AI Leaders vs. AI Laggards: Which Side of the 74% Divide Are You On?

There are two types of companies in the world right now: the 26% who are making a killing with AI, and the 74% who are stuck spinning their wheels.

This isn't about luck or who has the most significant budget. It's about strategy.

The gap between these two groups is widening every day. So, you have to ask yourself… which side are you on?

The Great AI Divide: Why 74% of Companies Are Getting It Wrong

Every business leader I talk to is either using AI, thinking about AI, or worried they're falling behind on AI. They're buying the tools, running the pilots, and holding the meetings.

And for most of them, it's not working.

A recent BCG study found that a staggering 74% of companies are struggling to see any real, tangible value from their AI investments. They're spending the money but not seeing the results. Sound familiar?

You're not alone. But the hard truth is that the clock is ticking. The winners are pulling away, and they're not just winning by a little—they're building a massive, sustainable lead.

What AI Leaders Do Differently (It's Not What You Think)

So what's the secret? What do the top 26%—the AI Leaders—know that the rest don't?

It's tempting to think they just have better technology or dedicated data scientists. But that's not it. Their advantage isn't the what, it's the how.

The difference between an AI Leader and an AI Laggard comes down to two things: where they invest their money and where they focus their attention.

1. They Invest in People and Process, Not Just Technology

This is the big one.

AI Laggards throw money at software, hoping for a magic bullet. They believe the tech itself is the solution.

AI Leaders know the technology is just a tool. The real magic happens when you equip your people to use it effectively within an innovative process.

Get this: AI Leaders invest roughly two-thirds of their AI resources in people and process, with only one-third going to the actual technology itself.

Think about it. Would you give a Formula 1 car to someone who just got their driver's license? (I hope not.) The same logic applies here. You need to train the driver and build the pit crew before the fancy car can win you any races.

2. They Focus on the Core, Not the Periphery

Where are you pointing your AI efforts? Laggards often get distracted by "shiny object" projects in non-critical departments. They build a chatbot for HR or an analytics dashboard that nobody uses.

It's low-risk, but it's also low-reward.

AI Leaders, on the other hand, aim AI at the heart of their business. They tackle the gnarliest, most valuable problems in their core operations. According to BCG, 62% of the value from AI comes from core business processes like:

• Operations and manufacturing
• Sales and marketing
• Research & Development

They aren't just playing around. They're using AI to make their businesses faster, more innovative, and more profitable where it counts the most.

The Performance Gap is Real (And It's Getting Wider)

Okay, so Leaders focus on people and core processes. Does it make a difference?

You bet it does.

The data shows a clear and punishing gap between the two groups. Compared to Laggards, AI Leaders see:

• 1.5x higher revenue growth
• 1.4x higher ROI on their projects

This isn't a small gap that will close over time. It's a chasm that's growing. Leaders are creating a flywheel effect: better AI integration leads to better results, which frees up more capital to invest in even better AI integration.

Meanwhile, the Laggards are stuck in pilot purgatory, burning cash and falling further behind.

Your Blueprint to Cross the Divide

So how do you get from the 74% to the 26%? It doesn't happen by accident. You need a deliberate plan.

Here's a simple look at the two mindsets. Which one looks more like your company today?

AI Laggards (The 74%)AI Leaders (The 26%)Primary Focus: Buying the latest AI tech, Solving core business problems, Investment Split: Majority on technology, little on people2/3 on people & process, 1/3 on tech. Where They Aim: Shiny objects, side projects, Operations, sales, R&D—where the real money is made. The Result: High costs, low ROI, lots of frustration1.5x revenue growth, 1.4x higher ROI, competitive advantage

To start acting like a Leader, you need to:

1. Stop Chasing Tech: Your first question should never be, "What AI tool should we buy?" It should be, "What is the most expensive, frustrating problem in our core business?"
2. Commit to a People-First Strategy: Who on your team will own this? How will you train them? How will you change your current processes to make room for what AI makes possible?
3. Aim for a Core Business Win: Identify one primary process in your operations, sales, or R&D. Make a plan to improve it with AI and measure the result in dollars and cents.
4. Build a Culture of Action: Bring your leadership, sales, and marketing teams together and don't leave until you agree on the problem you're solving. (Yes, really.)

It's not easy, but it's straightforward. You're shifting from "buying AI" to "building an AI-powered business."

Ready to Operate Like an AI Leader?

The path to AI-driven growth isn't paved with software licenses. It's built on a foundation of strategic focus, process discipline, and empowered people. The choice is yours. You can stay in the frustrated 74% or you can make the changes needed to join the 26%.

Want to operate like an AI Leader?