The Secrets of AI Value Creation: A Practical Guide to Business Value Creation with Artificial Intelligence from Strategy to Execution
“Secrets of AI Value Creation” by Michael Proksch, Nisha Paliwal, Wilhelm Bielert is a timely and insightful exploration of how businesses can harness the transformative potential of AI to drive sustainable value. The authors, each bringing deep global experience in strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, combine academic rigor with real-world applications to deliver a practical roadmap for business leaders navigating the complexities of AI adoption. Link here.
The book is not another technical manual or speculative manifesto. Instead, it delivers a grounded and strategic lens through which executives can view AI—not just as a technology, but as a catalyst for business model innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term competitive advantage. With clear structure and well-illustrated examples, the authors avoid hype and focus on actionable insights, emphasizing strategic alignment, leadership mindset, and cross-functional integration as key enablers of AI value creation.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on systems thinking. It goes beyond isolated use cases and delves into how AI reshapes entire value chains, stakeholder relationships, and ecosystems. For business leaders, this is particularly useful: it challenges them to think holistically rather than narrowly about AI implementation. Another significant advantage is the integration of cultural and organizational factors. Too often, AI initiatives fail due to resistance or lack of alignment, and the authors tackle this head-on with frameworks that help leaders manage change effectively.
Perhaps most compelling is the book’s global perspective. Drawing from Asian, European, and American contexts, it provides a culturally nuanced understanding of AI adoption. This is a rare and valuable aspect for leaders operating in or expanding to international markets. In a world where AI is evolving rapidly, this book does not promise shortcuts—it equips decision-makers with the clarity, mindset, and tools to lead strategically and responsibly.
Practical, Experience-Based Guidance: The authors draw from real-world implementations rather than theoretical ideals. For business leaders who have faced the challenges of moving AI from concept to production, their insights about overcoming stakeholder resistance and managing the limitations of AI’s decision-making are invaluable.
Comprehensive Approach to AI Value: The book goes beyond technical considerations to address the full spectrum of factors that determine AI success. The distinction between four types of AI value creation provides business leaders with a vocabulary to articulate the strategic intent behind different AI initiatives which helps secure buy-in from board members and C-suite executives lacking technical backgrounds.
Focus on Organizational Readiness: The sections on enterprise integration and required capabilities offer concrete guidance for building AI-ready organizations. It emphasises cultivating an AI-friendly culture and practical advice for talent development.
Decision-Making Frameworks: Throughout the book, the authors provide structured approaches to common decision points in the AI journey. The data value framework, project development approach selection guide, and talent competency model are particularly useful tools that help transform abstract concepts into actionable steps.
For business leaders navigating the complexities of AI implementation, this book offers a valuable roadmap based on hard-won experiences. Whether you’re just beginning your AI journey or working to scale existing initiatives, “The Secrets of Value Creation with Artificial Intelligence” provides the strategic guidance and tactical advice needed to translate AI potential into tangible business value.
