Hajra Naz
In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, talk of building an AI-first culture is everywhere. But beyond the jargon, what does this mean?
At its core, it’s about looking at how technology, especially smart automation tools, can handle tasks before assigning them to people. But it goes deeper than just using tools. It’s about changing the way a company thinks and operates from top to bottom.
This kind of AI transformation goes deep. It touches everything from product development and customer service to sales processes and internal operations. It’s not just a strategy; it’s a complete organizational shift.
Can Legacy Companies Embrace an AI-First Culture?
Surprisingly, yes. Cisco Systems is a great example. It’s a global tech company that’s been around for over 40 years. In the last three years, Cisco has started a big change. The goal is to make AI a key part of everything they do.
Jeetu Patel, a top leader at Cisco, says this change affects the whole company. It’s not just about tools—it’s about how the company works at every level.
He said on a recent episode of CXOTalk.
“It includes the way we build products, how customers use them, and how internal teams complete tasks,”
Even for a company as tech-savvy as Cisco, shifting to an AI-first mindset has not been without challenges. Patel noted.
“It’s a cultural shift—and it comes with skepticism.”
Just two years ago, few people would have considered Cisco an AI-first company.
AI Fear vs. AI Opportunity
One of the biggest roadblocks to building an AI-first workplace is fear. Many employees worry that AI will take their jobs. But Patel reframes the concern:
“It’s not AI that will take your job. It’s someone who knows how to use AI better than you.”
Both leaders and workers need to change how they think. In a workplace that uses AI, job titles won’t matter as much. What will matter is how well you can use AI. The more skillfully and creatively you use AI tools, the more successful you’ll be.
Key Elements of Building an AI-First Culture
Patel outlines three core principles for building an AI-first organization:
Set Clear Expectations
Create a culture where AI-first thinking is the default, not the exception.
Equip and Educate Your Workforce
Provide employees with the tools and training they need to confidently adopt AI technologies.
Make AI Non-Negotiable
Treat AI adoption not as a bonus, but as a critical requirement for how work gets done.
Why Building an AI-First Culture Is a Strategic Imperative
We live in a fast-changing digital world. Companies that don’t use AI may fall behind. It’s not just about staying ahead. Now, it’s about surviving.
AI is changing how every industry works. It’s helping in healthcare, finance, retail, and factories. Those who adapt will grow. Those who don’t may struggle to keep up.
An AI-first culture positions organizations to be proactive, not reactive. It allows them to:
- Make faster, data-driven decisions
- Automate routine tasks to focus on innovation
- Personalize customer experiences at scale
- Reduce operational inefficiencies
- Anticipate market trends with predictive analytics
But to realize these benefits, companies must go beyond buying AI tools. They must embed AI into their values, vision, and everyday operations.
Common Challenges in Adopting an AI-First Mindset
Despite its potential, the journey to becoming AI-first is complex and filled with barriers:
1. People Resist Change
Many workers feel nervous about new technology. They may worry AI will take their jobs. Some feel confused by new tools. Leaders need to talk openly and help people learn new skills.
2. Not Everyone Understands AI
If people don’t know how AI works, they can’t use it well. Companies should offer simple training, workshops, and hands-on practice. This helps close the knowledge gap.
3. Data Problems Slow Things Down
AI needs clean and organized data. But many companies have messy or old systems. They must fix this to make progress with AI.
4. Leaders Want Fast Results
Some expect AI to show instant success. But real change takes time and effort. A smart plan and steady learning are key to making it work.
Read More: 70% of Media Companies Are Not Fully Using AI, IAB Report Reveals
How Leaders Can Foster an AI-First Culture
Leadership plays a critical role in driving this shift. Here are some proven strategies:
- Lead by Example
Executives must use AI themselves and advocate for its adoption across departments. Show how AI enhances decision-making rather than replaces it.
- Align AI with Business Goals
Tie AI initiatives directly to company KPIs and strategic goals. When teams see the business impact, buy-in increases naturally.
- Celebrate AI Wins
Highlight small successes to build momentum. Whether it’s saving hours of manual work or improving customer response times, share wins across the organization.
- Make AI Accessible
Use user-friendly tools and low-code platforms so that even non-technical employees can contribute to AI initiatives. Democratizing AI is key.
AI and the Customer Experience
Cisco’s AI integration extends to the customer experience. But as Patel explained, one of the toughest challenges is the pace of change:
“Our customers still see us as the company we were three years ago, and in many ways, we’re entirely different now.”
Simplifying and communicating this transformation is vital. Customers are being introduced to new AI-driven tools that enhance support ticket resolution, streamline sales meetings, and automate processes in legal, finance, and operations.
“AI now prepares sales teams for meetings in minutes. You’re never going in blind,” Patel said.
Preparing the Workforce: From Fear to Empowerment
One of the most important aspects of an AI-first transformation is employee empowerment. The future workforce must be
- AI-literate: Understanding how AI works, where it can be applied, and its limitations.
- Data-savvy: Comfortable working with data, dashboards, and insights.
- Change-ready: Open to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies.
Organizations should provide ongoing education, such as microlearning courses, peer-led AI knowledge sharing, and mentorship programs focused on AI use cases.
What the Future Looks Like for AI-First Companies
In the coming years, AI-first companies will have a significant edge. They’ll be:
- Faster in responding to market shifts
- More innovative in product and service design
- More resilient in the face of disruption
- Better at attracting and retaining tech-savvy talent
They’ll also be positioned to lead in emerging areas such as
- Generative AI
- Autonomous systems
- AI-powered sustainability solutions.
Final Thoughts: AI Is Not a Threat—It’s a Superpower
Creating an AI-first culture doesn’t mean replacing people. It means helping people do even better. The best companies won’t fear AI. They’ll use it as a tool to grow. AI can boost creativity. It can make work faster and easier. It helps people think of new and better ways to do things.
The message for companies is clear:
Don’t wait for the future—build it with AI today.
