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Closing the AI Leadership Gap: Insights from 'AI Without the BS'

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, AI is more than just a buzzword; it's a pivotal element that can make or break businesses. With the recent launch of Brett A. Schklar's groundbreaking book, titled AI Without the BS: The CEO's Playbook for Actually Getting AI Right, there's a renewed focus on how leaders can effectively navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence in the corporate landscape.

The Author's Vision

Brett Schklar, an established AI strategist and the founder of AI–First Leadership™, aims to bridge the widening gap between AI capabilities and executive actions. As companies race ahead to integrate AI into their operations, many leaders appear to lag,
treating AI implementation as if it were simply a “science fair project.” Schklar emphasizes that in this fast-paced environment, CEOs must embrace AI not just as a supplemental tool but as a fundamental change agent driving business success.

The Call to Action

Schklar's guiding principle in his new publication is succinct: CEOs must measure what he terms Return on AI (ROAI)—a metric deemed essential for maintaining relevance and achieving competitive advantage in the next 12 to 18 months. He criticizes indecision and fear of the complexities associated with AI as detrimental to progress. 'These leaders cannot afford to dawdle as competitors harness AI to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and make better-informed decisions,' Schklar notes.

Key Themes in the Book

AI Without the BS offers practical, actionable frameworks for CEOs looking to transition from pilot programs to organizational-wide AI integration. It covers a spectrum of vital areas, including:

- Risk Management and Innovation: Learning to balance risk while fostering an innovative culture.
- Building an AI-Ready Workforce: Establishing a team culture that embraces AI and enhances talent acquisition.
- Strategic Planning: Moving beyond immediate gains to create long-term advantages.
- Measuring Success with ROAI: Establishing how to assess the impacts of AI on business operations.

Practical Implementation

The book outlines how to streamline the implementation of AI technologies to yield quicker results without sacrificing strategic goals. Schklar believes that every time an executive utilizes AI solutions for efficiency—whether through automating repetitive tasks or facilitating swift decision-making—it's a strategic move that allows the workforce to focus on creativity and leadership roles. “This is not about circumventing human involvement; this is about enhancing human potential,” he asserts.

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities

To promote AI Without the BS, Schklar and AI–First Leadership™ are organizing a series of events for executives:

- Virtual Book Signing and Author Q&A on July 29, 2025.
- In-Person Book Signing at the University of Colorado, Boulder on the same day.
- Private Executive Roundtable on August 3, 2025.
- Public Book Signing and Networking Event in Denver on August 20, 2025.

These events will give business leaders an opportunity to engage directly with Schklar while reflecting on how AI can become a cornerstone of their strategic landscape.

Conclusion

In a landscape where the pace of technology is relentless, AI Without the BS serves as an indispensable resource for CEOs. As Schklar aptly states, "AI is a leadership mandate. It's high time for executives to gain clarity and confidently harness AI as their competitive edge instead of viewing it as a hurdle." The book is currently available for pre-order in both paperback and Kindle formats, promising to equip leaders with essential insights and strategies for success in the AI era.