If you’re still experimenting with AI, I need to be honest with you: 2026 is not the year for experiments. It’s the year for systems.
The gap between organisations that are systematically using AI and those that are still dabbling. It’s widening. Fast.
So today I want to give you a framework for thinking about your 2026 AI strategy. A practical way to figure out where you are, where you need to be, and how to get there.
AI maturity in four levels
Level one is Tools
This is where most people are. You’re using ChatGPT or Copilot as a fancy search engine. You pop in occasionally, ask it to write an email, maybe summarise something. It’s useful, but it’s ad hoc. There’s no consistency, no system, no real impact on how your organisation operates.
Level two is Assistants
This is where you start building AI into your actual workflows. You’ve got custom GPTs or saved prompts. You’re not starting from scratch every time. You’ve figured out the tasks AI does well for you, and you’ve created repeatable ways to use it. This is where productivity gains actually start to show up.
Level three is what I call Vibe Coding
And I know that sounds a bit out there, but stay with me. This is where you’re using AI to build things, simple apps, automations, tools, without needing to be a developer. You’re describing what you want in plain English, and AI is helping you create it. This is where AI becomes a builder, not just an assistant.
Level four is Agentic AI
This is where AI starts doing tasks autonomously. You’re not prompting it every time, you’ve set up systems where AI takes action, makes decisions within boundaries you’ve defined, and reports back. This is where the real transformation happens.
Now, most people listening are probably at level one. Some of you might be creeping into level two. And that’s fine, there’s no judgement here. But what I want you to understand is that staying at level one is a choice. And it’s a choice with consequences.
Because here’s what happens when you stay at level one: you never build momentum. Every time you use AI, you’re starting from scratch. You’re not learning what works for your context, your organisation, your challenges. And meanwhile, your competitors, or the organisation down the road, they’re compounding. They’re getting faster. They’re freeing up their people for higher-value work.
The goal for 2026 isn’t to reach level four. For most organisations, that’s not realistic yet. The goal is to move up. If you’re at level one, get to level two. If you’re at level two, start exploring level three.
Progress, not perfection.
Three reasons I hear most often when I talk to people about this
I don’t have time
You don’t have time because you’re not using AI systematically. The whole point is to get time back. Even 30 minutes a week spent building a system now will save you hours over the next twelve months. You’re not adding to your plate; you’re building something that will clear it.
I don’t know where to start
Start with friction. What tasks do you do repeatedly that drain your energy? What takes longer than it should? What do you procrastinate on because it’s tedious? That’s your starting point. You don’t need a grand strategy. You need one workflow that you systematise with AI. Then another. Then another.
My work doesn’t allow us to use AI
This is increasingly rare, but if it applies to you, I’d encourage you to look again. Many organisations have updated their policies in the last year. And if your organisation genuinely hasn’t, you might want to ask why and whether that’s a conversation someone should be having. Because “not allowing AI” in 2026 isn’t a risk mitigation strategy. It’s a competitiveness risk.
My challenge to you
So here’s my challenge to you for 2026: pick one thing. One workflow, one task, one recurring headache. And turn it into a system with AI. Get from level one to level two on that one thing.
And if you want help doing that, if you want someone to look at your organisation, figure out where you are on that maturity curve, and build a roadmap to get you further, book a call with me. Link’s in the show notes.
2026 is not the year for dabbling. It’s the year for systems. Let’s build yours.
About the Podcast Host
AI and Communications Specialist | Author | Podcaster | International Speaker
Joanne Sweeney is a recognised leader in digital marketing and digital transformation, specialising in the practical application of AI to enhance communication strategies. The founder of Digital Training Institute, Joanne, empowers leaders and communications professionals to leverage AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring transparency, trust, and tangible results.
She completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Programme in AI and Public Policy this summer before launching her fourth book AI Playbook, in September. Joanne has also published two editions of Public Sector Marketing Pro, which were preceded by her first title, Social Media Under Investigation Law Enforcement and the Social Web.
Her books have become go-to resources for governments, public sector and policing agencies, as well as marketing and communications professionals, all navigating the challenges of the changing Internet.
Joanne is the host of the AI SIX Podcast, a daily six-minute podcast which provides actionable insights, expert interviews, and practical advice to help professionals navigate the new world of work.
