AI Transformation Journey

Where We Learned What Works

Starting in 2022, we "leaned hard" into AI at ESW Capital, achieving 73% AI tool adoption, 92% AI-generated code, 2x productivity gains, and 50% faster time to market. This learning drives our transformation process.

Executive Summary

73%
Staff time using AI tools
92%
Production code AI-generated
2x
Productivity gains
50%
Faster time to market

Our Learning Laboratory

ESW Capital (2022-2025)

Organization

US Private Equity Firm

Scale

Multiple portfolio companies and teams

Catalyst

ChatGPT release in 2022

Approach

"Lean hard" into AI transformation

The Journey Begins

When ChatGPT was released in 2022, our CEO immediately recognized the transformative potential. Rather than taking a cautious approach, we decided to "lean hard" into AI—doing everything we could with it, rebuilding processes, reimagining workflows, and building chatbots, triage bots, and more.

Our "Lean Hard" Approach:

  • Complete AI Immersion: We tried to rebuild everything with AI, from processes to workflows
  • Experimental Mindset: Built chatbots, triage bots, and other AI-powered solutions
  • Process Reimagining: Rethought how work could be done with AI assistance
  • Rapid Iteration: Quickly tested and refined AI implementations
  • Learning Focus: Every experiment taught us something valuable
  • Transformation Goal: Aimed to become an AI-first organization
  • Immense Learning: Gained deep insights into what works and what doesn't

This aggressive approach transformed our business into an AI-first organization and provided the foundation for everything we do today.

What We Learned and How We Apply It

Our "lean hard" approach taught us immense amounts about AI transformation. While we achieved remarkable results, we also learned that not every organization needs such an extreme approach. We now focus on the big wins and simple changes that unlock 80% of the value.

Key Insights from Our Journey

  • AI transformation requires cultural change, not just tools
  • People-first approach delivers better results than tech-first
  • Simple, focused implementations often outperform complex ones
  • Continuous learning and adaptation is essential

Our Refined Approach

  • Focus on big wins and simple changes
  • Target 80% of value with 20% of effort
  • People-first methodology over extreme transformation
  • Practical, sustainable adoption strategies

What We Build Today

  • Custom AI transformation processes
  • Training programs based on real experience
  • Strategic guidance informed by our journey
  • Proven methodologies for sustainable change

The Foundation

  • Everything we do is built on this learning
  • Real-world experience, not theory
  • Proven results and measurable outcomes
  • Continuous evolution of our approach

The Results That Drive Everything We Do

Quantitative Outcomes

73% AI Tool Adoption

Staff now spend majority of their time productively using AI tools in daily workflows

92% AI-Generated Code

Production code is AI-generated while maintaining quality and security standards

2x Productivity Gains

Measured through delivery velocity and output quality across all teams

50% Faster Time to Market

Accelerated delivery of new features and products to customers

Qualitative Improvements

  • Eliminated AI Fatigue: Staff now view AI as an empowering tool rather than a burden
  • Improved Employee Satisfaction: Higher engagement scores related to technology adoption
  • Sustainable AI Governance: Self-managing processes for continuous improvement
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Breaking down silos with shared AI practices
  • Innovation Culture: Teams proactively identifying new AI opportunities

The Foundation of Our Approach

"Our 'lean hard' journey taught us that successful AI transformation is fundamentally about people and processes, not just technology. While we achieved remarkable results, we also learned that not every organization needs such an extreme approach. We now focus on the big wins and simple changes that unlock 80% of the value."

What We Learned and How We Apply It:

  1. Leadership Vision: Executive recognition of AI's potential and commitment to transformation
  2. Cultural Change: AI transformation requires fundamental cultural shifts, not just tool adoption
  3. People-First Philosophy: Focusing on human capability building delivers better results than tech-first approaches
  4. Experimental Mindset: Rapid iteration and learning from failures accelerates success
  5. Pragmatic Application: Simple, focused implementations often outperform complex solutions
  6. Continuous Evolution: AI transformation is ongoing, requiring constant adaptation and learning

Ready to Benefit from Our Learning?

See how our proven approach, built on real-world experience, can deliver results for your organization without the extreme transformation we went through.

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