Episode #66: Master the Basics or Miss the ROI on AI

In this episode, Kyle Hall and Kyle Gotzman discuss the current state of AI adoption in mid-market and enterprise companies. While a majority of organizations report implementing AI, only a small percentage are realizing meaningful results. The conversation explores why that gap exists and what companies can do to close it. Topics include: Why AI isn’t delivering results for many companies The importance of foundational practices, clean data, and strong processes AI as an efficiency multiplier, not a replacement for discipline Lessons from cloud and CRM adoption cycles How successful companies approach onboarding AI tools and agents The role of people, process, and culture in driving ROI from AI This episode offers practical insights for IT and business leaders looking to get value from AI investments. Timestamps:(01:15) AI adoption stats: High usage, low realized value(03:00) Why this is the same hype cycle as cloud(04:45) AI as an amplifier: It won’t fix bad practices(06:00) The “AI agent” myth vs. what success really takes(07:30) Onboarding AI like an employee: Train, QA, repeat(08:45) People, process, and culture > tool(10:00) CRM analogy: Same tool, different outcomes(11:15) The ab roller story: Tools don’t replace discipline(12:00) Cloud migration flashback: basics still matter(13:30) Indicators of AI success: Who was doing it the hard way before?(14:30) Why AI shouldn’t be your “tip of the spear”(15:30) Final thoughts: ROI lives in the fundamentals