Why Most AI Projects Fail to Deliver ROI

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM This episode reframes how leaders should approach generative AI, with insights from Justin Trombold. Instead of chasing use cases or tools, the focus is on fixing processes, incentives, and operating models. The conversation explores why many AI pilots fail, how ROI thinking can mislead, and why AI should be treated as a new way of working rather than a software upgrade. Practical examples show how small, disciplined changes can unlock productivity, innovation, and meaningful business impact without overinvesting or freezing in fear. 👉 Full Show Notes https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/802 🎙️ What you’ll learn How to identify AI opportunities by examining business processes, not tools Why most AI pilots stall before delivering real value How incentives and operating models determine AI ROI When ROI metrics help and when they get in the way How productivity gains can unlock business model innovation ✅ Highlights “Let’s not talk about use cases. Let’s talk about your processes.” “If you don’t have to mow your lawn, why would you do it?” “You’re just going to shift the bottleneck to another place.” “There’s a very high level of maturity in the potential.” “There’s generally a very low level of maturity in the willingness.” “People are talking a lot about the drill.” “Generative AI is transformation.” “It’s a change in the way that you’re working.” “AI gives people permission to innovate.” 🧰 Mentioned Start your own value-creating GenAI Journey with our "rapid" diagnostic here: Survey Page | AnteSyn Advisors - https://www.antesynadvisors.com/blank-3 "How to Flourish" with guest Daniel Coyle - EconTalk Podcast Archive - Econlib - https://www.econtalk.org/ Generative AI - https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/generative-ai MIT study on AI ROI - https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/28/1126693/finding-return-on-ai-investments-across-industries/ Proofs of concept (POCs) - https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/proof-of-concept-definition Design thinking viability and feasibility concepts https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/desirability-viability-and-feasibility/ ✅Keywords generative ai, ai roi, operating model, business processes, productivity, innovation, incentives, ai pilots, digital transformation, leadership, applied ai, enterprise ai If you want to get in touch with me, you can message me here on Linkedin. Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith