AI in companies: Successful implementation and strategies — An interview with Felix Schlenther

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Felix Schlenther from Leading Tomorrow explains why a well-thought-out AI strategy is crucial for companies and how managers can make optimal use of the benefits of artificial intelligence to make their company fit for the future.

With Felix Schlenther, AI expert at Leading Tomorrow, we talk about the current challenges and opportunities in introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in companies. According to a study by the TÜV Association, almost 50% of German companies believe that their employees need to be trained to use AI applications. Despite this finding, however, only 12% of companies offer appropriate training. What is the reason for that?

Felix Schlenther explains that there is often a lack of a holistic AI strategy that integrates technology, people and processes. “In many management levels, there is a lack of basic knowledge about AI, which leads to a reluctance to implement it,” says Schlenther. Although many of us have already heard of ChatGPT and may have tried it out, AI applications are still not widely used in German companies. This results in employees using their own AI tools via private accounts, which entails legal risks and creates so-called shadow AI.

AI in business is not a gimmick

One of Felix Schlenther's most important messages is that AI is not seen as a gimmick but as a serious technology. “AI isn't a gadget that you just try out — it's a relevant and powerful technology that has the potential to massively increase efficiency, savings, and innovation in your company.” At the same time, AI ensures the future viability of your organization and strengthens your competitive position and employer brand.

According to a report from MIT Technology Review Insights,”Laying the Foundation for Data- and AI-LED Growth“, 58% of German companies believe that AI will enable significant efficiency gains, savings and innovations within two years.

How can you successfully introduce AI?

Felix Schlenther recommends the following three essential steps:

1. Promote knowledge development at management level: Leaders must understand what AI is, the opportunities and risks it poses in order to be able to make well-founded decisions.
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2. Establish an AI board: A dedicated person from management should drive the introduction of AI and support an internal AI board.
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3. Define clear ambitions: Set clear goals and guidelines that cover potential and fields of action and involve the entire management team.

Would you like to know more?
In the webinar recording “AI in action: practical use cases and preparation for the AI era” with Felix Schlenther and Lennard Jerusalem by sparks In 60 minutes, you will learn everything about how you can introduce AI and AI skills comprehensively in your company.

How do you convince decision makers and employees?

“Clear added value is crucial,” says Schlenther. “Show specific use cases that make the lives of decision makers easier, e.g. through automatic summaries of management meetings or the evaluation of KPI reports.”

Your employees should also be integrated into the process right from the start. Hackathons with AI assistants are an excellent format for motivating teams and developing creative solutions to specific problems.

Conclusion:

In this interview, Felix Schlenther clearly shows that the successful integration of AI requires a well-thought-out strategy, training and the involvement of all parties involved. Companies like Klarna and Moderna are showing that this is possible. Through continuing education and the provision of AI tools, they were not only able to increase efficiency in everyday work, but also automate central processes.

You want to know how sparks Can help you introduce AI skills across the board? With the Smart Guide”AI for Everyone“If your people understand how generative AI works, they can apply it in everyday work and test the results for their actual added value.