AI Activation Roadmap

An Operating Framework for Cribl's AI Center of Excellence

Context: Cribl is the data engine for IT and Security, scaling fast with an executive AI vision that needs to translate into daily adoption across every function. This interactive prototype walks through how I'd operate the AI CoE in the first 90 days, using the same function-by-function activation framework I've run at Netflix. Click through the tabs to see the diagnostic, roadmap, governance model, and measurement approach.

1. Function Diagnosis
2. 90-Day Roadmap
3. Governance Framework
4. Measurement

Where's AI Ready to Land?

Every function has a different AI readiness profile. Activation sequencing matters. This is my initial hypothesis based on the JD and Cribl's operating model. Would refine rapidly with real data in weeks 1-4.

Sales & Sales Engineering

Readiness
85/100
ROI Potential
90/100
Wave 1 · Lead Program

High volume of repetitive tasks (discovery prep, demo scripts, competitive battlecards). LLM copilots and AI knowledge assistants deliver immediate leverage.

Customer Success

Readiness
78/100
ROI Potential
82/100
Wave 1

QBR prep, health scoring narratives, renewal positioning. Structured, pattern-rich work where AI delivers real time savings and quality uplift.

Revenue Operations

Readiness
72/100
ROI Potential
75/100
Wave 2

Forecasting support, deal analysis, reporting automation. Strong ROI but requires governance partnership on CRM data sensitivity.

Marketing

Readiness
88/100
ROI Potential
70/100
Wave 2

Content ideation, campaign analysis, persona workshopping. High readiness, moderate ROI, good candidate for quick Champions Network win.

People & BizOps

Readiness
65/100
ROI Potential
85/100
Wave 2 · Co-Design Partner

The JD names this as a key co-design partner. People Ops workflows (onboarding, perf cycles, policy authoring) compound when AI-native.

Finance

Readiness
55/100
ROI Potential
78/100
Wave 3

High ROI in vendor analysis and reporting automation, but governance and data sensitivity require more prep before activation.

Engineering & Product

Readiness
92/100
ROI Potential
60/100
Likely Self-Driven

Extremely high readiness, already using AI tools natively. CoE role here is governance and knowledge sharing, not activation.

Legal

Readiness
45/100
ROI Potential
50/100
Working Group Partner

Legal is a governance working group member more than an activation target. Partnership over program for now.

90-Day Activation Roadmap

Weeks 1-4 · Diagnose

Embed, Listen, Map

  • Meet with Lead of Global Remote Operations, then every working group member (Security, IT, Legal, business function leaders)
  • Inventory current CoE assets: tool library, use policy, intake process, governance framework, enablement materials
  • Run quick-diagnostic surveys or interviews with 20-30 goats across functions to validate the readiness hypothesis
  • Identify the 5-8 highest-leverage Champions Network candidates
Weeks 4-10 · Deliver

Ship One Program End-to-End

  • Launch Wave 1 activation (likely Sales & SE or CS) with function-specific playbook, training, and AI tool access
  • Stand up measurement framework before launch, not after (adoption KPIs, impact metrics, behavior change indicators)
  • Onboard the first cohort of Champions with a clear cadence and sustainment plan
  • Evolve one or two CoE assets (tool library or use policy) based on diagnosis
Weeks 10-90-Day Mark · Scale

Translate Insights into CoE Strategy

  • Present diagnostic findings and Wave 1 outcomes to VP and C-suite stakeholders with prioritized roadmap
  • Expand Champions Network to Wave 2 functions with activation playbooks ready
  • Establish CoE operating cadence (working group rhythm, stakeholder reporting, roadmap reviews)
  • Begin shaping the multi-quarter CoE investment thesis for leadership

1AI Tool Library

  • Living, searchable catalog of approved AI tools by function
  • Clear approval tier (Open / Reviewed / Restricted) per tool
  • Use case examples and playbooks attached to each entry
  • Refreshed monthly based on Champions Network feedback

2Use Policy

  • Plain-language guidance, not legal jargon
  • Clear do's and don'ts mapped to common workflows
  • Data classification requirements (what can go where)
  • Escalation path for edge cases and new use cases

3Intake Process

  • Lightweight request form, not a gauntlet
  • SLA commitment for initial triage (48 hours max)
  • Working group routing for complex or sensitive asks
  • Public backlog so goats see what's in motion

4Champions Network

  • One visible champion per function, peer-selected
  • Monthly cadence: training, use case sharing, office hours
  • Quarterly offsite or virtual event with executive sponsor
  • Recognition and career development tied to champion role

Measurement Framework

Programs that aren't measured don't earn the right to grow. Three tiers of metrics, each answering a different question leadership will ask.

Tier 1 · Adoption

Is AI being used?

  • Monthly active users of approved AI tools, by function
  • Champions Network engagement (training attendance, use case submissions)
  • Intake volume and approval rate trend
  • Tool library utilization by category
Tier 2 · Behavior Change

Is AI changing how work gets done?

  • Workflow integration depth (one-off vs. embedded in daily process)
  • Self-reported time savings per workflow, validated against baseline
  • Quality of output before vs. after AI integration (function-specific rubrics)
  • Sustainment rate (are users still using the tool 90 days post-activation?)
Tier 3 · Business Impact

Is AI moving the numbers?

  • Cycle time reduction on key workflows (e.g., sales cycle, support resolution)
  • Capacity freed up for higher-leverage work, measured in FTE-equivalent hours
  • Function-level OKR contribution attributed to AI activation
  • Cost savings vs. alternative approaches (hiring, vendors, manual effort)
Week 2
Dashboard Live
Month 3
First Full Report
Quarterly
Exec Review
Real-Time
Adoption Telemetry