Your point is spot on, and it highlights a critical evolution in how businesses need to approach Data and AI. Aligning Data and AI initiatives with business strategy is no longer enough—organizations need to integrate AI and data into the very fabric of their operating model. This is because AI and data are no longer just tools that support strategy; they are foundational to how businesses function and compete in the modern world.

1. AI and Data as Core Components of the Operating Model
AI and data must be considered integral to every core business function, from revenue generation to customer acquisition and beyond. Without embedding these technologies into the operating model, businesses risk falling behind competitors who are using AI to not only optimize processes but also to create entirely new business models. For instance, companies like Amazon and Netflix have built their entire operating models around AI-driven recommendations, personalization, and automation, which directly contribute to customer acquisition and retention.

2. Impact on Revenue Generation and Customer Acquisition
AI-driven data insights can significantly enhance how companies generate revenue and acquire customers. By embedding AI into the operating model, businesses can continuously analyze customer behavior, predict future trends, and personalize interactions at scale. This level of integration transforms the way businesses approach marketing, sales, and customer service, enabling them to adapt quickly to changing market dynamics and customer needs.

3. AI as a Driver of Sustained Business Performance
Sustained business performance in today's fast-paced environment requires agility, which AI and data can provide. Businesses that embed AI into their operating models can continuously optimize and refine their strategies in real-time, ensuring they remain competitive. AI-driven automation, for example, allows companies to scale operations efficiently without compromising quality, while predictive analytics helps anticipate challenges and opportunities before they fully materialize.

Data and AI are no longer just components of a strategy—they are the foundation upon which modern business models are built. For sustained business performance, companies must go beyond alignment and fully embed AI and data into their operating models, influencing everything from revenue generation to customer acquisition. This approach ensures that businesses can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.