Process Thinking and AI: Lessons from Industry - Steve Diloia

In this episode of the Aligned on AI podcast, I’m joined by Steve Diloia, based near Buffalo in the United States, founder of AXIOM Coaching, to explore a critical but often overlooked truth about AI adoption: technology will not fix broken processes.We unpack what is really happening inside manufacturing and operational businesses today, from leadership challenges and inconsistent processes to the hidden cost of poor quality and lack of standardisation. Steve shares insights from decades of experience across engineering, quality management and consulting, including lessons from working with global supply chains and diverse organisational cultures.A central theme throughout the conversation is that AI adoption must follow process clarity, not precede it. We discuss why businesses rushing into AI risk amplifying inefficiencies, and how a disciplined approach to operational excellence creates the foundation for meaningful business transformation.We also explore where AI can genuinely help in the near term, particularly in removing administrative burden, improving data handling and enabling teams to focus on higher value work. Alongside this, we discuss the future of work, the evolving role of leadership, and why culture, accountability and clear metrics still matter more than any new tool.If you are a business leader thinking about AI adoption, or looking to improve operational performance in manufacturing, environmental or land development businesses, this conversation offers practical, grounded insights you can apply straight away.Topics covered: Operational excellence, AI adoption readiness, leadership, process standardisation, data and quality.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI in Business Operations01:55 Steve's Background and Career Journey04:33 Cultural Insights from Global Experience07:20 Building and Identifying Organizational Culture11:42 Common Operational Challenges Across Business Sizes16:42 Understanding Quality in Business20:38 The Importance of Process Standardization23:22 Leadership Barriers to Operational Improvement25:13 AI Adoption and Process Clarity27:35 The Human Element in AI Implementation30:30 Starting with Administrative Tasks33:39 The Importance of Process and Validation35:27 AI's Impact on Recruitment and Job Roles41:53 Preparing Data for AI45:10 Leadership's Role in AI SuccessLearn more at:https://www.alignedmindsai.comhttps://www.axiomcoaching.org Follow Aligned Minds AI on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/aligned-minds-ai/) for practical AI tips, episode clips, and updates on future episodes of Aligned on AI and if there’s a business leader you think I should invite onto the podcast, drop their name in the comments.#Manufacturing #OperationalExcellence #AIAdoption #BusinessTransformation #Leadership #FutureOfWork #ProcessImprovement #QualityManagement #AlignedOnAI #AlignedMindsAI #LeadershipStrategy #ExecutiveLeadership #OperationalExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPeformanceTeams #LeadershipCoach