This playbook explains why ~70% of AI projects fail (unclear success metrics, wrong problems, dirty data, and no change management) and replaces vague “AI strategy” talk with a concrete, CFO-ready decision framework. It introduces the EASE model—Evaluate, Assess, Scope, Execute—plus tools like an impact/effort matrix, readiness scorecard, ROI calculator, and 90-day implementation plan to systematically choose, fund, and scale only the AI initiatives that create measurable P&L value.