AI strategy that tells you where to start, and what to leave alone

Most businesses don't have an AI problem. They have a "where do we even start" problem.

There are thousands of AI tools, every software vendor has bolted AI onto their product, and your team has probably already started using a few things on their own. Without a plan, you end up paying for subscriptions nobody uses, or worse, putting customer data somewhere it shouldn't be.

An AI strategy fixes that. It gives you a short, honest list of what's worth doing first, what it'll cost, and what you can safely ignore for now.

What an AI strategy engagement includes

A look at how your business actually works

I start by understanding the real work. Not the org chart, the actual day. Where do the hours go? Which tasks get done the same way fifty times a week? Where do things fall through the cracks between people or systems? What do your staff complain about?

Usually this means short conversations with a few people across the business, a look at the systems you use, and time with leadership on where you want the business to go.

A review of what you're already using

Most businesses are already paying for AI they don't know about. Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, your POS, your CRM and your accounting software may already include features you haven't switched on. Before recommending anything new, I'll check what you've already got.

Opportunities, ranked honestly

You'll get a list of opportunities ranked by what matters: how much time or money it's likely to save, how hard it is to set up, how risky it is, and how ready your team is for it. Some will be quick wins you can start next week. Others will be bigger projects worth planning properly.

A roadmap you can actually follow

The final output is a clear roadmap, written in plain English:

• the first two or three things to do, and why
• the tools I'd recommend, with rough costs
• who in your business should own each piece
• the guardrails you need around privacy and data
• what success looks like, so you can tell if it's working

No 80 page report. Something your leadership team can read in one sitting and act on.

Who it's for

AI strategy suits businesses that:

• know AI matters but haven't worked out what to do about it
• have a few people experimenting and want to bring it together
• are being pitched AI tools by vendors and want an independent view
• want to set some sensible rules before AI use spreads further

It works particularly well for businesses with 50 to 500 staff, including multi-site hospitality groups, where the same problem shows up at every location.

Why strategy first?

You can absolutely skip straight to building something. Sometimes that's the right call, and I'll tell you if it is. But spending some time on strategy first usually pays for itself, because it stops you spending on the wrong thing. It also means that when we do move into implementation, we're building something people actually need.

How I approach it

I'm vendor neutral. I don't take commission on any software. ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Gemini, automation tools or something simpler: I recommend what fits.

I've done this in my own business. I run a production company and have used AI to cut costs, increase output and free my team up.

I keep it practical. If something won't pay for itself in your business, I'll say so.

I respect your team. AI should take repetitive work off people, not make them feel replaced. The strategy always considers how changes land with your staff.

How long does it take?

It depends on the size of the business and how many teams are involved. The timeline is agreed with you up front.

What does it cost?

AI strategy is scoped up front, so you know the cost before we start. It depends on how many teams or sites are involved. For a rough guide, read how much AI consulting costs in Australia.

What happens after?

Some businesses take the roadmap and run with it themselves. That's completely fine. Others ask me to help with implementation or run training for their teams. You're never locked in.

Let's talk

Book a 30 minute call and tell me where things are at. I'll tell you honestly whether a strategy engagement makes sense or whether there's a simpler first step.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an AI strategy?
An AI strategy is a plan for where AI will help your business, in what order, with which tools, at what cost, and with what guardrails. A good one is short, practical and owned by people in your business.

What will I get at the end?
A plain English roadmap with your top priorities, recommended tools and rough costs, owners for each piece, data and privacy guardrails, and clear measures of success.

Do we need an AI strategy if we're already using ChatGPT?
Often yes. If a few people are using AI their own way, a strategy brings it together, makes sure data is handled properly, and finds the bigger opportunities you're missing.

Is the strategy tied to buying anything from you?
No. You can take the roadmap and implement it yourself or with someone else.

How involved does my team need to be?
A handful of short conversations with people who do the work, plus time with leadership. It's designed to fit around a busy business.