From Experiments to Transformation: How Businesses Can Thrive with AI Now

AI is the business story of the decade. It’s changing how work gets done and what customers expect. But for many leaders, turning AI’s promise into reality feels risky or overwhelming—especially when the headlines are filled with success stories and failed experiments.

Recently, One NZ’s AI transformation showed what’s possible when AI moves beyond pilots to real impact. Their story offers vital lessons for New Zealand—and global—businesses ready to act.

The Real State of AI Adoption—Beyond the Hype

Three years on from ChatGPT’s launch, AI tools touch almost every workplace. People use them to answer emails, brainstorm ideas, or spot trends in data. Yet a July survey from MIT found 95% of business AI pilots don’t deliver a return.

So why the gap between hype and results?

• Pilots are often isolated experiments—not connected to wider business goals
• AI projects get stuck in IT departments without buy-in from the top
• The fast pace of AI innovation creates skills and governance challenges

One NZ’s journey shows that success comes when AI is matched to real business problems—with leadership, training, and a willingness to redesign processes.

AI in Action: How One NZ Moved from Pilots to Real-World Payoff

One NZ didn’t wait for the ‘perfect moment’ to start with AI. They began five years ago with Robotic Process Automation (RPA), using software to handle repetitive admin tasks. The outcome was immediate—a 20% workforce lift, saving hundreds of jobs worth of effort.

They then scaled into more advanced machine learning and generative AI across functions like customer service, marketing, and network optimization. Today, they’ve reached the next milestone: agentic AI, where AI tools independently act, respond, and optimize processes in real time.

• Instant customer support: AI now resolves network issues before customers even notice, reducing support calls by over half.
• Operating savings: Network management AI has cut energy use by 20%, and fights cyber fraud by blocking hundreds of attacks per day.
• Faster problem solving: AI agents combine data from many sources, fixing problems in minutes instead of days.

The key? Leadership commitment, upskilling staff, clear governance, and a culture that treats AI as a journey—not a quick fix.

Lessons for Every Business: Don’t Wait to Start

One NZ isn’t alone in this journey. But as CEO Jason Paris said, “You just need to get started. Otherwise, you’re going to be left behind and be disrupted by this technology.” He points out some big learnings relevant to others:

• Data doesn’t have to be perfect: AI can help structure existing, messy business data.
• Legacy systems aren’t blockers: With the right planning, AI can integrate with older tech stacks.
• Skills are more important than tools: One NZ spends a quarter of its AI budget on staff training.
• Biggest obstacle is cultural, not technical: Getting teams to change how they work is the hardest part.

For many, the secret to success starts with identifying the real business need, not just buying new tech. This is where Silk Logic’s AI Roadmapping can help—aligning the right strategy to your people, processes, and customer goals.

Big Businesses Move Ahead—But SMEs Need a Different Game Plan

The One NZ story makes it clear: resource-rich businesses can push AI further, faster. But for small and medium organizations, there’s often no spare budget, bandwidth, or time to waste on experiments that don’t pay off.

Here’s what works for SMEs:

• Pilot solutions with a clear, measurable business goal
• Invest in staff awareness and upskilling—one department at a time
• Lean on trusted partners to avoid expensive missteps
• Keep humans in the loop: AI enhances, not replaces, people

Community projects like Nelson’s AI Sandbox show that experimentation matters—but should be guided, not random. The risk of unmanaged AI use: data privacy breaches, lost skills, and failed automation that can disrupt business instead of helping it.

Risks, Pitfalls, and How to Avoid Them

No transformation is risk-free. Common AI and automation pitfalls include:

• Unclear goals: ‘Doing AI’ for its own sake wastes time and money
• Data risk: Using free AI tools with sensitive data can expose your IP
• Skill loss: Over-relying on AI can erode critical human expertise
• Poor integration: Quick wins can break long-term processes if humans aren’t in the loop

The takeaway? Be clear about your goals and risks. Invest in both people and technology. And always keep testing, measuring, and adjusting as you scale.

Looking Ahead: Start Your AI Journey Today—or Get Left Behind

The pace of digital change is only accelerating. In the past, business leaders could plan for tech upgrades every five years. Now, AI adoption cycles are measured in months, not years.

• Early adopters reap the rewards: efficiency, resilience, and happier customers.
• Late movers risk disruption, talent loss, and falling behind the competition.

Practical next steps for every leader:

• Start with a small, critical business problem
• Map out your AI and automation readiness
• Ensure strong governance, data protection, and upskilling
• Choose partners with proven experience in AI-enabled transformation

Want help building your roadmap? Explore Silk Logic’s AI strategy solutions for expert guidance, custom solutions, and a path that fits your real-world business goals.

Conclusion: Will You Lead—or Follow?

AI isn’t just for tech giants. The lessons from One NZ and others show that focused leadership, cultural change, and ongoing learning make transformation possible for businesses of all sizes. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch up as your competitors automate, optimize, and grow.

So, what’s holding your business back from real AI impact? Now is the time to evaluate your strategy, invest in your people, and start your journey. Because when it comes to digital transformation, those who act today will define the success stories of tomorrow.