While many companies are still figuring out how to use AI in a steady and practical way, a small group is already starting to make headway. A new study from NTT Data outlines strategies that show how these “AI leaders” are differentiating themselves through strong planning, solid decision-making, and disciplined approaches to building and using AI across their organizations.
The findings come from a survey of 2,567 senior executives from 35 countries and 15 industries. Only 15% of organizations met the criteria to be considered an AI leader. These companies share several characteristics, including a clear direction on where AI fits into their business, a solid operating model, and consistent follow-through. They also reported higher revenue growth and higher profit margins than other companies surveyed.
Hiroshi Sasaki, President and CEO of NTT Data Group, put it succinctly: “AI accountability now belongs to the boardroom and requires a company-wide agenda. Our research shows that a small group of AI leaders are already leveraging AI to differentiate, grow, and reinvent the way humans and machines create value.”
The strategy behind a powerful AI plan
One of the most obvious differences between leaders and other leaders is how they approach strategy. For these companies, AI is not a side project or a tool built into their existing operations. They treat it as a core driver of growth and adjust their plans to fit that view.
A big advantage for these leaders is how closely they connect AI to their business goals. This alignment allows you to move faster and stay focused, resulting in stronger financial results. It also focuses on a few high-value areas of the business rather than spreading resources too thin. Redesigning your entire workflow around AI can create more value than just making small improvements in scattered parts of your organization.
The report describes this as a type of flywheel. In other words, early investment leads to early wins, which then encourages further investment. Over time, this cycle becomes self-reinforcing. Leaders are also rebuilding critical applications to incorporate AI, rather than adding basic AI capabilities to older systems. This approach helps you recognize deeper impacts and prepare your organization for long-term benefits.
How do leaders put plans into action?
A good plan only works when backed by strong execution. AI leaders are distinguished by the foundations they build on, how they support their employees, and how they drive adoption across their organizations.
These companies are investing in secure, scalable systems that can support large-scale AI workloads. In some cases, migrate or localize infrastructure to support civilian or sovereign AI needs. We’re also working on removing bottlenecks in our systems so our teams can move without obstacles.
Rather than using AI to replace employees, leaders use it to help experienced employees do more high-value work. This “expert-first” approach allows teams to make their own decisions while letting AI handle complex or time-consuming tasks.
AI leaders are also focused on adoption as a long-term transformational effort. They are treating this as a company-wide shift, supported by clear communication and structured change management. This reduces backlash and promotes stable use of AI at all levels.
Governance is also a big difference. Leading organizations will centralize AI oversight, give clear responsibility to senior positions such as the chief AI officer, and create processes that balance innovation and risk. These systems allow us to scale AI with more confidence.
Partnerships also play an important role. Leading companies often bring in outside experts and are open to arrangements that tie results to shared success. This allows you to move faster while keeping your goal in mind.
Abhijit Dubey, CEO and CAIO of NTT DATA, Inc., summarized the path forward: “Once AI and business strategy are aligned, the single most effective action is to select one or two domains that offer disproportionate value and redesign them end-to-end with AI. Supporting this focused, end-to-end approach with strong governance, modern infrastructure, and trusted partners is how today’s AI leaders are turning pilots into profits and leading the market.”
(Photo provided by Igor Omilaev)
See also: OpenAI: Enterprise users can exchange AI pilots for tighter integration
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