AI initiatives can be transformative for organizations, but they require careful preparation to avoid failure. Key factors for successful AI deployment include clear business alignment, executive sponsorship, a culture conducive to AI with interdisciplinary collaboration, a solid data strategy with robust governance, and scalable technical infrastructure. Business alignment ensures AI projects drive measurable value and maintain focus, while executive support signals strategic priority. A culture of "data & AI fluency" across all levels helps foster effective collaboration and problem-solving. A solid data strategy, emphasizing data quality and governance, is essential to produce reliable AI models and insights. Scalable infrastructure, including MLOps tools and integration capabilities, ensures models can be effectively deployed and maintained. Adopting DevSecOps principles further enhances AI development through automated testing, security, and continuous integration. Ultimately, AI success depends not only on technology but also on organizational readiness, encompassing leadership, culture, infrastructure, and governance.