons, and yes, even the pricing. Did it deliver what you expected? Is something missing or not clear? Is £200 a fair price point for the value you received? Let me know! There is ample opportunity within the course to leave feedback. I’ll be listening closely. Your input will help me refine the course before the big public launch, and it will influence how I shape future content as well. In a sense, we’re building this together.

 

Final Thoughts

I’m incredibly excited (and a little anxious, to be honest!) to hear what you think of Unlocking AI Value. This is the most substantial project I’ve undertaken as The IT Strategy Coach, and being able to share it first with you is a real privilege. My mission has always been to help IT leaders and professionals like you bridge the gap between technology and business strategy. This course is a big new way I hope to do exactly that.

As always, thank you for reading IT Strategy Matters. Whether or not you jump into the course, I hope this newsletter has given you some useful insights on approaching AI strategically. If you have thoughts on this topic, or if you have questions about the course, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, remember: IT strategy matters!

Dan - The IT Strategy Coach