As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation continue to reshape business operations, organizations are exploring how to adopt these technologies in a responsible and strategic manner. A recent webinar hosted by professionals at Forvis Mazars provided practical insights into evaluating organizational readiness, applying recommended practices, and navigating the full AI life cycle—from ideation to production—with an emphasis on ethical stewardship. These concepts are critical as organizations continue to implement AI operationally and build strategic initiatives around transparent cyber usage.
Laying the Foundation: Governance & Readiness
Organizational readiness begins with establishing a governance framework designed to support an AI strategy. This includes forming cross-functional steering committees that bring together professionals from IT, legal, compliance, and business operations. Data governance plays a central role, as AI systems are designed to operate using structured and unstructured data.
Risk management and compliance frameworks are evolving to address AI-specific risks such as hallucinations, bias, and data leakage. Regulatory standards such as HIPAA, the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) remain applicable regardless of whether data is processed through AI or traditional systems.
The NIST AI Risk Management Framework was referenced as a practical tool for mapping, measuring, and managing AI-related risks. It is intended to assist organizations in identifying legal obligations, evaluating third-party vendor risks, and applying controls that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Sustaining AI Through Recommended Practices
To sustain AI solutions, organizations are encouraged to focus on continuous monitoring, employee training, and ethical oversight. Periodic assessments help detect bias and validate outcomes. Maintaining detailed records of AI models and data sources supports transparency, while training programs assist employees in understanding both technical risks and behavioral considerations.
The rise of shadow IT (unauthorized use of AI tools such as ChatGPT or Sora) highlights the importance of clear policies and proactive governance. Educational initiatives should highlight the risks of using public AI platforms for sensitive data and encourage responsible usage among teams.
Understanding the Full AI Life Cycle
The AI life cycle spans ideation, development, evaluation, deployment, and auditing. Identifying use cases that align with business strategy is a critical first step of the process. Piloting AI solutions allows organizations to gauge feasibility, measure return on investment (ROI), and refine governance structures before the technology is implemented. These pilots are designed to help unlock learning, upskill teams, and build internal confidence in AI capabilities.
Agentic AI (which refers to systems that can plan and execute multistep tasks with contextual awareness) is a key focus for many organizations. Examples include chatbots, scheduling tools, and more complex agents. These agents can be developed using platforms like Copilot Studio and N8N, demonstrating that technical expertise is not essential. Achieving effective outcomes relies on collaboration between domain experts and technologists, thoughtful prompt engineering, and iterative testing.
How Forvis Mazars Can Help
To position your organization as a responsible steward of AI, begin with governance as an initial step. Next, leverage frameworks like the NIST AI RMF and engage stakeholders across departments to promote responsible usage among teams. Remember, human oversight is essential even as automation expands. Organizations are encouraged to adopt AI purposefully and strategically, fostering a culture of ethical innovation and continuous improvement.
This approach is aligned with the values of our IT Risk & Compliance Services team at Forvis Mazars. Our professionals can provide clarity and build confidence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and help you overcome IT security obstacles that stand between your current and future state.
For more information on AI readiness and more, please reach out to a professional at Forvis Mazars.