How to Avoid AI Project Failure

Projectified

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24:10

Does your AI-based interface talk to customers the way a real person would or is it tech for tech’s sake? We are here at Forrester CX in Nashville, TN and hearing all about the latest insights and ideas for brands to create better experiences for their customers. Agility is less about bolting on new features just because the tech is available and more about making tomorrow’s experiences feel intuitive and natural to the end customer using them. Today we’re diving into designing for the future of experiences with AJ Joplin, Senior Analyst at Forrester. About AJ Joplin AJ is the lead analyst for Forrester’s research on experience design (XD), design organizations, and design leadership. Helping XD and customer experience (CX) leaders develop and deliver on research-based strategy is AJ’s professional passion. She has observed that the most effective organizations combine clear purpose with the right people and leverage systems to clarify decision-making, prioritization, and workflows. AJ also has years of workshop facilitation experience in human-centered design and design thinking. Using her professional coaching skills, AJ bring clients through ambiguity and into alignment on what matters and what’s next. Resources Forrester: https://www.forrester.com https://www.forrester.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 " Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

about a year ago 23:05

MP3•Episode home

[02:37] Common reasons why AI projects fail

[07:42] How to make sure your AI project delivers real ROI

[09:22] What makes AI projects different than others—and what it takes to manage them

[17:05] Ways to keep your AI knowledge up to date

[19:30] How to set smart metrics for AI projects and the rise of agentic AI

183 episodes

How to Avoid AI Project Failure

Projectified

25 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key themes

[02:37] Common reasons why AI projects fail

[07:42] How to make sure your AI project delivers real ROI

[09:22] What makes AI projects different than others—and what it takes to manage them

[17:05] Ways to keep your AI knowledge up to date

[19:30] How to set smart metrics for AI projects and the rise of agentic AI

183 episodes

All episodes

Projectified

1
How Talent Development Can Boost Engagement and Retain Top Talent 27:12

22 days ago27:12

27:12

Across the globe, employees are leaving their jobs because they are not fulfilled—and it’s costing organizations big time. One way to fix this? Investing in your talent. Our roundtable discussion outlines the benefits of internal talent development, how to identify team members with potential and steps to keep team members engaged when they’re struggling. Guests include: Joe Campa, PMP, PMI-PMOCP, PMI-CP, senior manager, strategic excellence office, Ontario Power Generation, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Aimee Cowan, senior manager, human capital practice, Deloitte, London; and Gemma Konrad, career and performance development director, Mars, London. Key themes [02:42] The biggest benefits from internal talent development [07:03] How to identify and cultivate promising talent within your teams [10:24] How companies are upskilling project talent through formal programs, one-on-one discussions and artificial intelligence [20:45] Boosting employee engagement with emotional safety, transparency and flexibility…

Projectified

1
How to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market 19:48

7 weeks ago19:48

19:48

In today’s hypercompetitive job market, organizations are looking for change-ready project talent that can add value from the get-go. In a group discussion, three project professionals share which must-have skills and acumen—from artificial intelligence proficiency and data analysis to communication and active listening—have bubbled up in 2025. They also explain how to market your skills, experience and the value you’ve delivered on your résumé or CV and during job interviews. Plus, how you can upskill through certifications and online courses. Our guests include: Fernanda Bertino, PMP, lead project manager, Cirion Technologies, Rio de Janeiro; Mutaz Said, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, project controls manager, AtkinsRéalis, Denver, Colorado, USA; Mohamed Swydan, PMP, head of projects, Gulf Cooperation Council region, Engie Solutions, Dubai. Key themes [02:08] The skills you need: AI acumen, communication and data analysis [06:40] Using online courses and group discussions to upskill [10:11] What hiring managers are looking for in project talent [13:54] How to best market yourself on your résumé or CV [15:45] Ways to stand out in 2025’s job market…

Projectified

1
Tech Reboot for Wildlife Conservation Projects 26:19

11 weeks ago26:19

26:19

With wildlife populations plummeting, conservation teams are fighting back, using cutting-edge technology to track and protect the world’s flora and fauna. We discuss this with: Shannon Dubay, director of conservation technology, Panthera, Cape Town, South Africa: Dubay discusses how teams use camera traps, satellite imagery, AI and other technologies in cat conservation, how teams are analyzing and acting on data faster in Zambia, how tech advancements have changed teams’ success metrics in conservation projects, plus how predictive analytics could transform conservation efforts moving forward. Dave Thau, global data and technology lead scientist, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), San Francisco: Thau talks about how the role of AI has evolved in conservation and helped boost efficiency. He also discusses WWF’s ManglarIA Project, which uses AI and other tech to measure the impact of climate change on mangroves in Mexico. Plus, Thau takes listeners through how the team is leaning into innovation and adaptability as well as working with community members to futureproof their efforts. Key themes [02:33] Using camera traps, drones and AI to conserve cats in the wild [07:41] How teams are analyzing—and acting on—data faster [11:10] Tech’s impact on success metrics for conservation projects [12:02] How predictive analytics could change future conservation projects [14:58] The evolution of AI in conservation projects [17:35] How WWF is using AI to measure the impact of climate change on mangroves in Mexico [20:26] Focusing on innovation, adaptability and community engagement in conservation…

