If You’re Not Moving Forward With AI, You’re Falling Behind
How Charlotte Businesses Are Already Using AI to Stay Competitive
TL;DR: AI is not a futuristic concept—it's a current competitive advantage. Across the U.S., nearly four out of five organizations are experimenting with or fully deployed AI, and executive investment is surging. Locally, Charlotte ranks in the upper tier for AI exposure, especially in finance and insurance, though widespread adoption is still emerging. To win, businesses must move beyond tools and focus on enablement—strategy, training, and integration. We help Charlotte-area teams do exactly that.
If your team still thinks AI is a technologist’s fantasy, consider this: in 2024, 78% of organizations reported using AI—up from 55% just a year earlier. This isn’t hype; it’s a seismic shift in how businesses operate. Stanford HAI
Survey data offers further clarity: 35% of businesses have already deployed AI in at least one area, while 42% are experimenting or piloting tools. Only 13% remain completely untouched by AI.Founders Forum Group
Large U.S. tech firms are blanket‑investing: Big Tech spending on AI infrastructure is set to top $350 billion in 2025, helping offset broader economic slowdown.The Washington PostThe Week
Executives are not ignoring the signs. 92% expect to increase AI spending over the next three years, with over half planning a boost of at least 10%. Yet only about 25% have a defined GenAI roadmap, and another half are refining drafts.McKinsey & Company
What This Looks Like in Charlotte
Charlotte sits in a strong position—ranking mid-high among U.S. metros for AI readiness, especially in finance, though academic adoption lags.Charlotte Observer
In a joint regional workforce study, Charlotte ranked 15th among major metros for AI exposure. Sectors like finance and insurance are particularly impacted—with an AI exposure percentile of 74% for these high-wage industries.Charlotte Works
Yet AI adoption remains early-stage locally: one study found 88.6% of Charlotte metro businesses reported no current AI adoption, though 9.1% plan to implement it within six months—higher future intent than the national average.Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
Why This Matters to You
The critical gap isn’t awareness—it’s activation. Many are starting, but far fewer are integrating AI into workflows, developing capabilities in-house, or embedding strategic adoption.
In Charlotte’s competitive business landscape—especially in industries like banking, healthcare, or professional services—this phase shift matters. Firms that build thoughtful enablement stand to outpace peers, not because they spend more, but because they do smarter, more strategic work.
How Holistic Consulting Group Helps Leaders Win Locally
We focus on the missing link: turning AI interest into intentional capability through:
Strategic AI roadmapping that aligns with your workflows
Hands-on training for your team—so tools get used, not ignored
Custom integrations when off-the-shelf tools don’t fit
We work with Charlotte leaders who want to move from AI curiosity to AI capability—with clarity, credibility, and execution.
If you're ready to close the gap and be among the few truly integrating AI for competitive advantage, let's talk.
Sources & Further Reading
78% of organizations using AI in 2024 (up from 55%) Stanford HAI
35% deployed AI, 42% experimenting, 13% not using Founders Forum Group
Big Tech AI infrastructure spending >$350B in 2025 The Washington PostThe Week
92% of execs plan increased AI spend; only ~25% with defined roadmaps McKinsey & Company
Charlotte ranks 32nd for AI readiness; strong in finance, weaker academic presence Charlotte Observer
Charlotte ranks 15th metro for AI exposure; finance/insurance at 74% exposure Charlotte Works
88.6% no current AI, 9.1% plan adoption within 6 months Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
