CIOInsider India Magazine
The Power and Challenge of Generative AI: A New Frontier for Enterprises
Mukundha Madhavan is a seasoned technology leader and strategist, currently spearheading innovation as the APAC Tech Lead for DataStax. Mukundha’s expertise lies in Real-time AI and Generative AI, rendering him a pivotal asset in driving technological advancements and solutions in these domains.
People have long relied on non-human intelligence. During World War I, armies used horses for logistics, and ‘mercy dogs’ were trained to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Similarly, farmers depended on animals like horses and mules to complete essential tasks.
Today, the rise of Generative AI (GenAI) is also enabling organizations to be more efficient and effective. Unlike animals, however, GenAI can mimic and outperform humans in ways that are frequently overlooked. For example, it can analyze action items from hundreds of meetings to identify project risks — far beyond basic administrative tasks. However, what truly sets GenAI apart is how accessible and integrated it has become in everyday workflows.
Democratization and Productivity Concerns
GenAI's accessibility has changed the technology landscape. Employees may now use advanced AI technologies directly from their smartphones, like Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's ChatGPT. According to a Microsoft and LinkedIn survey, 75 percent of knowledge workers currently use AI at work, with 78 percent bringing their own AI tools to the office. This democratization implies that AI adoption is no longer optional. Business executives must accept this reality and find ways to maximize their potential.
However, the economic impact of AI is equally as important as its ability to improve individual processes. In India, for example, IDC predicts that 75 percent of large enterprises will employ GenAI to improve labor efficiency by 2026. Meanwhile, NASSCOM anticipates AI — including GenAI — will contribute USD500 billion to the country's GDP by next year.
As GenAI evolves across all business functions, human supervision is required to ensure its effectiveness and consistency. Unlike traditional AI, which is limited to specific tasks, GenAI's versatility affects every team, process, and product. This is why business leaders must see GenAI as a new sort of workforce partner, not just a tool. Integrating GenAI, like onboarding a new employee, requires attention and oversight to realize its full potential.
The ‘Delegate, Accelerate, and Invent’ framework is one technique that organizations can use. By delegating routine tasks to GenAI, organizations can free up people to focus on higher-value work. This framework accelerates innovation and finds new opportunities by harnessing AI's advanced capabilities, allowing firms to expand more quickly while keeping creativity and strategic focus.
To fully realize its potential, businesses must adapt and develop new skills to manage this ‘superhuman’ tool. This includes fostering a collaborative environment where employees can work alongside GenAI, refining processes, and driving organizational growth.
However, while leaders understand AI's importance to competitiveness — 79 percent of business leaders believe AI is critical — over half remain unsure about how to measure its productivity gains, according to Microsoft and LinkedIn research. The only way to truly realize GenAI's potential is to integrate it into daily operations. Experimentation and team collaboration will reveal where and how GenAI might help improve efficiency.
Striking a balance is essential to using large language models effectively. Understanding and respecting the limitations of AI ensures responsible deployment, focusing on high-quality data and targeted applications that yield tangible results
People hold the key to achieving these benefits. Leaders, from employees to executives, should consider how GenAI will impact their jobs and strategies. This transition is about more than simply technology; it is about embracing a cultural shift in which AI becomes a crucial business partner.
Organizations should also explore their people's potential. Encourage curiosity and empower each employee to become a ‘transformation lead.’ As Deloitte suggests, GenAI can change any knowledge-based activity. You can maximize the benefits of AI by tapping into your workforce's innovation and drive.
The Path Forward
As GenAI evolves, industry leaders have already demonstrated its transformative potential. Companies such as Modern are using AI to streamline operations in preparation for ambitious product launches. Others, such as Verizon, have identified important areas for GenAI to optimize processes, improve product experiences, and increase revenue.
These examples show how organizations can use AI strategically, namely, how it isn't about wielding the largest models or chasing the latest technological trends. Instead, it's about navigating the landscape with wisdom and purpose. Striking a balance is essential to using large language models effectively. Understanding and respecting the limitations of AI ensures responsible deployment, focusing on high-quality data and targeted applications that yield tangible results.
Organizations should also explore the potential of their people. Be curious and empower every employee to become a ‘transformation lead.’ As Deloitte puts it, whatever knowledge work is being done, GenAI can transform it.
Now is the time to act. To fully unlock the potential of GenAI, organizations must embrace the full extent of their capabilities. While almost anyone can access GenAI, no other organization has your employees, customer relationships and partnerships, or the data you have.
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