Projectified

1
How to Avoid AI Project Failure 23:05

15 weeks ago23:05

23:05

More and more project professionals are managing artificial intelligence (AI) projects, but teams are struggling to make sure they deliver real value. What makes AI projects different—and what are some common reasons they fail? What does it take to lead successful AI projects—and how do you build those must-have skills? We discuss the big issues with two experts at PMI Cognilytica: Kathleen Walch, CPMAI, director, and Ron Schmelzer, CPMAI, director and general manager. Both are based in Columbia, Maryland, USA. Key themes [02:37] Common reasons why AI projects fail [07:42] How to make sure your AI project delivers real ROI [09:22] What makes AI projects different than others—and what it takes to manage them [17:05] Ways to keep your AI knowledge up to date [19:30] How to set smart metrics for AI projects and the rise of agentic AI…

Projectified

1
Gender Equality in Action: The Role of Project Leaders 27:57

19 weeks ago27:57

27:57

International Women’s Day is a clarion call for gender equality—and project professionals around the globe are taking bold action to advance the cause. Our guests discuss the projects they’re leading to empower girls and women, how they ensure they’re delivering positive social impact, and how they keep themselves—and their teams—motivated in the face of adversity. Our guests include Cecile Pilot, senior project and capacity building officer at Defence for Children International in Geneva, and Marwa Hammad, head of global gender strategy and the Youth Education and Entrepreneurship program at Schneider Electric Foundation in Cairo. Key themes [02:17] Supporting young women to drive change in their local communities and on the global stage [05:43] Creating Schneider Electric Foundation’s global gender strategy and a program for youth education and entrepreneurship [09:48] Overcoming funding and legal challenges along with battling stereotypes [17:13] How to stay motivated and—resilient—in the face of adversity [21:25] Measuring success and positive social impact [23:48] The vision for greater gender equality in the years ahead…

Projectified

1
What to Expect in 2025: A Guide for Project Professionals 26:26

23 weeks ago26:26

26:26

What can project professionals around the globe expect to face in 2025? We talk with project leaders to help you prepare. Sanjukta Ghosh, PMP, data and AI leader at Siemens in Erlangen, Germany, and Alexandra Schutz, PMI-ACP, PMP, director of the program management office at Appfire in Washington, D.C., discuss what’s next for artificial intelligence in the project sphere, the increasing role sustainability and project management offices (PMOs) will play in value delivery and the must-have skills for 2025. They also share what they’re excited for in the new year. Key themes [02:31] How AI will dominate projects in 2025 [11:20] Using AI to elevate sustainability objectives [13:07] PMOs stepping up to drive business transformation and deliver value [16:01] Adaptability, strategic thinking, AI acumen: Skills you need for 2025 [20:40] The biggest surprises from 2024—and takeaways for the year ahead…

Projectified

1
Measuring Up: How to Track and Deliver Positive Social Impact 30:29

31 weeks ago30:29

30:29

To ensure projects deliver real social impact, organizations and their teams need to set clear targets, track progress—and adjust when plans and variables shift. We host a joint discussion with Karlijn Sibbel, innovation director at Notpla in London, and Grzegorz Wach, refugee employment initiative lead at NESsT in Warsaw. They discuss their work on two of the PMI 2024 Most Influential Projects, detailing the metrics used to track progress and measure positive social impact as well as the challenges teams face when aggregating this data. They also share their biggest lessons learned when it comes to measuring social impact. Key themes [02:46] How Notpla uses seaweed and plants to make biodegradable packaging [06:23] How NESsT is empowering refugees and migrants to access quality jobs [08:49] Using multiple metrics to track progress and measure a project’s social impact [15:03] Top challenges teams face when measuring social impact [23:04] Delivering positive social impact in the face of increased scrutiny [27:13] Lessons learned: Embracing partners and pushing industry benchmarks forward…

Projectified

1
Powerful Partnerships: Collaborating to Achieve UN SDGs 31:16

33 weeks ago31:16

31:16

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call to action to help people and the planet—and projects aligned to those goals require strong collaboration with stakeholders, whether they’re government agencies, teachers or farmers. We discuss this with: Jenny Buccos, CEO of EXPLR and co-director of the National STEM Festival, New York City: Buccos discusses how she and her team worked with the U.S. Department of Education along with corporate and philanthropic partners to bring the National STEM Festival to life. She also talks about the skills she leaned on to build stronger relationships with partners, the festival’s future and how STEM can help make a big impact on UN SDGs. Simon Dyer, CEO, Virtual Irrigation Academy, Sunshine Coast, Australia: Dyer shares VIA’s history and how small-scale farmers, their communities and governments are using VIA’s tech and the data it generates to make informed irrigation decisions. He also talks about the importance of face-to-face conversations with stakeholders, cultivating partners within the communities projects are happening in, and his biggest lessons learned from collaborating with stakeholders. Key themes [02:17] Bringing stakeholders together for the National STEM Festival [07:18] Collaborating with partners without losing sight of a project’s goal [08:42] Leaning on time management and stakeholder engagement to build partnerships [13:25] How STEM can help teams achieve UN SDGs [16:26] How farmers, communities and governments use VIA’s tech to make informed irrigation decisions [22:09] The power of face-to-face interactions with stakeholders—and embracing community partners [26:38] Lessons learned: Don’t assume your stakeholders’ pain points and don’t discount your stakeholders’ knowledge…

