Let’s not sugarcoat it

AI is no longer an emerging technology. It’s here. It’s scaling. And it’s moving faster than most executive boards are comfortable with. Some leaders still ask whether AI will impact their industry. The more relevant question is: How much of your value chain will it transform—and how quickly? McKinsey estimates that up to 70% of business activities across sectors can be at least partially automated with today’s AI. Not theoretical. Not future state. Now.

We’ve entered a decade that will be defined by how boldly and wisely we integrate AI into our core strategies. And not just in IT departments or innovation labs, but in boardrooms, client solutions, operations, and product pipelines. Yet many boards still delegate the topic to a “task force” or a tech lead. That’s no longer enough. AI must now be a board-level conversation.

Because it directly affects:

1. Strategic positioning
2. Talent planning
3. Risk governance
4. Competitive advantage,

and ultimately: moving the business forward, or not.

Three questions every execuive board must answer now:

1.
Where can AI deliver real, measurable value in our business model—within the next 12 months? This is not a 5-year roadmap. Start with months, not years. Speed is the new moat.

2.
Do we have the leadership talent —at board and executive level— to understand, question, and steer AI initiatives? This requires digital fluency at the top. Not everyone needs to code, but everyone must comprehend.

3.
What is our AI governance framework? From ethical risk to regulatory compliance to data integrity—this must be designed before you scale.


Business leaders who act now, curiously, courageously. Discover new frontiers of productivity, insight, and innovation. Those who delay, hoping it will all “settle down,” risk becoming obsolete.

Hope this inspires.


Paul Donkers


At tèn company, we help executive teams see clearly, act boldly, and build wisely. And when it comes to AI, speed and strategic clarity are the edge. Let’s not wait until the disruption becomes personal.

Paul P.J. Donkers is a global business coach and consultant. He and his partners work with leadership teams to unlock growth and value.

Find out more at www.tencompany.org or www.ikigaicoachinginstitute.com.

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