Many organisations are now using AI to automate workflows and enhance how their teams work. Yet some still find themselves stuck at the first hurdle. Caught between security and usability, business leaders often spend more time than necessary deliberating over which AI model to use.

The reality is much simpler, according to Michael Pietsch, VP of DACH at the intelligent content management platform Box. The biggest barrier to AI success isn’t the technology itself, but the data it uses. He advises companies to manage their data before looking to AI. “AI can only work with the information you give it. Take what you already have in your company and make it AI‑ready,” he says.

Pietsch sat down with Sifted to unpack how companies can reap the benefits of AI without compromising on data security. He stresses that data silos fragment insight and inflate risk. By centralising, tagging, and vetting data, firms can give AI a complete picture and protect sensitive information.

The takeaway? Prioritise data hygiene and governance, then layer AI on top. That approach delivers both security and usability, helping teams unlock real value from automation.