CIT Origins: AI First
From Search Tool to Strategic Ally: Becoming an AI-First Company
What does it really mean to become an AI-first company?
It’s a question that goes far beyond buzzwords or tech upgrades. In today’s fast-moving business landscape, embracing AI isn’t just a matter of efficiency, it’s a strategic mindset shift. In the latest episode of our Tech for Business podcast, CIT’s President & CEO Kyle Etter and COO & CISO Todd, explore what it means to move from simply using AI to partnering with it. Ultimately, learn how organizations can evolve from search-based tools to fully integrated AI-driven thinking.
Rethink “AI-First”
The term “AI-first” gets thrown around a lot, but Kyle breaks it down in a simple, actionable way: it’s about embedding AI into the very fabric of your business. That doesn’t mean applying AI to everything, everywhere, all the time. Instead, it’s about approaching every process, project, or problem with the question, can AI make this better? This mindset encourages continuous improvement, helping teams find new ways to streamline operations and increase accuracy. It frees up people for higher-level, strategic work. For organizations like CIT, this approach isn’t just theory, it’s a practical framework that enables innovation at scale.
It Starts with Better Prompts
One of the most overlooked but impactful lessons Kyle and Todd shared is the importance of learning how to communicate effectively with AI systems. Too often, users treat AI like a search bar, tossing in a quick question and expecting brilliance. But to unlock the full potential of tools like generative AI, teams need to think more like managers giving clear, structured instructions to a new team member. A well-crafted prompt doesn’t just return better results—it turns AI into a creative collaborator. This shift from passive queries to purposeful direction is key to evolving how we work alongside AI, not just with it.
Real-World Wins and “Aha” Moments
The conversation also highlighted how quickly AI can deliver real value—often in unexpected ways. Todd recalled a moment when AI helped condense a weeks-long legal review process into just 30 minutes. That experience wasn’t just a productivity boost; it was a clear signal of how AI can reshape internal workflows. For Kyle, a major milestone came when he watched AI build a functioning web app in under an hour—a task that traditionally would have required significant development time. These moments aren’t just stories—they’re examples of what’s possible when AI is treated as more than a tool, and more like a partner in innovation.
Getting Company-Wide Buy-In
Of course, no transformation happens in a vacuum. Gaining organizational buy-in is essential for any AI initiative to take root and grow. Todd explained how CIT approached this by focusing on department-specific problems. Instead of rolling out AI from the top down, they invited teams to explore how AI could solve their own unique challenges. This led to early wins, which sparked interest from others, eventually creating momentum that spread throughout the company. Empowering early adopters helped CIT reach a tipping point—where AI use wasn’t just encouraged, but expected and embraced across departments.
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
While the opportunities are exciting, both Kyle and Todd emphasized the importance of responsible AI use. Becoming AI-first doesn’t mean moving fast and breaking things. It means building an environment where experimentation and learning are balanced with strong data governance, security protocols, and ethical considerations. Organizations need clear policies in place to protect sensitive information, manage risk, and ensure transparency in how AI is used. It’s this careful balance that allows companies to innovate confidently and sustainably.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey, Not a Switch
There’s no universal blueprint for becoming an AI-first organization. What works for one company may not fit another. But one thing is clear: those who are willing to explore, adapt, and invest in AI today are building a significant advantage for tomorrow. As Kyle put it, “You don’t need one perfect AI—you need the right tools working together.” The transition is not about adopting a single solution, but rather about cultivating an ecosystem of AI tools and strategies that align with your business goals and values.
Want to dive deeper?
Listen to the full episode below!
