What Wicked Teaches Us About AI Adoption

Jan 6
AI adoption is often a tale of two opposites: one clinging to what works, the other daring to push boundaries. Wicked has been a success on and off Broadway for over 20 years, with fans that love it as is. Yet, with the movie adaptation, Wicked invites a new generation to experience the story in a fresh way.

The journey from L. Frank Baum'sThe Wonderful Wizard of Ozto Gregory Maguire'sWickednovel, to Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’sWicked: The Musical, and finally to the film required collaboration, a dance between old and new perspectives where each iteration honored its roots while pushing forward into the future to remain relevant and resonant.

All of which is an allegory for AI adoption.

This mirrors the relationship organizations navigate when approaching AI. Much like the film’s main characters, within teams seeking AI adoption, there are Glindas and Elphabas. Glinda, the traditionalist, represents the skeptic, often the person who values tried-and-true.

Meanwhile, Elphaba, the AI enthusiast is bold and visionary, eager to break the mold. The tension between these archetypes can either stall progress or lead to new ways to work. Here’s whatWickedteaches us about balance for successful AI adaptation:

Glinda: The Skeptic

Glindas are the voice of reason. They value systems and look for potential pitfalls and ground the process.

Skeptics like her are vital for asking tough questions such as:


  • How does this align with our mission?
  • What are the risks involved?
  • What’s the simplest way to integrate AI without overwhelming our team?


Leaders should engage their Glindas early, providing clear answers to their concerns while showing how AI aligns with the organization’s core mission.

Elphaba: The Visionary

Elphaba embodies the potential of AI. Her energy and forward-thinking approach drives the organization to explore new possibilities. While her ideas may seem radical to skeptics, her vision is crucial for moving the organization beyond stagnation.

She’ll ask questions like:


  • How can AI free us from repetitive tasks?
  • What new opportunities does this technology create?
  • How can we measure the impact of these changes?


Leaders support their Elphabas by allowing her to experiment with AI to demonstrate its value.

Content Over Form: Overcoming Performative Adoption

InWicked, when Glinda changes her name from Galinda, the shift is more for show than substance -- form over content.

Skeptics in organizations, though often well-intentioned, can fall into the trap of adopting AI in ways that look innovative on the surface but fail to deliver real impact.

Performative actions such as gatekeeping resources like funding, slowing down decision-making, or shifting goalposts so AI adoption never meets expectations. These actions may soothe initial resistance or satisfy external pressures, but they don’t address the underlying opportunities AI presents.

To move skeptics from form to content, leaders must guide them to see beyond appearances by demonstrating value and communicating the vision. When skeptics shift from performative to authentic engagement, their cautious nature becomes an asset.

Avoiding Distortion: The Perception of Going Rogue

Elphaba’s actions inWickedwere often misunderstood, AI enthusiasts can be labeled as reckless or 'too much' when their drive to innovate isn’t tempered by critical consideration of systems, leadership, and organizational readiness. To avoid becoming the perceived 'wicked witch' of AI adoption, enthusiasts must step back and look at the bigger picture. Working independently or failing to involve others can give the impression that AI adoption is a personal crusade rather than a team effort.

Before pushing forward, AI enthusiasts should ensure their initiatives are fully aligned with leadership’s priorities.

Working in Tandem

InWicked, Glinda and Elphaba achieve their greatest success when they combine their strengths. AI adoption works the same way. Skeptics prevent recklessness, while AI enthusiasts ensure the organization isn’t stuck in the past.  When these archetypes collaborate, they create a balanced approach that mitigates risks while driving progress. Leaders must act as mediators, fostering mutual respect and alignment between the two perspectives.

The movie adaptation ofWickedis already breaking records as the most successful Broadway-to-screen transition in history, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist beautifully.

For organizations adopting AI, let Glindas and Elphabas dance together as opposite sides of the same coin.

By blending both perspectives, you can create a future where your organization breaks its own records with culture, productivity and morale. Just as the two adversaries evolved into best friends, skeptics and enthusiasts, working in tandem, are unlimited together.

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AI Consultants for Nonprofits (AICN) makes AI accessible to nonprofit organizations, schools and government entities with training, consulting and accredited certifications so you can save time, money and people. We license our certifications to organizations to address the shortage in AI talent. AICN advocates for nonprofits to own their AI knowledge. Download our eBookAI with a Mission: An Executive Director's Handbook for Strategic AI Integration. 

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