How can businesses balance strategy execution with future readiness in an era of rapid Artificial Intelligence innovation? With that question in mind, the 2025 Visagio organised another exclusive masterclass with Professor DennisCampbell, Dwight P. Robinson Jr. Professor of Business Administration at HarvardBusiness School as part of the Visagio Transformation Learning Sessions (VTLS).The in-person event with industry leaders in Perth and Sydney provided a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of Harvard’s foremost experts on organisational strategy and artificial intelligence (AI).
Professor Campbell opened the session by outlining the evolving landscape of AI, describing its progression through distinct waves, from foundational neural networks in the mid-20th century to today’s generative AI systems that significantly augment human intelligence. “To unlock AI’s full potential, organisations must become truly data-driven,” he stated, emphasising the widening gap between AI capabilities and organisational readiness to adopt these technologies.
The masterclass explored key technological enablers such as advances in compute power, connectivity, and algorithmic breakthroughs that have accelerated AI’s diffusion globally. Professor Campbell highlighted the importance of understanding core concepts like transformers and foundation models (including GPTs) and their role in powering generative AI applications.
The audience learned how AI-augmented teams can produce higher-quality outputs faster, with practical examples spanning personal assistants, coding support, and predictive analytics. However, the session also addressed inherent risks, introducing the HABIT framework to manage AI challenges such as hallucinations, bias, and adversarial prompts. “Balanced governance is critical,” Professor Campbell advised, noting that organisations must tailor oversight levels to their specific risk profiles without stifling innovation.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on bridging the“capability versus readiness” gap. Professor Campbell introduced the concept of the “AI Factory” - a model integrating data pipelines, algorithms, infrastructure, and experimentation to productise AI solutions effectively. He stressed that sustainable advantage derives from the triad of data, context, and execution, supported by strong leadership commitment and a collaborative culture.
Drawing on recent research and case studies, including insights from companies like Moderna and Procter & Gamble, Professor Campbell illustrated how custom GPTs and cross-functional workshops have driven measurable performance improvements. For example, a randomised controlled trial cited showed generative AI users completed 12.2% more tasks, 25.1% faster, and with approximately 40% higher quality outputs - though success requires focusing on tasks “inside the AI frontier.”
The session concluded with five key takeaways for organisations seeking to harness AI innovation:
· Build a data-driven culture with trusted, accessible data.
· Implement balanced governance tailored to risk using frameworks like HABIT.
· AlignAI strategy, operating models, and organisational design.
· Invest in both specialist skills and data literacy across the workforce.
· Continuously adapt by starting with feasible AI applications and scaling iteratively.
