Who does what, and how they connect. Three roles, six components, one operating rhythm — the part of the framework that actually runs.
What: AI Transformation Lead (central strategy + build), AI Champions (embedded BU execution), Executive Sponsor (active governance + escalation). The three roles work as one team with distinct mandates.
Why: Without role clarity, the framework becomes a side project. With it, every decision has a known owner.
What: Chairs quarterly program review. Makes binding escalation decisions within 5 business days. Provides active air cover for Champions across the organization.
Why: Champions are only as protected as their exec air cover. Without binding authority above them, the role collapses at the first real conflict.
What: High performers identified and recruited centrally. Selected for influence, credibility, and functional knowledge, not just enthusiasm. Each business unit gets a dedicated Champion.
Why: The wrong Champions will burn through the framework's credibility in a quarter. The right ones become force multipliers.
What: Run monthly discovery sessions, own BU pipeline entries, represent the AI program inside the business unit, and report blockers weekly. Mandate is documented and tied to performance review.
Why: Vague mandates produce vague contribution. Concrete responsibilities are how Champions stay accountable and visible.
What: Turns workflow conversations into scored, risk-tiered AI opportunities. Built first, used in every Champion discovery session. Outputs land directly in the Pipeline Tracker.
Why: Discovery sessions without a tool produce notes. Discovery sessions with a tool produce queue-ready use cases — the operating model's intake mechanism, in Champion hands.
What: Weekly Champion sync for pipeline updates and blocker removal. Dedicated channel for real-time coordination between syncs. Monthly all-hands rolls up to the quarterly Executive review.
Why: An operating model without a heartbeat decays into individual heroics. The cadence is how the model breathes.