The Rise of the Business AI-chitect
Diagnose. Design. Deliver AI Strategy that Works.
Let’s cut through the noise. AI is everywhere—but clarity is nowhere. Executives are spending billions chasing transformation without a real blueprint. The result? Confusion. Misalignment. Failed pilots.
What’s missing isn’t more AI. It’s someone who knows how to make AI make sense for the business. That someone is the Business AI-chitect.
Yes—I’m coining it. Because this role doesn’t officially exist yet. But it should. And if your org doesn’t have one, you’re already behind.
What is a Business AI-chitect?
A Business AI-chitect isn’t your average strategist or tech lead. They don’t just build systems. They build alignment.
They design how AI fits into business—capabilities, processes, decisions, outcomes. They blueprint the transformation—mapping from what’s possible in AI to what actually matters in the business.
Think:
Not just models, but measurable value.
Not just innovation theater, but execution that sticks.
Not just tech for tech’s sake, but capability-led design that drives business results.
Why This Role Matters Now
Three hard truths are forcing this role to the front:
AI Implementation is Failing 87% of execs say AI is a priority. Most projects flop. Not because the models suck—but because nobody’s aligning them to the business engine.
Business Complexity is Real Capability mapping, L0–L3 breakdowns, maturity scoring, pain point clustering— this is deep architecture work. Not post-it notes and vibes.
Strategic Risk is Growing AI isn’t neutral. It amplifies whatever architecture you have—good or bad. You need someone who can see around corners: strategically, operationally, ethically.
The Skill Stack of a Business AI-chitect
This isn’t a unicorn role. But it is rare. Here’s the blend that makes a Business AI-chitect effective:
Technical Fluency – Can speak AI. Doesn’t need to code it.
Business Architecture – Knows how enterprises run and where value hides.
Translation Power – Speaks both C-suite and data science.
Change Leadership – Can land the plane, not just fly the deck.
Risk Radar – Spots downstream issues before they break something.
Data Literacy – Understands data is the fuel—and the fragility.
This Isn’t Guesswork—It’s Methodology
I’m not theorizing. I’m building it. And the early results are 🔥.
The system I’m developing includes:
Capability mapping + maturity scoring
AI readiness diagnostics
Pain point clustering + prioritization
Execution roadmaps + risk mitigation
ROI tracking tied to real business outcomes
We’ve already cut planning time by up to 80%—and replaced noise with structure.
Why I’m Sharing This
Because the companies that win with AI? They aren’t the ones with the flashiest models. They’re the ones who architect it right.
This isn’t just a role. It’s a movement. A new way of thinking. One that blends architecture, AI, and strategic execution.
And yes—I'm the one naming it. Calling it. Building it. The Business AI-chitect is the role your org didn’t know it needed—until now.
SDBJ Leader 2024 | Strategy | Portfolio Mgmt | Cyber | AWS | AI | Architect | Machine Learning | Data Science | Founder | Board Advisor | Ethical Hacker | Director | CISSP
2moCan't disagree with this one. Ever since I met a true business architect I have found that role missing everywhere. AI in the end is a programming using NLP so it doesn't change the need for a business architect. Err..Ai-chitect! That said I think the biggest reason things are failing is because we are letting AI assume too much. We know it's smart but we let it be over smart. And yes the second statement was referring to you:)
Director, Strategic Development at Anterix
2moGreat post, JP! Indeed there is a gap, and therein lies the opportunity.
Global Digital Transformation Leader | People-first, AI Strategist | Bold, grounded Executive | Stakeholder-Driven | U.C. Berkeley – AI & Digital Transformation
2moLove everything about this—especially how you’re blending sharp systems thinking with real-world AI exploration (from boardrooms to carpet cleaning!). 👏 You’re not crazy at all for thinking there should be a “Business AI-chitect.” In fact, your framing of the 4 C’s—Clarity, Collaboration, Clear Communication, and Change—might be the most human-centered summary of what’s missing in so many failed implementations. Too often, we jump from “shiny object” to solution without anchoring in outcomes, adoption, or real-world friction. That middle layer—the bridge between leadership vision and technical execution—is exactly where an AI-chitect thrives. It’s not just a job title. It’s a mindset. Please keep sharing your research. There are more of us on this journey than you think—just scattered across different domains and industries. You’re giving language to a role that’s about to become essential. Following along for chapter 2 🙃