Don't Start With AI. Start With the Work
CIO, Wednesday, October 14th, 2026
UKG's CIO argues AI value comes from mapping workflows and decisions first, not from picking models or tools.
UKG CIO Prakash Kota says most AI discussions start with the model or platform, but he starts with the work: which decision needs improving, what information a person needs and what gets in the way.
AI creates value when it is grounded in the context of the work and built into the workflow, not simply because it was deployed.
The use cases differ for desk-based and frontline employees, but the method is the same.
CIOs should map workflows end to end, identifying decisions, handoffs and systems, and build the architecture, standards and operating model that let AI work across both environments.