You've probably seen the headline that spread like wildfire: "95% of AI pilots fail". That staggering number comes from a recent MIT report and it's the kind of figure that commands attention. But is it the whole story?

Today, we're diving deep beyond that viral headline. While some research suggests a similarly sobering truth - that 88% of AI pilots never make it to production- we have to ask: what's really going on? Is the technology failing, or is something else at play? We'll discuss why this 95% figure, based on a limited number of interviews and surveys, might be misleading the entire market. The real gap might not be in the tech itself, but in how organizations are trying to scale it. While companies are quietly rolling back big AI ventures, 90% of employees are already using Large Language Models regularly. The problem isn't that AI doesn't work. The breakdown is organisational.

We'll explore the real reasons AI initiatives stall: from a lack of clear ROI and siloed operations to human resistance and the complex economics of scaling.So, stick with us as we unpack the "AI Adoption Chasm," challenge the narrative, and explore how organizations can finally break free from pilot purgatory.

Are you an executive or leader who believes AI is as simple as "just give it the data and it will deliver value"? Then this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we dive into "The AI Iceberg," revealing the critical complexities and hidden risks that lie beneath the glossy surface of AI promises. Many organizations are making decisions based on a dangerous illusion, ignoring the sprawling ecosystem of engineering, governance, compliance, ethics, and continuous tuning required for successful AI.In this eye-opening discussion, you'll learn:• The stark difference between the AI you're sold and the reality of its implementation. We'll break down the full lifecycle, from Data Sourcing to Retraining, and show how each step is a potential single point of failure.• The Three Critical Blind Spots leaders often miss: Why data is never "just there" and is a governance and brand risk question; why ethics and bias are structural liabilities, not just PR issues; and how choosing the wrong AI mode (automation, augmentation, or autonomous agent) can lead to catastrophic outcomes.• Why ignoring these "below the waterline" factors risks not just project failure, but also reputational damage, significant regulatory exposure, and strategic drift. Left unchecked, AI can scale inequity faster than it scales efficiency, costing you market access and customer confidence.• The crucial role of independent advice and why relying solely on vendor pitches can lead to buying "black-box risk" instead of truly transformative AI.• The four vital questions every leader must ask before signing the next AI contract to ensure your approach is validated and defensible.Don't let your organization become another wreck in an industry littered with companies that trusted a vendor pitch without probing deeper. True AI transformation requires evaluating and investing below the waterline, not just what's visible. Tune in to equip yourself with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of AI, mitigate risks, and unlock its true, resilient potential. Your strategic future depends on it.

Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's critical for every organization looking to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence. You've heard the hype, but have you seen the reality? The numbers are sobering: a staggering 88% of AI pilots never make it to production. And when it comes to Generative AI, over 70% of organizations haven't scaled more than a third of their pilots. This isn't just a challenge; it's a phenomenon we call "Pilot Purgatory" – where promising proofs-of-concept are showcased but then quietly fade into obscurity.In this episode, we'll explore what's truly behind this chasm. You might think it's about the technology, but we'll reveal why it's more often about the organizational conditions, including a lack of clear ROI, siloed operations, data integration challenges, and significant human resistance. We'll also challenge the common mistake of placing the entire burden of scaling AI on a lone Head of AI or an isolated Centre of Excellence.Join us as we uncover the pragmatic steps successful organizations are taking to break free from Pilot Purgatory and bridge the AI adoption chasm. This includes building a holistic AI strategy aligned with your business vision, prioritizing high-impact, value-aligned use cases, investing in organizational AI readiness and change management, and fundamentally shifting your mindset from "experiment" to "execute."This episode is for you if you're leading or sponsoring AI in your organization and are ready to turn AI's transformative potential into real, scalable enterprise impact. Let's jump in!

