Episode 157 - Company Vision In the Age of AI

In this episode, we explore how business leaders should be thinking about vision in an age where AI is no longer theoretical, but operational. We discuss whether AI should simply be treated as another productivity tool, or whether its growing influence means leaders must revisit more fundamental questions about purpose, values, and long-term direction. Drawing on recent Harvard Business Review research and real-world SME experience, we reflect on how quickly the ground is shifting beneath businesses of all sizes.

We also examine the uncomfortable edge of this conversation. From the social implications of AI adoption to the hidden cultural barriers that stop teams using it effectively, we consider why clarity of vision matters more than ever. In a fast-moving, uncertain environment, we argue that values are not a “nice to have”, but an anchor, particularly as more judgement, prioritisation and decision-making is delegated to machines.

You can listen to the full episode here 

Listen to the full episode now

Key Topics Discussed:

• How AI is changing the way businesses should think about vision and time horizons
• Why values and purpose matter more, not less, as automation increases
• Using AI as a “sparring partner” to challenge assumptions and stress-test strategy
• The stigma and cultural barriers that can slow AI adoption inside organisations
• Insights from Harvard Business Review on competence, perception, and AI use
• The ethical dimension of AI-driven decision-making in everyday business scenarios
• Why SMEs need to be more explicit about how decisions are made
• The risk of being left behind as competitors adopt AI faster and more deeply
  

Who Is This Episode For:

This episode is aimed at SME owners, managing directors, senior leaders, and anyone responsible for setting direction in a growing business. It will also resonate with strategy, operations, HR, and transformation leaders who are grappling with how AI fits into their organisation without undermining culture, trust, or long-term value.

Quotes to Remember:

"If you’ve got three or four competitors that really heavily adopt AI, then you’re probably going to have a problem”.

“Values are probably more important than ever now because of the march of AI”.

“We need to be much more precise about all sorts of bits of running our business”.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Revisit your vision with a shorter time horizon (2–3 years) to reflect the pace of change
2. Use AI deliberately as a challenger, not just a helper – ask it to question your assumptions
3. Make your values more explicit, especially where they guide difficult trade-offs
4. Identify where AI is already influencing judgement calls in your business
5. Address cultural stigma around AI use so adoption doesn’t create hidden divisions
6. Review your positioning and USP in light of competitors’ AI capabilities
7. Be clear about what decisions remain human-led and why
   

🤳 Like & Follow/Subscribe for weekly episodes on growth, marketing, and making smart business decisions.

Got feedback or questions? Let us know in the comments – we read them all! 

🎧 Available on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | YouTube
📨 For enquiries or speaking requests: contact@wellmeadow.co.uk

Share your thoughts and business challenges in the comments section of our community page: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSMEGrowthPodcast/community