Are You AI Fit?
Earlier this year, Julie Bedard and Nicolas de Bellefonds of Boston Consulting Group published an article titled, “The CEO’s Workout for Peak AI Performance.”
The conceit of the piece was that CEOs who are struggling to unlock meaningful value from their investments need to get themselves AI-fit, and fast.
They need to know what AI and GenAI can do today if they’re going to make the most informed decisions about where to place their bets on the technology, attract the best talent, and master the art of what BCG calls “imagining the possible.”
Though I’ve often advocated that leaders and organizations should become “AI First,” I find the concept AI Fitness to be a pretty useful one.
Fitness makes for a great analogy because, just like building muscle or endurance, strengthening your AI muscle takes repetition, discipline, and consistent effort.
Running works well here too, as CEOs need to be able to handle both short sprints and long marathons.
BCG puts it this way:“[Leaders] must cultivate speed and strength to invest strategically, accelerate adoption, and secure world-class AI talent. At the same time, they must also build endurance to maintain momentum, remain agile, and master the art of imagining the possible with this dynamic technology.”
Time Under Tension
Becoming AI Fit comes down to increasing your “time under tension.”
You have to consistently engage with AI, confronting the real-world implications of the technology for you as a leader, your organization, your industry, and even the future of work itself.
But how do you actually do that?
How do you build AI fitness through sustained effort?
Here are four strategies adapted from BCG’s recommendations:
- Commit to Daily AI Use The first step is simply using AI technology every single day, with no exceptions. Think of AI as a trusted digital advisor you check in with frequently. Regular interaction builds comfort and deepens your understanding, making AI part of your everyday strategic decision-making.
- Appoint an Internal AI Coach Most CEOs don’t have time to keep up with the rapidly evolving AI landscape. A dedicated internal AI coach can help cut through the noise. This person doesn’t need an engineering degree; they just need to be deeply curious and highly engaged with AI. They can quickly identify useful tools, streamline your learning, and keep you accountable for staying AI fit.
- Learn the Basics and Keep Growing Just like pilots understand the basics of flight before taking control, CEOs should learn AI fundamentals first. Understanding how AI systems learn, evolve, and function allows you to make better use of them. Gradually exploring AI in more complex scenarios helps you build confidence and see how it could transform entire areas of your business.
- Communicate Clearly and Listen Closely Employees often have doubts about AI. It’s your job to clearly connect AI projects to the broader purpose and strategy of your organization. Explain the “why” behind AI and its potential benefits clearly. And don’t stop there—actively listen to employee feedback. Regular conversations and town halls create a continuous feedback loop, ensuring AI efforts remain connected to real organizational needs.
AI Fitness is an Ongoing Commitment
Becoming AI Fit isn’t just about technology. It’s about embracing a new style of leadership and preparing your organization for a future defined by constant change and rapid innovation.
AI fitness, much like physical fitness, is an ongoing commitment.
Start now, stay consistent, and watch how your organization evolves and thrives in ways you might not have even imagined.
