Despite massive investments, enterprises continue to struggle with AI strategy execution. Mike Capone, CEO of Qlik Connect 2025, emphasized the futility of AI rhetoric in the absence of implementation. The summit highlighted the critical execution gap, with only 26% of companies implementing AI at scale.
Industry leaders like Capone and Tom Mazzaferro of Truist examined barriers like inadequate data and cultural opposition. Experts emphasized that for businesses to succeed in this AI-powered future, the emphasis must move to partnerships and reliable data. This focus is essential as they pursue next-generation solutions like agentic AI.
Is AI Strategy Execution Just a Myth Now?
Speaking out against the current state of AI strategy execution, Capone stated, “Spending without action is pointless.” According to Capone, 86% of businesses have an AI strategy, but only 25% carry it out extensively. The CEO also warned that this obvious discrepancy is slowing down true innovation. He said that while 80% of businesses are interested in agentic AI, only 12% believe their data is prepared. The CEO emphasized the need for foundational work to support ambition.
Inside the Real Blockers to AI Success
IDC’s Ritu Jyoti said that companies are being held back by fragmented systems and management efforts. She emphasized that potential is limited by fragmented AI strategies and inadequate data integration. Furthermore, implementation is further restrained by a shortage of qualified personnel and concerns about job security. Even with the most advanced tools available, these internal obstacles make it difficult to implement AI strategies.
Using an example, Jyoti described the potential of agentic AI. Imagine giving a digital engineer instructions to “build a logistics app” and having it do it on its own. That is what happens when human and digital labor are combined. However, data systems need to be trusted, structured, and unified in order to get there.
Additionally, Truist’s Tom Mazzaferro highlighted the practical challenges. He mentioned that the majority of banks use a combination of on-site and cloud-based systems. Strong AI partnerships are essential to their success. He urged leaders to pose pertinent queries, such as, What is the objective? In what ways does technology support business objectives? He clarified that strategic partnerships and concentrated starts are where the true victory lies.
Trusted Data Must Lead the AI Future
Early adopters are continuing to move forward despite the obstacles. According to Jyoti, businesses such as Johnson & Johnson are employing AI to find new drugs. They are combining speed and scale in ways that are impossible for humans to do alone. These companies are building structured systems that facilitate the integration of agentic AI and learning from mistakes.
Capone stated, “It all comes down to using reliable data and integrating AI where it produces quantifiable results.” He underlined that although models are subject to change, businesses must have faith in the data that supports them. That is the real way to execute an AI strategy successfully.
He also talked about concerns about AI taking jobs. “It’s not AI that will take your job,” he explained, “but someone who understands AI better than you.” Jyoti offered a similar viewpoint, stating that AI will redefine roles but not replace people, much like calculators did not replace engineers.
AI Strategy Execution Starts Now
In his closing remarks, Capone issued a call to action: “AI strategy execution isn’t a future race; it’s happening now.” He emphasized that those performing today are the winners. Success now depends on execution rather than just strategy, from embracing the promise of agentic AI to integrating trusted data. In a world that is changing quickly, those who wait run the risk of falling behind.
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