From AI Hype to Hard ROI, with Sam Jeremiah, Fern AI [087]

AI spending is rising faster than the evidence that it works. The real problem is not lack of ambition, but lack of observability: companies see the cloud bills immediately, while productivity gains remain hypothetical. The episode argues that businesses need to treat AI less like a hype-led experiment and more like a value-tracked investment, with clear outcomes, governance, and ROI measures built in before pilots begin.Sam from Fern AI makes the case for a more disciplined AI adoption model: start with business outcomes, keep existing KPIs where they still matter, track attribution, and create safe “playground” environments where teams can experiment without catastrophic risk. The strongest insight is that adoption will not come from more tools alone. It will come from giving employees the confidence, controls, and commercial clarity to turn AI from scattered innovation into measurable business advantage.AI is our Business.UKAI is the Trade Association for AI businesses across the UK. Join us, ukai.co