A Strategic View: By Anindya Sengupta
We’re living through one of the biggest technology shifts in history, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) leading the charge. From taking over routine tasks to supporting complex decisions, AI has quickly become the center of attention across industries.
Every day brings a new AI app to the market. Companies everywhere are pouring billions into AI, all hoping to gain an edge—or at least not fall behind.
But in the middle of this frenzy, a simple question often gets overlooked:
Who really decides AI’s future in the business world?
Who gives AI the green light and makes sure it’s woven into a company’s strategy?
Most people would probably point to the CTO, the CEO, or the tech leadership team. Seems obvious, right? But that might actually miss the mark.
The truth is, the real decision-makers are usually the CFOs, business strategists, and financial analysts—supported by tech teams, sure, but not driven by them. They’re the ones who look beyond the shiny promise of AI to see if it can actually deliver solid, measurable results.
So when AI companies pitch their latest tools, here’s what they’ll face:
How will AI fuel business growth?
Can it help break into new markets, pull in customers, or speed up how we launch products?
How will AI boost profits?
Beyond cutting costs, can it uncover smarter pricing, slash waste, or open up new revenue streams?
How will AI make work better for employees?
Will it take repetitive tasks off their plates, give them smarter tools, and help build a more satisfying workplace?
And above all—can we measure it?
If these benefits aren’t backed by clear metrics—whether that’s ROI, cost savings, or even employee engagement—companies will hesitate to bet big on AI.
At the end of the day, AI might be a technological wonder. But its real future depends on strategic and financial buy-in. It’s not just about what engineers or data scientists can build. It’s about showing how AI can drive real, lasting value for the business.