Winning the AI Race: Why Execution Speed Matters More Than Perfect Strategy

Winning with AI requires more than adopting new technology—it requires organizations to learn, adapt, and execute at a different pace. In this episode of Bold Agendas, Mimi Brooks is joined by returning guest Charlene Li, keynote speaker, strategic advisor, bestselling author, and co-author of Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success, to explore what differentiates organizations that are succeeding in the AI era and why speed matters more than perfect strategy. Together, Mimi and Charlene discuss why strategic clarity matters, how organizations can move beyond optimization to create new value, why AI is fundamentally a leadership challenge, and why adaptability, commitment, and imagination are becoming essential capabilities for leaders seeking competitive advantage in an environment defined by accelerating change. To learn more about Charlene and her work, visit https://charleneli.com/ or connect with her on LinkedIn. You can find Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success wherever books are sold and learn more at https://winningwithaibook.com/. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why Execution Speed Matters More Than Perfect Strategy 03:44 – Why This AI Era Is Different for Leaders 07:10 – A 90-Day Blueprint for Winning with AI 09:21 – AI Is a Leadership Problem, Not a Technology Problem 13:29 – Beyond Optimization: Creating New Value 22:17 – What Differentiates Successful Organizations 29:41 – AI as a Leadership Problem: The Challenges of Leading Here and Now 36:16 – The Board's Role in AI Leadership and Strategic Change 41:27 – The Human Side of AI: Strategic Workforce Planning 1:01:15 – Leadership, Imagination, and Hope: New Strategic Capabilities for the AI Era 1:04:41 – Where to Find Charlene and Her Work