Maybe we got digital transformation wrong.

Not slightly wrong. Fundamentally wrong.

Instead of transforming, we digitized. We took legacy models, legacy processes, legacy thinking…and made them faster. We optimized the candle instead of inventing the light bulb.

That was the argument I made on stage at ServiceNow’s Knowledge 2025 in Las Vegas, in a keynote I called “Goodbye Digital Transformation, Hello AI-First Business Transformation.”

Here’s what the data tells us: 70% of digital transformations fall short of their objectives. 51% of organizations saw no increase in performance or profitability. And now with AI, nearly every company is investing, yet only 1% believe they’re at maturity. And 94% of C-suite execs say they’re unsatisfied with their AI solutions.

The problem isn’t the technology. It’s the mindset.

Most organizations are asking digital-first questions: How do I do this faster? How do I reduce effort? How do I optimize efficiency?

Those are the wrong questions.

An AI-first mindset asks different ones: Why do we do it this way at all? What if we reimagined the entire workflow? What becomes possible that wasn’t before?

The distinction I shared on stage: Iterative AI supercharges today’s work. It removes drudgery and accelerates what already exists. Innovative AI is something else entirely. It unlocks new results, new value, new business models.

The biggest barrier to scaling AI is not employees. It’s leaders who are not steering fast enough. The risk isn’t thinking too big. It’s thinking too small.

AI isn’t artificial intelligence. It’s augmented intelligence. And embracing an AI-first mindset means prioritizing possibilities not achievable without it…and outcomes AI couldn’t achieve without you.

Great leaders design a better future that would not have otherwise happened.

What’s your role in defining the future of your business?

Watch the full session here.

And I’ll be back at Knowledge 2026, May 5–7 in Las Vegas, this time on stage with ServiceNow Chief Innovation Officer Dave Wright. Our session is, “Your Guide to AI Maturity: Charting a Path to ROI.”

Session Description:
AI maturity isn’t a destination. It’s a leadership imperative. This hands-on workshop invites business leaders to collaborate with experts and peers to uncover what it takes to lead in AI. Through guided discussions about the Enterprise AI Maturity Index, attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of where they stand on the AI maturity curve, what Pacesetters are doing differently to realize 160% ROI, and actionable next steps to move from AI experimentation to business reinvention.

If you’re ready to stop optimizing the past and start designing the future, we’ll see you there!