AI might be the biggest buzzword in business right now, but most leaders are still asking the same quiet question: Are we actually ready for this? In this episode of Finding the Upside, I break down why readiness, not technology, is the real factor determining whether AI will create value in your organization. Using current research from McKinsey, MIT, and BCG, I unpack why so many CEOs feel unprepared, yet continue launching pilots that don’t move the needle, and why treating AI as a partner, not a tool, is the mindset shift that changes everything.We also dig into a critical cultural truth: your people’s fear of job loss. Ignoring that fear creates resistance, anxiety, and stalled adoption. Addressing it creates trust, clarity, and the foundation for real transformation.If you’re a leader trying to figure out how to move from “not ready” to confidently integrating AI into the way your company works, this episode gives you the perspective and starting point you need.Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…[1:07] Will AI Actually Have a Positive Impact On A Company?  [5:34] Common Patterns in Failing Pilots [6:14] You Can’t Buy Readiness! [8:23] Leaders Need To Acknowledge This Fear With AI [9:01] When You Treat AI As A Partner, You Are NOT Doing THIS[12:41] Give Your People Purpose and A Path In This Next EraEpisode Show Notes  McKinsey & Company, The State of AI 2024 — 65% of organizations regularly using generative AI. McKinsey & Company+2McKinsey & Company+McKinsey & Company, The State of AI 2025 survey — 88% of organizations using AI in at least one business function. McKinsey & Company+1Boston Consulting Group, “AI Adoption in 2024: 74% of Companies Struggle to Achieve and Scale Value.” BCG GlobalMIT report, The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025 — 95% of generative AI enterprise pilots show no measurable P&L impact. Fortune+2Campus Technology+2McKinsey’s research on workflow redesign and governance correlating with AI value realization. McKinsey & Company+1 Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | WebsiteMaria DeLorenzis Reyes | YoutubeWant to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Ver todos los episodios