AI is no longer a technology experiment—it’s a business imperative. Val Elbert, a member of BCG’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications practice, explains why CEOs must shift from AI pilots to profit, demand quarterly results from all AI initiatives, and lead cross-functional AI transformations that deliver real bottom-line impact. The winners will scale fast. The rest will be left explaining themselves to investors.
Learn More
Val Elbert, BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner, https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/val-elbert
As AI Investments Surge, CEOs Take the Lead, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/as-ai-investments-surge-ceos-take-the-lead
Turning AI Disruption into a Telco's Growth Engine, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2026/turning-ai-disruption-into-telcos-growth-engine
Driving Growth and Innovation at Verizon Consumer Group, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/driving-growth-innovation-leading-telco
Chapters
00:00 Introduction 00:44 Where TMT companies stand on AI adoption
02:32 The boardroom shift from AI pilots to scale
03:11 Building AI into business agendas
03:49 AI adoption patterns across industries 0
4:37 Leaders need to see quarterly results
05:22 Why AI can't run as a three-year program
05:59 What separates AI winners
07:22 Why structure needs to change
07:52 Where friction blocks AI value creation
09:19 How to focus amid technology noise
10:00 The mindset shift to move from AI pilots to P&L
10:30 What scaling AI in telecom looks like
12:08 The role of humans in an AI-driven operating model
13:28 What the next 18 months will look like
13:55 Will AI drive mergers?
15:10 Is It harder for legacy companies to compete in AI?
15:36 How AI-driven change will impact consumers
16:44 If you're stuck in the pilot phase
17:45 Physical AI at MWC Barcelona
18:11 Outro
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