Peter Drucker’s famous phrase, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” couldn’t be more relevant today, especially in the realm of AI transformation. As organizations race to adopt AI, many fail to realize that technology alone cannot drive meaningful change. At the heart of AI adoption is an organization’s culture, which, if misaligned, can halt progress no matter how sophisticated the technology.

I’ve observed first-hand the challenges faced by companies with a robust AI roadmap but a culture that’s resistant to change. Even the most promising AI initiatives can flounder in a culture of fear, lack of trust, or a rigid hierarchy. The reason is simple: AI adoption requires collaboration, agility, and a willingness to experiment, traits that are nurtured by an open, transparent, and psychologically safe environment.

When I work with organizations, I emphasize the need for leadership to walk alongside their teams in this transformation journey. True leadership isn’t about wielding authority from the top, it’s about guiding teams through the uncertainty, helping them learn, and fostering an environment where experimentation is encouraged. Leaders must be vocal champions of AI, advocating for it not as a tool but as a mindset that permeates all aspects of the business.

One key strategy I advocate for is creating safe spaces for AI experimentation. This means ensuring that teams feel empowered to try new AI initiatives, without the fear of failure. AI-driven cultures prioritize learning over perfection, focusing on iteration rather than immediate results. In turn, this leads to greater innovation, faster adoption, and a competitive edge that companies can capitalize on.

The benefits of leading with culture-first AI adoption are clear: a more engaged workforce, stronger cross-functional collaboration, and AI projects that deliver real business value. To make this transition, leadership must first embody the change they wish to see. Start with yourself, become a vocal advocate for AI, encourage experimentation, and most importantly, create a culture that aligns with the core principles of AI.

If you’re interested in learning more, explore my previous blog on Leading AI Cultural Change and the AI-Ready Teams Playbook for more insights on how to build a culture that embraces AI transformation.

See also: Fast Company: Culture is the Missing Piece of AI Transformation