The article reflects on a question posed by a CFO regarding the lack of visible returns on investment in artificial intelligence (AI) despite significant hype from technology firms. It highlights the skepticism faced by many executives as their financial results do not align with the promises made by tech companies about AI's transformative potential. The article mentions a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research, which revealed that over 80% of CFOs and CEOs in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Australia reported no impact of AI on productivity or employment over the past three years.

A notable statistic from the survey indicates that approximately 70% of these executives claim to actively use AI in their organizations, yet they do not see corresponding improvements in their business outcomes. This disparity raises significant questions about the effectiveness and implementation of AI technologies in real-world scenarios. The author points out that many businesses may be investing heavily in AI tools without understanding their full implications or the conditions necessary for successful integration.

Ultimately, the article serves as a cautionary tale for organizations diving into AI without properly aligning their expectations with reality. It encourages leaders to reassess their strategies and consider that successful AI implementation may require more than just technology—it involves cultural and operational changes within the company to truly harness AI's potential.