Booster Analytics

I’ve been seeing a trend lately, specifically in Asia, and I think it’s time we call it what it is: the whole “AI first strategy” that many companies are jumping on is not really a strategy. In fact, it’s just lazy management hiding behind shiny tech. I know it’s controversial, but hear my take on this.

What really bothers me is the lack of critical thought that seems to go into these AI-first initiatives. You hear the same talking points repeated like some corporate mantra: “AI will revolutionize our business!” or “We need to be AI-driven!” But ask anyone advocating for it how AI will solve their specific business problems, and you’re likely to get vague answers about “efficiency” or “automation.” This mantra, to me, is a sign of executives looking for shortcuts instead of doing the hard work of building a strategy grounded in their business reality.

Let’s be real: AI isn’t magic. I kept telling my students that it is a tool, and like any tool, its value depends on how well it’s used. The problem with AI-first strategies is that they often prioritize the technology over the business objectives. It’s like deciding to use a hammer before you even know what you’re trying to build. I kept saying that the focus should be on identifying key challenges and opportunities first and then asking whether AI is the right solution – because, let’s face it, sometimes it isn’t.

This approach reflects a larger problem in how some leaders think about digital transformation. It’s easier to say, “Let’s just throw AI at it,” than it is to really dig into the details, understand the nuances of the business, and figure out what actually needs to change. But that’s not leadership. That’s checking boxes and hoping the tech will do the heavy lifting for you. It’s management by buzzword.

What’s worse, the hype cycle surrounding AI can create a false sense of progress. Companies invest in expensive AI solutions, bring in consultants, and even reorganize their teams around this new paradigm. But often, they don’t have the infrastructure, data quality, or organizational culture to make it work. So, instead of becoming the AI-driven company of the future, they end up with half-baked projects that never reach their full potential. Meanwhile, the real, fundamental business issues are left unresolved.

If anything, I see that most businesses need a business-first strategy that understands AI as one tool in a much larger toolbox. It’s about leveraging AI where it makes sense – where it can offer genuine value – not just because it’s trendy. And that requires a deep understanding of both the technology and the business. It requires leaders who are willing to get their hands dirty, not just chase the next big thing because everyone else is doing it.

An AI-first strategy without real thought behind it is just lazy management, and it just really ticked me off. It’s an abdication of responsibility, a way of passing the buck to the latest technology trend. What we need are leaders who aren’t afraid to tackle the hard questions and craft strategies that are genuinely transformative, not just driven by the fad of the moment.

So next time someone pitches you an AI-first strategy, ask them what problems they’re actually trying to solve. You might find out that they haven’t thought that far ahead. And that’s the real issue here.