# Microsoft advises businesses to start AI projects with clear goals

Digest AI · Enterprise & Industry · published 2026-10-14T08:02:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-advises-businesses-to-start-ai-projects-with-clear-goals

## Summary

Microsoft’s executive roundtable at the Community Summit NA, sponsored by Innovia Consulting, focused on AI adoption and workflow automation. Speakers included Leon Welicki, VP and GM of Power Platform; Dona Sarkar, Chief Troublemaker at Microsoft Enterprise AI Advocacy; and Shawn Dorward, COO at Innovia Consulting. The discussion emphasized aligning AI initiatives with measurable business outcomes rather than technology alone.

Welicki and Sarkar stressed that organizations should define specific business problems before adopting AI. They warned against overusing generative AI for tasks better suited to traditional automation, such as repetitive or rule-based processes. Sarkar also highlighted the need for leadership to drive adoption, whether through structured initiatives or organic team adoption, while keeping human oversight central to success.

## Key points

- Microsoft’s roundtable advised businesses to prioritize clear business goals over technology in AI projects
- Generative AI may not be needed for tasks requiring consistent, predictable outputs
- Leadership plays a key role in successful AI adoption, per Microsoft’s speakers

## Why it matters

Microsoft’s guidance helps businesses avoid costly AI missteps by focusing on practical, goal-driven adoption strategies.

## Sources

1. [Redefining Workflows with Microsoft AI & Power Platform: Start with Business Goals, Not Technology](https://cloudwars.com/ai/redefining-workflows-with-microsoft-ai-and-power-platform-start-with-business-goals-not-technology) (cloudwars.com, 2026-10-14)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Microsoft advises businesses to start AI projects with clear goals", 14 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/microsoft-advises-businesses-to-start-ai-projects-with-clear-goals

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