5 practical steps for leaders to understand your organisations AI Readiness

AI has become one of the hottest topics in business, but for a lot of leaders, all the hype just adds to the confusion rather than clearing things up. The good news is, you don’t need perfect data, huge budgets, or big overhauls to start seeing some real benefits from AI.

“It’s not the technology that’s the problem,” says Ian Ray, Head of Data and AI at Daemon. “It’s the lack of clarity on where to start.”

Don't get mired in PoC

Many organisations get stuck at the proof-of-concept stage, unsure how to move AI into production. Others hold back completely, overwhelmed by technical jargon or worried about data quality. But waiting too long can actually do more harm than trying out small, cautious steps.

At Daemon, we think AI should be practical, balanced, and outcome-driven. You don't need perfect systems or a big data science team to move forward. What you really need is a clear goal, a sensible scope, and a willingness to learn.

Five practical steps for leaders

The first step is understanding where AI can make a difference. Here are five common signs your organisation is ready, and how leaders can take action:

If your data’s stuck in silos, AI won’t be able to deliver much value. Leaders should focus on simple data mapping exercises to get a clear picture of where the key info is. You don’t need full system integration to get started - small tweaks can unlock AI’s potential.  

Relying on spreadsheets, emails, or repetitive tasks wastes time and makes scaling harder. Find areas where automation can free up your team to focus on higher-value stuff. AI works best when it's used to fix these operational bottlenecks.  

If decisions are based on outdated reports or gut feelings, AI can help speed things up. Leaders should start by identifying where better data insights could improve response times or accuracy. Even simple AI tools can boost confidence in your decisions.  

Ethical AI is crucial, but it shouldn’t hold progress back. Leaders should involve trusted experts to set up governance from the get-go. Responsible AI frameworks help reduce risks and build trust so you can move forward confidently.  

Falling behind competitors who are testing out AI is a warning sign. Leaders should evaluate their AI maturity and find quick wins to stay ahead. Staying competitive often begins with small, targeted projects.

These aren’t just pain points. They’re opportunities to unlock efficiency, improve customer experience, and boost resilience.

Daemon’s AI readiness assessment

Daemon’s AI readiness assessment helps businesses cut through the noise and find high-impact opportunities. From there, we work in quick, focused sprints, building step-by-step, integrating responsibly, and showing measurable results early on.

Henry Ayres, Head of Engineering at Daemon, sums it up nicely: “Most of what we do is helping our clients manage change, not just implement new technology.”

We’ve seen it firsthand. AI can lead to faster time-to-market, better customer retention, and big cost savings. Even with legacy systems and less-than-perfect data.

The secret is starting small, moving quickly, and keeping your eye on real business results. AI transformation doesn’t have to shake things up too much. When done right, it enhances your team, improves decision-making, and delivers real, tangible outcomes.

The biggest risk isn’t messing up. It’s waiting too long to get started.

Find out more about Daemon’s AI-Readiness Assessment