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One of the biggest gaps in today’s AI discussions isn’t about the technology itself—it’s about the people. While AI’s potential is undeniable, the real challenge lies in adoption. Companies are investing millions in AI tools, yet struggle with realizing their full value. The reason? Change management is missing from the conversation.
A couple of years ago, I decided to become certified in change management through Prosci. It was an eye-opening experience. Interestingly, I was the only CEO in the class. Most of my fellow students were mid-level professionals tasked with implementing change in their organizations, not the decision-makers driving strategic vision. Many people asked me why, as the CEO of Rise Interactive, I was taking a course in change management. My answer was simple: the only thing I was certain of in business was that change was inevitable.
At Rise, I often found myself frustrated by the pace at which our teams adopted new strategies. Despite clear direction and compelling opportunities, change didn’t happen as quickly as I expected. What I realized during my training was that I had been asking the wrong questions. I was focused on why change wasn’t happening fast enough, rather than understanding what was holding it back.
The Two Key Reasons Why Change Fails
- Lack of Awareness – If people don’t understand the why behind a change, they will resist it, even if it benefits them.
- Lack of Active and Visible Sponsorship – Change cannot be delegated. Leaders must be actively engaged in driving transformation, not just endorsing it from afar.
This is especially true for AI adoption. Many companies assume that because AI is powerful and exciting, their teams will naturally embrace it. But technology adoption doesn’t work that way. Employees need clear guidance, structured support, and reassurance that AI will augment rather than replace their roles.
Guided Transformation: The SoftSnow Approach
At SoftSnow, we address this challenge through what we call Guided Transformation—the accelerant to building an AI-first culture. Guided Transformation consists of three core pillars:
- Change Management – Helping teams understand and embrace AI-driven workflows.
- Learning & Development – Equipping employees with the skills and confidence to work alongside AI.
- AI-First Mindset – Embedding AI into company culture from the ground up, rather than treating it as an isolated technology initiative.
Many companies today are being asked by their boards, "What is your AI strategy?" The common response is to form AI committees, councils, or sandboxes where senior leaders explore how AI might be used. But this approach is flawed. AI success doesn’t start with high-level brainstorming—it starts with the individual.
AI Adoption Begins at the Individual Level
Every team member in an organization has a job description, outlining their roles, responsibilities, and daily tasks. These tasks should be documented in standard operating procedures (SOPs)—which serve as critical input-ready data for AI. Rather than thinking about AI as a top-down initiative, companies should focus on empowering individuals to integrate AI into their existing workflows.
At SoftSnow, we work with clients to build AI agents and workflows that allow employees to augment, automate, or replace repetitive processes. This foundational shift doesn’t just improve efficiency—it builds confidence in AI. Employees who see firsthand how AI can enhance their productivity are far more likely to adopt an AI-first mindset.
Building this confidence isn’t just about business success—it’s about future-proofing careers. Employees who develop AI fluency will be the most valuable members of tomorrow’s workforce. Organizations that prioritize change management will not only achieve AI adoption but will also cultivate a workforce prepared for the next wave of innovation.
The technology is here. The potential is limitless. But without a structured approach to managing change, AI will remain an underutilized asset. At SoftSnow, we’re committed to helping brands think differently about their AI journeys—because transformation isn’t just about the technology. It’s about the people who use it.
Let’s guide the change together.