Too often, organizations rush to engage vendors or build solutions before truly understanding what they're trying to fix. The pressure to show progress can lead to solving the wrong problem, or only part of it, resulting in marginal results and leaked value. But what if the greatest value isn't created when you start solving, but when you obsess about defining the right problem? George Eby Mathew.com & AIQUA Solutions Pty Ltd with over two decades of experience in leading transformation programs across diverse industries share their research. You'll learn how to frame the problem ruthlessly and empathetically, moving beyond just ticking boxes to achieve real, lasting transformation.Discover why walking the floor and living the day with your frontline teams is your best intelligence source, how to sift through the noise to identify high-value problems, and the art of prioritizing ruthlessly to deliver disproportionate impact. We’ll explore why "Fall in love with the problem, not the solution" is the secret to solutions that stick. This isn't just a 'soft skill'; it's a strategic advantage. Get ready to build cultures where problem finding is as prized as problem solving, leading to the highest long-term returns. Let's stop rewarding fast answers to poorly framed questions, and start with clarity and respect for the people at the heart of the problem.Tune in to 'Framing the Right Problem' and transform how you approach innovation.

In this podcast, we're here to demystify AI and help you cut through the noise, providing a practical, no-hype path forward. We dive deep into busting the top 5 AI myths holding SMEs back, showing you that AI is not just the future, but today’s opportunity. Let’s tackle some of these common misconceptions head-on:

First, the myth that AI is too expensive. The reality is far from it! We reveal how scalable, low-cost, and even free tools exist, especially through accessible cloud platforms, allowing smaller organizations to use powerful AI without large initial investments. You can access AI through service-driven models, often on a scalable subscription basis, leveraging options like government grants, funding opportunities, or even free trials of AI tools.Next, the fear that AI will replace jobs. We'll show you how AI actually augments your team, automating the mundane and 'boring stuff' so your people can focus on higher-value activities that truly matter. This leads to increased productivity and reduced administrative burdens, not widespread job displacement.Perhaps you think, "I need to be a techie to use AI". Well, that's another myth we're busting! Many AI tools are designed with user-friendliness in mind, often featuring simple drag-and-drop interfaces or plug-and-play functionality, meaning no computer science degree is required to get started.And what about the idea that AI is a brand-new investment you have to buy or spend huge amounts of time learning about? The surprising truth is, you're probably already using AI without even realizing it!. We're talking about features within software you already own, like Excel's "Ideas" or "Insert Data from Picture," or the Write feature in your email. Common tools like email spam filters, virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, and even your smartphone's prediction features all utilize AI. This presents a significant opportunity to leverage AI without new, major investments. We also recommend starting with an audit of AI tools already available in your current software packages.Finally, for those who feel the overhyped nature of AI makes it difficult to identify the right products, leading to too much hype and too little clarity – we've got you covered. Our core advice is to solve a business problem first, and then choose the tech that addresses that problem, rather than getting distracted by marketing hype.Beyond these myths, we also address underlying barriers like lack of understanding, financial constraints, integration challenges, time limitations, data privacy concerns, and skill deficits. We offer practical solutions, such as investing in comprehensive training and education for existing employees, leveraging external expertise from consultants and industry associations, and ensuring robust data security measures and compliance. We encourage you to start small, learn fast, and leverage what you already have.So, if you're ready to move beyond the misconceptions and unlock the immense potential of AI for your small or medium business, subscribe to The Complete AI Guide for Small and Medium Businesses Podcast. AI isn't some distant future; it's today's opportunity. Let us guide you on your practical path forward.

In this episode, we tackle the hard truths and hopeful possibilities facing Australian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) as they navigate the AI revolution.

We unpack:

• Why Australian SMEs are lagging behind global AI adoption rates

• The funding gap and lack of tailored AI programs for small operators

• The myth that AI is only for tech giants — and the tools that prove otherwise

• Real barriers: from digital skills shortages to leadership hesitation

• How to shift mindset from “do we need this?” to “how can we use this wisely?”

But we don’t stop at challenges. You’ll walk away with:

• Practical next steps for AI readiness

• Innovation tips for lean teams

• Examples of Aussie businesses doing it right — without big budgets

Why You’ll Love It:
This episode is a must-listen if you’re a founder, GM, or decision-maker looking to future-proof your business without the fluff. Straight talk, real tools, and an honest look at what innovation really means for SMEs in Australia in 2025.

What else should you know as a listener?

• We keep things tactical and real-world — no buzzwords, no big talk without practical action

• Focus is local, with global relevance: Australian lens, but useful wherever you are

• We value your time: episodes are punchy, focused, and packed with takeaways

• You can submit your own questions or challenges for future episodes — we want this to be your AI support system, not just another podcast

Subscribe now and join the movement of SMEs building a smarter future — one micro-change at a time.