#USA #Denver #Business Leaders #AI Adoption Institute #AI Results

Founded for Change

The AI Adoption Institute, known as AiAi, has officially launched with a mission to transform how mid-size businesses leverage artificial intelligence (AI). Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, AiAi is here to ensure that AI becomes more than just a line item in budgets. The organization aims to convert AI from purely an expenditure into a source of tangible profit, bringing measurable returns to companies that previously struggled with its implementation.

The Gap in Current AI Implementation

Despite widespread acknowledgment of AI's potential, the results have been underwhelming. A staggering eighty-nine percent of organizations have integrated AI into at least one function, yet only a mere thirty-seven percent of those companies report seeing a significant financial impact from its use, according to a McKinsey report from August 2026. In fact, a mere six percent of companies are categorized as 'high performers,' with AI contributing to a minimum of five percent of their earnings. These stats depict a dismal landscape where more than half of CEOs feel their companies have not benefited from AI in terms of revenue growth or reduced costs.

AiAi’s Unique Approach

Brett Schklar, President and Enterprise Futurist of AiAi and author of "AI Without the BS", vocalizes the challenges faced by many executives. After interviewing nearly 2,000 CEOs, he found that while most utilize AI tools, few manage to adapt their operations to leverage AI's full benefits. The tools are there, but the requisite change in work processes often isn't.

AiAi has created a structured approach to tackle these challenges. Their model consists of peer circles formed for leaders spanning diverse roles such as HR, finance, operations, marketing, and sales. Each circle comprises ten to sixteen leaders from non-competing companies and is spearheaded by a trained Catalyst. These groups meet every month, either in person in cities such as Denver and New York or virtually, to actively work on real-world AI problems. This peer exchange is expected to create accountability and a consistent focus on developing strategies that yield results.

Research and Knowledge Sharing

In addition to peer circles, AiAi places a strong emphasis on original research. Currently, five anonymous studies regarding AI adoption, trust, and consultancy practices are underway, with findings to be published in the first quarter of 2027. This commitment to research will help illuminate successful strategies and also provide benchmarks for companies starting their AI journeys.

Schklar emphasizes, “Profitable AI adoption is a leadership problem before it becomes a technology problem. The leaders who actively participate in these discussions, measure their outcomes, and eliminate unproductive approaches will ultimately succeed.”

Upcoming Free Webinars

To promote their initiatives and assist businesses in understanding how these circles can provide value, AiAi is hosting two free webinars on November 12 and November 24. These sessions will cover topics such as how to effectively run a circle, evaluate a company's placement on AiAi's five-level Operational Maturity Scale, and measure Return on AI (ROAI). Both sessions, scheduled for 11:00 AM MT, will target organizations looking to transform their approach to AI.

Looking Ahead

The AI Adoption Institute is dedicated to providing mid-market companies—which typically employ between 50 and 5,000 people—with the resources to transition beyond AI experimentation to achieving measurable, substantive outcomes. Based in Denver, AiAi is poised to become an invaluable resource for those ready to transform their AI ambitions into real-world successes. The use of peer circles, coupled with ongoing research and shared learning opportunities, is central to assisting businesses in navigating their AI challenges.

For more information and to register for the upcoming webinars, visit TheAiAi.net.