Pioneer or Laggard: How AI Will Shape the Future of Your Strategy Department
The Quiet Shift in Power in Strategic Planning
It’s happening all at once in a great many companies right now, and very few strategy departments have truly caught on to it yet: regional managers and division heads are suddenly coming forward with analyses and figures that no one can properly validate anymore. In our new special episode, Christian Underwood explains why this isn’t a marginal phenomenon, but rather the beginning of a genuine shift in strategic work.
The Data Layer Is Key: Why Quality Comes Before Speed
Analyses are produced faster than ever before because employees sometimes use personal accounts to make productive use of AI tools. The problem with this is: “Things that used to be in your hands are now being democratized within the company, and suddenly they’re available to almost everyone,” says Christian Underwood. More often than not, this is done poorly because data quality, market models, and a clear data structure are lacking. It is precisely this data layer for market intelligence that strategy departments must now actively prepare, rather than leaving it to chance.
From Brake to Driver: The New Role of the Strategy Department
If strategy departments take a purely critical stance toward the use of AI, they run the risk of suddenly being seen as roadblocks, even though they could actually be driving this development. Anyone who waits until a division head announces that they have already developed the new strategy using a chatbot is already in a reactive phase. Christian Underwood’s clear message: This can be anticipated—anyone who wants to continue to have a seat at the decision-making table must shape this development themselves.
AI in the Strategy Process: From Development to Rollout
For strategy departments, the meaningful use of AI doesn’t begin with the final analysis; rather, it permeates the entire process—from strategy development to rolling out the strategy throughout the company, all the way to project portfolio and OKR management. Precisely because everything ends up being a top priority for the executive board anyway, AI can provide real relief here—provided the fundamentals are in place.
Decision Intelligence: Better Decisions for the Executive Board and Steering Committee
Christian Underwood also sees great potential for what’s known as “decision intelligence” in the preparation of executive board meetings, simulations, and steering committees: achieving better results and presentations more quickly without compromising quality. And when it comes to change management—for example, when a new strategy, reorganization, or acquisition needs to be communicated—the thoughtful use of AI can help mobilize the entire organization quickly and effectively.
A team task remains a team task
No matter how much AI can take on, there is one warning that Christian Underwood considers particularly important. “It’s not about suddenly putting a single person in front of a computer with AI and then devising the best strategy. That is, and will continue to be, a team effort within the leadership team.” AI supports the process, but it does not replace collaborative decision-making within the team.
Invitation to act
For strategy departments, strategy leaders, and anyone with responsibility in corporate development or business development, this episode offers concrete insights on how to proactively—rather than reactively—integrate AI into strategic planning. For those who want to dive deeper: Christian Underwood and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Weigand are offering the new masterclass “Chief Strategy Officer of the AI Future” on November 9 and 10 at the MCI in Innsbruck—including six weeks of support for implementation within your own company. Enrollment is limited to 20 participants; all details can be found in the show notes.
Get inspired and discover how to use AI to stay one step ahead of developments rather than playing catch-up.
🚀 Listen to the podcast episode now and secure your seat at the decision-making table!
SHOWNOTES
Christian Underwood https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianunderwood/
Masterclass “CSO of the AI Future” https://www.strategyframe.ai/masterclass-cso-ai-future
Strategic Decision Intelligence: https://strategicdecisionintelligence.ai
Magazine “Hope Is Not a Strategy” https://shop.strategyframe.ai/products/hoffnung-ist-keine-strategie-ii-1-strategic-decision-intelligence
All links https://linktr.ee/strategyframe