Stage 2: Plan

Guides by Role

AI adoption looks different depending on where you sit. These guides give you the questions to ask, the checklists to follow, and the context you need for your role.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting with technology, not problems

AI adoption that works starts with "what problems are we solving?" not "let's use AI for something."

Training everyone the same way

Board members need different content than individual contributors. One-size-fits-all training fails.

No champions after the project ends

Without internal people who own ongoing adoption, AI initiatives die when consultants leave.

Measuring activity instead of outcomes

"Number of people trained" means nothing. Hours saved, quality improved, revenue impacted. That's what matters.

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Before building anything, get these foundations right:

Understand Your Processes

Map what actually happens, not what the documentation says.

Talk to the People

Getting honest, useful input from the people doing the work.

Find the Real Opportunities

Not everything should be automated. Know which is which.

Integrate, Don't Replace

AI works best when it amplifies what your people already do well.

Choose Your Role

Each guide includes the key questions you should be asking and a practical checklist for your responsibilities.

Board Level

Governance & Oversight

What board members need to understand about AI adoption and the questions they should be asking.

10 min▼

Key Questions to Ask

1.What is our AI strategy and how does it align with business objectives?
2.What are the risks (regulatory, reputational, operational) and how are we mitigating them?
3.How are we measuring ROI on AI investments?
4.Do we have the right talent and culture to execute?
5.What is our data governance framework?

Your Checklist

AI strategy document reviewed and approved
Risk assessment completed and documented
Budget allocation aligned with strategic priorities
Success metrics defined and reporting cadence agreed
Ethical AI guidelines established
Regular progress updates scheduled

C-Level

Strategic Alignment

How executives should think about AI transformation. Beyond the hype, into practical execution.

12 min▼

Key Questions to Ask

1.Which business problems are we solving with AI, specifically?
2.How does this fit with our existing technology investments?
3.What organisational changes are required?
4.Who owns this initiative and how are they resourced?
5.What does success look like in 6, 12, 18 months?

Your Checklist

Business case documented with clear ROI expectations
Executive sponsor identified and committed
Cross-functional steering group established
Change management plan in place
Communication strategy for all stakeholders
Quick wins identified for early momentum

Senior Leadership

Enablement & Coordination

The practical guide for senior leaders responsible for making AI adoption actually happen.

15 min▼

Key Questions to Ask

1.Which teams should pilot first and why?
2.How do we balance BAU with transformation work?
3.What training and support do our people need?
4.How do we share learnings across departments?
5.What does "done" look like for each phase?

Your Checklist

Pilot teams selected based on readiness and impact
Resource allocation agreed (time, budget, people)
Training programme designed and scheduled
Knowledge sharing mechanisms established
Progress tracking and reporting set up
Escalation paths clear for blockers

Middle Management

Execution & Training

For team leads and managers on the front line of AI adoption. The people who make it stick.

12 min▼

Key Questions to Ask

1.Which of my team's workflows would benefit most from AI?
2.Who on my team is most likely to champion this?
3.What does my team need to learn, and in what order?
4.How do I measure productivity gains fairly?
5.How do I handle resistance or scepticism?

Your Checklist

Team workflows mapped and prioritised for AI
Potential champions identified and engaged
Training sessions scheduled with clear outcomes
Before/after metrics defined for key processes
Regular check-ins scheduled for feedback
Success stories documented and shared

Individual Contributors

Daily Integration

Practical guidance for anyone using AI tools in their daily work. Where the real value gets created.

8 min▼

Key Questions to Ask

1.What repetitive tasks take up most of my time?
2.Where do I get stuck waiting for information or approvals?
3.What would I do if I had an extra 5 hours per week?
4.How do I learn without disrupting my current work?
5.Who can I learn from or share tips with?

Your Checklist

Time audit completed. Where does your time actually go?
Top 3 AI opportunities identified
First tool installed and basic training completed
One workflow automated or significantly improved
Time saved tracked and documented
Learnings shared with at least one colleague

AI Champions

Cultural Adoption

For the evangelists who drive adoption after the consultants leave. The most important role of all.

10 min▼

Key Questions to Ask

1.How do I balance championing AI with my regular job?
2.How do I help sceptical colleagues without being pushy?
3.What resources do I need to support others effectively?
4.How do I stay current as AI tools evolve?
5.How do I escalate blockers that are beyond my control?

Your Checklist

Champion role formalised with manager support
Regular learning time protected (2-4 hours/week)
Peer support network established with other champions
Office hours or drop-in sessions scheduled
Success metrics agreed (adoption rates, satisfaction)
Direct line to leadership for escalations

Need Help Rolling This Out?

These guides give you the framework. If you want hands-on support making it happen, let's talk.

Book a Discovery Call