The Defining Tensions Shaping Enterprise AI Transformation

The conversation around AI is evolving. While skeptics point to mixed returns, a growing group of organizations is moving beyond the hype to uncover what truly drives impact.

A 2025 Teneo survey of more than 350 public company CEOs found that 68% plan to increase AI investment in 2026—even though fewer than half of current projects have delivered returns that exceed their costs.

Rather than focus on the cynics, we set out to understand what’s behind the success stories. Through interviews with AI and digital leaders across global enterprises in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, transportation, consumer goods, and packaging, one truth became clear: the challenge isn’t technology—it’s people.

AI adoption is a human transformation wrapped in a technical one, and the organizations that navigate its inherent tensions achieve 1.5x revenue growth and 1.6x higher shareholder returns. This report explores how leading companies are capturing value and offers guidance to help you chart your own path.