Building an AI movement

This is a true story of how strategic foresight and community building have laid the foundation for generative AI transformation at Implement.

At Implement Consulting Group, we wanted to harness the transformative potential of generative AI in the consulting industry. So, in October 2023, we launched Project AIM to foster a strong movement driven by AI champions. The project was aligned with top-down strategic leadership and laid the groundwork for widespread AI adoption in our company, reshaping client service and operational excellence.

Setting the scene

The strategic vision behind Project AIM

In a fast-evolving digital landscape, Implement recognised the transformative potential of generative AI in the consulting industry. And so, in October 2023, we launched Project AIM with two key objectives: to leverage AI to enhance our core business functions – such as structuring information and accelerating learning – and to position our company to stay ahead of the inevitable industry shift driven by AI.

At its core, Project AIM aimed to enhance client service by integrating AI-driven solutions that enable faster, more efficient project delivery. The initiative also served as a defensive measure – acknowledging the uncertainty around the disruptive power of AI, we sought to lead the transformation rather than react to it.

Creating a movement

Empowering AI champions

For generative AI adoption to be successful, a major cultural shift is required. For us, AI integration is not just about technology – it is about people embracing a new way of working. This is where the concept of AI champions becomes critical.

One of our key AI champions is Kåre, who is responsible for starting up our internal newsletter on AI use cases for the business and hosting internal case competitions. As a result of Kåre’s contribution to the community, many more people in Implement are becoming familiar with the tools and expanding their use of generative AI in their work.

Sofie is another AI champion and an example of how grassroots leadership can ignite change. She took the initiative to create public-sector AI forums in our Project AIM network, coordinating knowledge sharing and building a community of early adopters. Her efforts culminated in the successful launch of a subcommunity focused on AI in the public sector, which has since become a vital platform for collaboration and innovation, mainly internally at Implement but increasingly with the public sector itself. Her work illustrates the importance of empowering champions who can bridge the gap between the potential of AI and its practical application.

AI adoption needs this kind of movement – a collective effort where champions lead by example, fostering a community that helps bring the whole organisation on board. Early on, there will be a divide between those who adopt AI and those who do not, but by cultivating a community around these early adopters, the cultural shift necessary for widespread adoption becomes possible. It creates a space for those who have not yet practised AI to learn and become part of the next generation.

Top-down leadership

Strategic alignment with grassroots innovation

While grassroots initiatives are essential for creating momentum, they need to be aligned with a broader strategic vision. At Implement, senior leadership played a crucial role in identifying where AI could have the most significant impact – particularly in improving client service and operational efficiency. This top-down approach ensured that AI initiatives were not siloed or disconnected but aligned with our long-term strategic objectives.

By balancing top-down directives with bottom-up innovation, we created an environment where AI adoption was both visionary and practical. The leadership’s support for initiatives such as Sofie’s public-sector forums showed that these grassroots efforts were not only welcome but also strategically important to the company’s success.

The dual approach of combining strategic leadership with grassroots energy was critical to building sustained momentum. This was also followed by strategic investments in technology and the establishment of dedicated teams.

Sustaining momentum

Communication as the lifeblood of AI adoption

Sustaining momentum is as important as building it. We have experienced that communication has been central to maintaining enthusiasm and ensuring that everyone stays aligned with the strategic goals of Project AIM. We have used a range of communication channels – from large town halls to focused events – to keep the AI conversation alive across the organisation.

Looking ahead, we plan to leverage more creative communication methods. These include integrating communication directly into our AI tools through in-tool banners and notifications, ensuring real-time engagement. Our educational track has also doubled as a communication platform, reinforcing key messages and providing ongoing updates to the broader team.

Maintaining a constant flow of communication and support ensures that AI adoption is not a one-off push but a sustained journey of transformation across the organisation.

Conclusion

Building a movement and strategic vision for AI success

Generative AI adoption is not just a technological upgrade – it is a cultural transformation that requires a clear strategic vision, strong leadership and empowered champions. Project AIM at Implement highlights the importance of balancing top-down directives with bottom-up innovation to foster a movement that drives widespread AI adoption.

For SMEs looking to embark on their AI journey, the key takeaway is clear: success comes from cultivating a movement within your organisation, aligning it with strategic goals and sustaining momentum through effective communication. Empower your AI champions, foster a community around them and ensure that AI becomes a core part of your strategic vision.

With this approach, you can lead the AI-driven transformation in your industry.