Show Me the ROI: The Executive Reality Check on Generative AI Value

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite three-letter obsession: ROI.

Every leader is under pressure to show results - and fast. Especially with something as hyped (and as misunderstood) as generative AI.

So, let’s not sugarcoat it:

No matter how you feel about the request to focus on and deliver ROI with GenAI –  if you can’t yet articulate how your GenAI efforts are driving real business value  -  you're not alone. But you are at risk.

According to Salesforce’s 2024 State of IT report, nearly 60% of organizations using GenAI struggle to measure ROI. And 47% of execs say they’ve invested in GenAI tools that have yet to deliver measurable outcomes.

That’s not just a performance issue - it’s a credibility issue. It’s a leadership issue. 

And it could sabotage the long-term strategic potential of AI if leaders fail to take control, focus on strategy, and align their investments and resources effectively.

What ROI Shouldn't Mean Anymore

Here’s the mistake I see executives making:
They treat GenAI like a hammer and expect to see a pile of nails.

They chase outputs like:

• "How many hours did we save?"

• "How much content did we generate?"

• "How fast did we respond to emails?"

Sure, those metrics feel like wins - but they rarely move the needle on revenue, efficiency, or competitive position. And frankly, they are missing the bigger picture.

AI is an entirely new way of doing business. That statement should, frankly, trigger business leaders to care about much more than the three bullets listed above. 

This is where you'll hear me discuss not only leadership and strategy, but also mindset. This new era requires you to think differently, and right now is a good time to start.

Real ROI isn’t measured in outputs. It’s measured in outcomes.

And the most meaningful outcomes? They’re strategic.

Strategic ROI from Generative AI Looks Like This:

Faster Decision Velocity

When your teams actually understand how to communicate with and leverage GenAI effectively, they can synthesize information, test ideas, and generate insights more quickly. And your ability to make decisions ahead of the competitors increases by days, weeks, or months. 

A recent Deloitte survey found that companies using GenAI in strategic planning and forecasting saw up to 18% faster execution of key initiatives.

Cross-Functional Efficiency Gains

AI isn’t just about automating one workflow. It’s about reducing friction across teams - legal, sales, marketing, finance, and compliance. That’s where the real compounding value lives. Especially when provided with training, constant feedback, usage guidelines, and encouragement to experiment.

Risk Reduction & Better Governance

From contract reviews to compliance reports, GenAI is accelerating the “slow, careful” aspects of business—and reducing human error in the process. 

So, What’s Really Blocking ROI?

If you’re not seeing returns, the problem isn’t the AI - it’s the approach. Here's what typically goes wrong:

• No strategic alignment. The AI isn't mapped to real business priorities, and typically the leadership team is not aligned on what they expect from AI.

• No change management. People don’t know how to use the tools - or don’t trust them, or you.

• No measurement plan. KPIs are vague, mismatched, or nonexistent.

• No integration. You’re layering GenAI on top of broken processes instead of reimagining them.

Sound familiar?

Power Move: Redefine ROI Before You Miss the Real Win

Stop asking “What did it save me?” and start asking “What did it make possible?”

If you’re only measuring AI in terms of cost-cutting, you’re missing the forest for the trees. The companies pulling ahead are the ones using GenAI to:

• Enter new markets

• Innovate faster than the competition

• Make bolder moves with better data

That’s the real ROI: Speed. Precision. Possibility.

And it doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet - at least not right away. It shows up in your next board meeting. Your next product launch. Your next strategy pivot.

🔥 Ready to See What GenAI ROI Really Looks Like?

That’s exactly what we do in the AI Strategy Brief. We don’t just help you implement AI - we help you understand and measure what matters, align it to business goals, and identify where the strategic value actually lives.

Because ROI isn’t just a metric – and with AI - it’s a mindset. And in 2025, that’s the competitive advantage.

Find out how we can help align your leadership team, generate your AI Strategy Blueprint, and produce your AI Ready Roadmap for success today!