4 AI Strategy Questions Every Executive Needs To Drive ROI

LeadershipCIO Network4 AI Strategy Questions Every Executive Needs To Drive ROIByNoah Barsky,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Noah Barsky writes about business insight in a tech-driven world.Follow AuthorMay 27, 2026, 08:01am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.A KPMG study of 237 US executives reveals why AI ROI remains elusive — and what organizations getting it right do differently.gettyAI capabilities are advancing faster than many organizations are ready to operationalize and monetize them. While soaring AI investment reflects high value creation hopes, it also raises expectations and shortens patience for strategies that don’t translate into results. That’s a quiet tension facing many executives. The gap shows up clearly in KPMG’s Q1 2026 AI Quarterly Pulse Survey of 237 US senior leaders. Average projected AI investment has nearly doubled year-over-year, from $114 million to $207 million. Yet, 65% cite difficulty scaling use cases (up from 33% last quarter) and 62% point to skills gaps (up from 25%) as the top ROI. Exacerbating the challenge, traditional ROI models often lag productivity and performance gains, clouding value when leaders most need confidence.Those organizations already realizing AI’s value effectively and securely reengineer processes and operating models at enterprise scale. For others still chasing results, upping spending — without substantively addressing AI strategy, governance, workforce capabilities and cross-functional collaboration — burns cash, impairs competitiveness and erodes morale.Credible c-suite responses to four questions can change that.1. Does our AI investment drive new revenue — or merely defend margins?Customer experience (64%) ranked as survey respondents’ top investment priority, slightly topping analytics and cybersecurity. That's quite telling about AI investments' strategi...