In today’s rapidly shifting tech landscape, knowing how to pivot is no longer just a skill—it’s a necessity. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries at record speed, business leaders are asking: How do I lead meaningful change without losing the heart of my organization? If you’re searching for a proven, people-first approach to navigating transformation, the 4 steps of pivoting in the age of AI provide a clear framework rooted in real-world experience.

Whether you're a founder, executive, or team leader, this guide will show you how to reimagine your strategy while building trust and alignment across your organization.

Step 1: Go Back to the Problem, Not the Trend

In the age of AI, it’s easy to get caught up in hype. But the most effective pivots start with clarity—not technology. When Rujul Zaparde, co-founder of Zip, saw the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, he didn’t bolt AI onto his product just to keep up. Instead, he asked a simple but powerful question: If we were solving this problem from scratch today, how would we do it?

This first-principles approach led Zip to recognize its unique value as an “orchestration layer” for procurement—integrating supplier data, contracts, and financial workflows in a way that point solutions couldn’t. As a result, Zip’s AI features weren’t just flashy—they’ve been used over 4.5 million times.

Key takeaway: Don’t start with the solution. Start with the core problem your customers face today. Then ask:

• What are customers struggling with?

• How severe and frequent is this issue?

• What’s not working in our current approach?

• What strengths can we leverage to solve it better?

This is the foundation for any meaningful pivot.

Step 2: Write It Down—Then Build Conviction

Once you’ve identified the need for change, the next challenge is alignment. At Shef, a platform connecting home cooks with local customers, CEO Joey Grassia knew they needed to overhaul the business model—but data alone wasn’t enough to persuade the team.

The turning point? A detailed internal memo that laid out exactly why the old model couldn’t support scale, and what milestones the new model had to hit. That clarity led to bold action: a complete shift to standardized subscriptions. Within months, order time dropped from 25 minutes to just 75 seconds. Forty percent of users opted in—without a marketing campaign.

Lesson: Change is hard. Writing forces clarity. A well-crafted memo builds the internal logic and shared understanding that moves teams from hesitation to momentum.

Ask yourself:

• Can your team clearly explain why you’re pivoting?

• Are there defined milestones that signal progress?

• Have you made space for open dialogue around this new direction?

A written plan isn’t just a formality—it’s the spark that turns insight into execution.

Step 3: Make Room for Uncertainty

Strategic pivots don’t follow a clean timeline. As Charlie Greene, founder of Remento and a recent Shark Tank winner, puts it: “You never wake up and know today’s the day to pivot.” When his app—originally designed as a memory-sharing tool—wasn’t gaining traction, his team had to shift focus. But that change wasn’t obvious at first.

What made the difference? Honest, transparent conversations. Greene fostered a culture where uncertainty was acknowledged, not avoided. “Clear is kind,” he said. His team openly asked: Where are we now? Where do we need to be in three months?

This approach gave everyone a voice while keeping the decision-making accountable and forward-looking.

Strategy tip: Metrics matter, but so does emotional intelligence. Leaders who make room for vulnerability and feedback are better positioned to navigate the ambiguity that comes with major change.

Step 4: Move Fast—and All In

Pivots don’t just require intention—they demand urgency. Bryan Power, Chief People Officer at Nextdoor, believes AI isn’t just another tech trend—it’s a tectonic shift. Tasks that once took days can now be done in minutes. The result? Managers and teams must adapt their mental models now.

Power’s team took immediate action, launching AI literacy programs and mandating usage across departments. “I can tell who’s been using AI for a month versus six months,” he says. “If you’re not growing with the tools, you’re already falling behind.”

Important reminder: Pivoting isn’t about slowly tweaking your strategy—it’s about making a decisive, organization-wide shift and equipping your people to succeed in a new environment.

Consider:

• Is AI (or any major change) central to your 12-month plan?

• Are you investing in tools and training?

• Are you modeling the behavior you want your team to adopt?

Act fast. Communicate clearly. Commit fully.

The Modern Pivot Playbook: A Quick Recap

The leaders featured in this framework didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They moved with clarity, courage, and humanity. Here’s what you can take with you:

• Start with the real problem, not the shiny solution.

• Communicate your vision in writing to build alignment and confidence.

• Lead with empathy, especially when answers aren’t clear.

• Act quickly and holistically, especially in response to AI-driven change.

Successful pivots in 2025 and beyond require more than bold decisions—they require frameworks that blend strategic logic with emotional depth. You don’t have to know every step of the journey. You just need to build the right foundation for adaptive growth.

Feeling inspired?
Share this post with a fellow leader, or explore our related content on AI transformation strategies and team alignment in fast-changing times.