Your Executive Team Needs IT in the Room
In the executive suite, critical technology decisions are being made every day that will shape the future of businesses. But here's a startling reality: many of these decisions are happening without anyone in the room who truly understands the technology being discussed.
By
John Ohlwiler
10 min read
Your Executive team needs IT in the room. It's time to ask yourself an important question: Would you try to set your own broken arm or fix your car's transmission without expertise? Then why are critical technology decisions being made without proper guidance?
The Executive's Technology Blindspot
Recent data paints a revealing picture of AI adoption in the business world. According to McKinsey's 2024 research, 72% of companies globally are now integrating AI into at least one business function – a dramatic increase from 55% in the previous year. Even more striking, 65% of organizations worldwide have embraced generative AI, representing a 30+ percentage point increase in just one year.
Yet despite this rapid adoption, Boston Consulting Group found that only 26% of companies have developed the necessary capabilities to move beyond proofs of concept and generate tangible value from AI. That's a troubling gap between adoption and successful implementation.
Why is this happening? The answer might be simpler than you think.
The Missing Expert in the Room
Consider these common scenarios:
- Your executive team has been discussing AI integration for months, but actual implementation plans remain vague and undefined
- Your company invested in cutting-edge technology solutions that now sit underutilized
- Your business faces recurring technology issues that never seem to get fully resolved
- You've noticed competitors leveraging new technologies while your company falls behind
Each of these scenarios points to the same root cause: technology decisions being made without sufficient expertise at the table.
You Wouldn't DIY a Broken Arm
When you break your arm, you don't watch YouTube videos and attempt to set it yourself. You seek out a medical professional with years of specialized education and experience. They go to school for it. They know the most up to date best practices.
When your car's transmission fails, you don't just pop the hood and hope for the best. You consult a qualified mechanic who understands the complex systems involved.
Yet somehow, when it comes to critical business technology decisions—decisions that could determine your company's security, efficiency, and competitive edge—many executive teams proceed without bringing in the right expertise.
The Real Cost of Technology Decisions Without Expertise
Making technology decisions without proper guidance isn't just inefficient—it's potentially dangerous for your business. Consider these risks:
- Wasted investments: According to research from BCG, 74% of companies struggle to achieve and scale value from AI investments.
- Security vulnerabilities: Without expert guidance, your technology implementations may contain critical security gaps.
- Missed opportunities: Your competitors who are leveraging expert guidance are pulling ahead.
- Strategic missteps: Resources allocated to the wrong technological priorities can set your business back years.
Strategic Technology Planning: The Bridge to Success
At Sentry, we've seen firsthand how businesses transform when they bring the right expertise into their strategic technology discussions. Our strategic planning and consulting services have helped countless organizations move from technology confusion to clarity.
The process involves three essential steps:
- Assessment: Understanding your current technology landscape and identifying the real sources of tension and opportunity
- Strategic planning: Creating a tailored roadmap based on your business needs and objectives
- Implementation and support: Providing ongoing guidance as your technology strategy unfolds
Beyond the Technology: Understanding the Business Impact
Effective technology consulting isn't just about understanding the technology—it's about understanding how that technology serves your specific business needs.
According to research from IBM, the top barriers hindering successful AI adoption include limited AI skills and expertise (33%), data complexity (25%), and ethical concerns (23%). A good technology consultant helps you navigate all of these challenges by bridging the gap between technical possibilities and business realities.
The Trusted Guide You Need
At Sentry, we understand that technology decisions can feel overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even intimidating. That's why we position ourselves as more than just service providers—we're your trusted guides in the complex technological landscape.
Our approach is different:
- We focus on building partnerships, not just selling products
- We create clear, actionable plans tailored to your specific business needs
- We speak in terms you can understand, without unnecessary technical jargon
- We address both immediate issues and long-term strategic needs
It's Time to Bring the Right Expertise to the Table
Don't be the leader who continues making critical technology decisions without proper guidance. Don't watch as competitors embrace new technologies while you're left wondering what your next move should be.
Instead, become the leader who leverages expert guidance to make confident, informed technology decisions. Be the one who transforms technology from a constant source of stress into a powerful driver of business success.
Ready to bring the right expertise to your technology discussions? Contact Sentry today for a discovery call and take the first step toward technology clarity and confidence.
This blog post is part of our series on strategic AI implementation. For more comprehensive information about leveraging artificial intelligence in your business, visit our AI resource center.
