Article
How high-growth organizations use automation and AI to transform operations
Jan. 26, 2026 · Authored by K.C. Fike, Daniel Olson
Automation and the use of AI is a strategic necessity. Organizations that build fluency, empower their people, and embrace an attitude of strategic change are the ones that gain efficiency, unlock smarter decision-making, and scale sustainably in the years ahead. Automation is about progress, not perfection!
But with all the noise, many finance leaders and their teams still struggle with the same foundational question: Where do we begin?
Any AI or automation project should be treated with the same rigor as any other major implementation — clear objectives, stakeholder alignment, and phased rollouts.
Where to begin: Fluency as the foundation of automation
While automation promises efficiency and smarter decision-making, the noise around AI can create uncertainty. The first step is building organizational fluency — ensuring teams understand the capabilities, vocabulary, and intent behind automation initiatives.
Fluency is the starting point
Automation is most effective when team members understand both the what and the why, and when leaders reinforce that message consistently. This creates an environment where team members feel safe to learn through experimentation.
Before implementing new tools, organizations must build fluency — a clear, shared understanding of what automation is — and isn’t, how it fits into business workflows, and why it matters. Teams are far more likely to embrace new technology when they:
