In countless super hero origin stories, an ordinary person is suddenly granted extraordinary abilities—through a scientific accident, a mysterious artifact, or a chance encounter. But it’s never just the powers that make them a hero. It’s their values, their support system, and their belief in a greater purpose that turn ability into impact.
Today’s organizations are experiencing their own super hero origin moment. The technology is powerful, fast, and full of potential—it’s the business equivalent of getting your superpowers. But as with any superhero story, the true transformation doesn’t happen at the moment you discover your abilities. It happens in what comes next.
The 70-20-10 Model: Power Isn’t Enough
In superhero lore, no one becomes a legend overnight. There are missteps, trials and errors, epic training montages, and often the need to invent new tools needed to wield their new abilities effectively. The same is true for AI.
In organizational change, only 30% of success depends on the technology itself. The remaining 70% is rooted in people, culture, and process. That’s the real transformation, and it’s what separates organizations that merely deploy AI from those that evolve because of it.
To fully realize GenAI’s promise, organizations must unlock their inner hero by focusing on:
1. Purpose and values
2. Learning culture
3. Emotional belief and engagement
“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”:
Connect to Purpose and Values
In every great superhero narrative, there’s a moral anchor. This pivotal lesson defines why the hero fights and what they stand for. It’s often the only thing that separates the heroes from the equally powerful villains. For organizations, this clarity of purpose isn’t just inspirational: it’s essential.
Transformations grounded in purpose are nearly three times more likely to succeed. Purpose gives AI initiatives meaning. It aligns leaders and employees. It builds belief. And it makes the change feel human, not just technical.
Recommendation: Define a clear, consistent purpose for your AI strategy that connects to your enduring values. Use it to guide decisions and inspire action.
“No One Saves the World Alone”:
Cultivate a Learning Culture
Even the most iconic heroes rely on allies, mentors, team-ups, and even, entire leagues of fellow superheroes. They grow stronger when they train, share insights, and learn from their mistakes. A solo hero might be powerful, but a team can save the world.
Likewise, GenAI requires a cultural ecosystem to thrive. Employees need not just tools, but the confidence and support to use them. Training, mentorship, psychological safety, and a commitment to learning must be embedded into the transformation.
Recommendation: Build systems of support (including training, mentoring, and agile governance) that will encourage collaboration and continuous improvement.
“Make It Personal”:
Give People a Reason to Believe
In superhero stories, the stakes often shift from abstract threats to deeply personal motivations. It’s the difference between saving hundreds of people on a runaway train and rescuing your partner at the last possible second when your arch nemesis kidnaps them. What drives transformation isn’t just ability: it’s an emotional connection to something personal.
In organizations, people don’t embrace change just because they’re asked to. They step forward when the story feels personal. People need to understand how AI affects their individual role. They’ll have questions about how they can benefit, and what the effects are for the people they care about. Companies that don’t take the time to explain and address personal concerns won’t see change.
Recommendation: Tell a compelling emotional story. Help employees understand why GenAI matters, what it means for them, and what’s at stake if nothing changes.
Unlocking AI Superpowers
with Purpose, Culture, and Belief
AI isn’t a magic solution. Its true power is only realized when it’s embedded in systems of meaning and momentum. Like any hero’s tool, it must be guided by purpose, magnified by culture, and embraced through belief. To unlock lasting impact with GenAI: Lead with purpose, build a learning culture, make it personal. At BCG BrightHouse, we help organizations anchor transformation in what matters most.
Because with great power comes even greater responsibility.
Visuals created using ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Runway by Angus Nicholls, Associate Creative Director.