Mastering the Shift: How AI & Automation Create First-Mover Advantage

Lessons from Dominion Payroll’s Lunch & Learn

AI isn’t just disrupting the tech world; it’s redefining how businesses of every size operate, innovate, and compete. In Dominion Payroll’s recent June Lunch & Learn, “Mastering the Shift: AI, Automation & the First Mover Advantage,” Bake More Pies' President, Cordes Owen, and VP of AI, John Toner, broke down what business leaders need to know now to stay ahead in the AI revolution.

Whether you're an HR leader, business owner, or innovative employee, understanding how to leverage AI and automation strategically is quickly becoming a competitive necessity.

Why Acting Early Matters: The First-Mover Advantage

Getting ahead of the curve in AI adoption isn’t about being trendy; it’s about building a long-term edge that competitors can’t easily replicate.

“The earlier you begin experimenting with AI, the more feedback loops you’ll create. Those loops are where your competitive advantage lives.”
— John Toner, VP of AI, Bake More Pies 

Early adopters gain:

• More time to learn and improve systems

• Faster data collection and optimization cycles

• The ability to create scalable, repeatable efficiencies

• A stronger foundation for AI-powered decision-making

This is the essence of first-mover advantage: those who start now will not only move faster but learn faster.

Building a Practical AI Strategy (Not Just Playing with Tools)

Many businesses are dabbling in AI through isolated tools, but without a strategy, they miss the real benefits. This session focused on building a roadmap for sustainable, responsible implementation.

Here’s how to begin:

Start With High-Impact Use Cases

Look for these key opportunities:

• Manual or repetitive administrative tasks

• High-volume customer support inquiries

• Data entry or invoice processing

• Scheduling, reporting, or approval workflows

“It starts with your biggest pain points. What’s slow, manual, or annoying? That’s where AI steps in—not to replace your team, but to elevate them.”
— John Toner, VP of AI, Bake More Pies

Pilot, Measure, and Scale

John emphasized the importance of a measured approach:

• Test small: Start with a single process to build momentum

• Measure success: Use metrics like time saved or error reduction

• Iterate: Gather feedback and optimize before scaling across departments

Responsible AI: Leading With Ethics and Transparency

Implementing AI isn’t just about speed; it’s about building trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders.

Cordes reminded attendees that businesses must lead with responsibility:

“AI done well should build trust. It’s not just about what you can automate, it’s about what you should.”
— Cordes Owen, President, Bake More Pies 

Responsible AI practices include:

• Establishing clear data governance policies

• Keeping humans involved in decision-making loops

• Auditing for bias or unintended outcomes

• Training teams to use AI tools ethically

In an era where data privacy and algorithmic transparency matter more than ever, trust is the new currency.

Your AI Action Plan: 4 Steps to Get Started

Ready to explore how AI fits into your workflow? Here’s a simple roadmap to help you move from interest to impact:

1. Identify Opportunities
   Target tasks that are time-consuming, manual, or repetitive.

2. Pilot a Use Case
   Choose one process to automate and test it in a contained environment.

3. Measure Results
   Track improvements in productivity, accuracy, or employee satisfaction.

4. Scale Thoughtfully
   Build on your wins and expand automation across functions.

Watch the Full Session

Watch Mastering the Shift: AI, Automation, & the First Mover Advantage

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Catch Up

AI is moving fast, but your business doesn’t need to be left behind. Whether you’re just starting to explore automation or ready to scale AI across your organization, the key is to start with intention.