AI consultant warns: This is the biggest mistake in AI-first strategies

Artificial intelligence is not only changing business models, but also the way we think about work. Many startups call themselves " AI-first " without truly understanding what that means. For AI consultant Johannes Stock, one thing is clear: If you want to be AI-first, you can't just use AI to work more efficiently, you have to think radically differently.

"AI-first is clearly a mindset," says Stock. It's not just about automating processes or becoming faster. It's about fundamentally asking: What new possibilities are emerging from AI and how can we use them ? To do this, companies must first consciously grasp the potential of AI. "We are often too quick to close the funnel—that is, to jump straight into finding solutions without asking ourselves: What is actually possible?"

His mantra is therefore: AI-aware before AI-first . Only those who understand the potential and limitations of AI can use it meaningfully and strategically. And that means understanding AI not just as a tool, but as a thinking partner.

We talked to him about how companies can truly become AI-first , how to handle AI correctly, which job profiles are disappearing and which are particularly in demand.

Stock is convinced that anyone founding a startup today will inevitably have to deal with AI. However, not every startup has to be AI-first. Human-centered business models will continue to exist in the future , such as in healthcare, hairdressing, or service. AI can support wherever relationships, advice, or empathy are crucial, but it doesn't have to be the core of the product.