In a business world driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial that leadership knows how to fulfil its role. Rather than reacting, sooner or later, to this inescapable current of transformation, it is crucial that it is understood, internalised and used to our advantage. Because if we don't control change, we know that change will eventually control us.

The first question a leader has to ask himself is whether he knows what he's talking about. Without knowledge, the path is one of guesswork. That's not what we expect from leadership. You don't have to know more than the technicians, but you can't crew on hunches. This is the only way to integrate the potential of AI into your strategic vision. This presupposes a high degree of openness to the processes of change in business models.

Having understood the technology and embraced the change, the next step is to make choices. Here it is important not to fall prey to the temptation to go ahead anyway. The technological applications that are becoming available demand scrutiny and ethical management. It may even be a golden opportunity for organisations to reinforce their culture of responsibility. In the future, companies will be all the more sustainable the more they assume exemplary ethical standards.

Then there are the people. The alpha and omega of any business project. Here, leaders must foster an organisational culture that promotes intelligent cooperation between technology and people, identifying areas where AI can complement human potential. It's not about replacing people with machines. It's more about intelligently putting machines at the service of people Rui Fiolhais, Vice President Wellow™ Group

So what are the best strategies for harnessing the potential of AI and its transformative power? First and foremost, investing in the right technologies, which involves an inevitable x-ray of all the dimensions of the business model, identifying the processes and tools whose performance can be boosted. It's an exercise that requires, among other ingredients, a large dose of humility.

Team training is another dimension of a winning strategy. Providing adequate training, both technical and ethical, to enable them to take advantage of the new tools. This is based on reinforcing a culture of innovation and permanent learning. Transparently and without fear. It has never been more necessary to be clear in our intentions and humanistic in preserving a culture of psychological safety.

Choosing the best companies is crucial to this strategy. Move forward with those who know and network with organisations that are pursuing the same path. Strategic partnerships can provide insights and access to resources that drive technological development. This is not a time for lone riders. This is the time to join the ranks of innovation.

With a recognised culture of innovation and experimentation, the ground is open for testing new ideas, learning from mistakes and adapting the business strategy with agility. In a complex environment, it is crucial to combine this strategy with a culture of diversity. The multiplicity of thoughts and perspectives on the role of AI in the organisation is the best way to deal with the complex world in which we are immersed.

Artificial Intelligence requires intelligent leadership above all. Business leaders capable of embracing digital transformation, with a strategic mindset, committed to investing in technical knowledge and promoting a culture that values the virtuous articulation between AI and the people who are part of their business projects. Only in this way will they be able to reap the rewards of the extraordinary seeds entrusted to us.