Why Most AI Projects Fail

In this episode, Nir Kaldero, Chief Data & AI Officer at NEORIS, breaks down what it really takes for enterprises to adopt AI effectively. From selecting the right pilot projects to ensuring leadership buy-in, Nir shares his proven framework—Speed to Value—for driving meaningful AI outcomes. He also highlights the most common mistakes enterprises make and offers strategic advice on aligning AI initiatives with top business goals.

🔑 Key Takeaways

AI = Brain Helper: Nir describes AI as an assistant to human cognition—especially valuable in a data-saturated world.

Speed to Value Framework: Success in AI initiatives depends on four key factors—Sponsorship, ROI, Business Readiness, and Technical Feasibility.

Pilot Smarter, Not Just Faster: Begin AI projects in areas with high potential business impact and strong leadership support.

Change Management is Crucial: Adoption is more cultural than technical—embedding AI into existing workflows matters more than just building flashy tools.

GenAI ROI Misconceptions: Real savings and value lie not just in chatbots but in automation and integration into existing systems.

🕒 Timestamped Highlights

[00:01:00] – NEORIS’s role in enterprise AI transformation

[00:03:00] – Why AI is a “brain helper” in the age of overwhelming data

[00:06:00] – Speed to Value: 4-part framework for prioritizing AI projects

[00:10:00] – Why ROI calculations must involve both business and tech sides

[00:14:00] – Common enterprise mistakes: chasing hype, skipping integration

[00:17:00] – Embedding GenAI into existing dashboards vs. building new tools

[00:23:00] – Why voice and conversational UI may define future UX

[00:26:00] – How to align AI efforts with top-down business strategies

[00:29:00] – Personal reflection: why technologists must stay business-focused

📚 Resources Mentioned

Speed to Value Framework (Sponsorship, ROI, Business Readiness, Technical Feasibility)

💼 Career Tip

"Building technology is easier than changing people's minds."

AI adoption requires top-down sponsorship and must be aligned with business priorities. Technologists who want to make a real impact need to understand—and start from—the business strategy.

💬 Quote

“We can build great models, but people are the ones that change the world. If they don’t adopt the tech, nothing changes.”