Projectified

1
How Tech is Powering the Clean Energy Transition 29:00

35 weeks ago29:00

29:00

Public and private organizations across the globe are taking action to reach net-zero emissions targets—investing heavily in new technology to build resilient and efficient energy systems. Guests discuss the push for cleaner energy, the tech their teams use to develop cleaner energy solutions and the skills project professionals need to lead these projects. Key themes [01:43] What’s behind the global push for a clean energy transition? [04:33] Using new tech and operational practices to reduce carbon emissions in oil and gas production [10:57] The must-have skills to deliver tech-forward clean energy efficiency projects [15:05] Tech that’s helping connect renewable energy sources to the grid [19:02] Executing a tech upgrade to a decades-old binational hydropower plant [24:33] What’s next for a clean energy transition? Greater digitalization in the energy sector…

Projectified

1
The Project Management Skills That Keep Creatives On Track 29:12

37 weeks ago29:12

29:12

Today’s creative agencies need to move rapidly, whether they’re executing campaigns, capitalizing on pop culture moments or averting a crisis. Project management helps channel that urgency into strong execution and buzz-worthy results. In a joint discussion, two project leaders at creative agencies discuss which project management skills help teams turn their ideas into reality and reveal how they overcame challenges in high-stakes projects, including a major localization and transcreation initiative and the marketing campaign for Hollywood blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine . Key themes [02:39] The role of project management at creative agencies [07:05] The project management skills and domain expertise that help creative teams thrive [11:05] Agile, predictive or hybrid: Picking the approach that’s right for a project [17:10] How a project manager’s focus on risk identification and tailoring workflows helped a team stay on track [19:42] How communication and collaboration helped Maximum Effort deliver Deadpool & Wolverine —and the film’s marketing plan [21:41] Embracing flexibility and adaptability in creative project life cycles…

Projectified

1
A New Orbit: How Project Teams Are Using AI in Space 30:20

39 weeks ago30:20

30:20

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making one giant leap in the space industry. In celebration of World Space Week, we’re highlighting how project teams are tapping AI for space exploration and innovation. A project leader from the European Space Agency shares how his team created a “flying laboratory” so that other organizations from across the globe could experiment with new tech—including AI—in space. And NASA’s chief artificial intelligence officer shares how teams are using AI on projects and how the U.S. space agency is ensuring ethical, responsible AI use across teams. Key themes [02:29] Why ESA created a “flying laboratory,” the OPS-SAT Space Lab service [05:41] How to experiment with AI—and use it in the right projects [11:27] Why the space industry views AI with heavy interest—and healthy skepticism [14:32] What NASA’s chief artificial intelligence officer is focused on [16:42] How the U.S. space agency is using AI on projects [22:04] How NASA ensures ethical, responsible AI use across teams [26:58] How AI could transform space projects…

Projectified

1
Why AI Ethics Matters in Project Management 26:47

41 weeks ago26:47

26:47

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally shifting how we work, but it’s imperative to use the emerging tech responsibly. Guests explore the major AI ethics concerns for project professionals and recommend good practices teams can employ to use and create ethical AI. They also share examples of how project teams handle AI ethics concerns—and how those concerns can impact companies’ regulatory compliance, reputation, risk management and even innovation. Key themes [03:34] Strategies to create—and implement—AI ethics practices on teams [07:02] How a team handled ethics concerns of biased data [11:44] Keeping your AI ethics policies flexible for the tech’s continued advancement [14:01] AI ethics concerns project professionals are facing today [15:47] How ethical AI impacts organizations’ regulatory compliance, innovation, risk management and even social responsibility [18:20] Meta’s good practices for using or creating ethical AI [22:57] What AI ethics training should include—and how often it should be updated…

Projectified

1
The Power to Defuse: Tips for Conflict Resolution on Project Teams 32:00

43 weeks ago32:00

32:00

Conflict can occur on any project. And project professionals should know how to defuse it. Guests share tips for resolving conflicts on projects, how these strategies shift depending on the source, the must-have skills for effective conflict resolution and how project professionals can strengthen their conflict resolution capabilities. Key themes [01:06] Why conflict management is a must for successful project delivery [04:43] Strategies to manage—and resolve—conflicts resolution on projects [12:39] Why you should change up your strategies depending on who is in conflict [15:55] Ways project professionals can boost their conflict resolution skills [21:51] Resolving a conflict with active listening, increased transparency and consistent communication [27:55] Conflict management strategies for in-person vs. remote team members [29:54] Lessons learned: Understand different perspectives and listen with empathy…

Projectified

1
Learning from Mistakes: How Project Professionals Grow from Failure 33:17

45 weeks ago33:17

33:17

Mistakes happen. It’s how you respond that really matters. In a group discussion, three project professionals share how they turned failure into lessons learned and career maturity. How do you help team members overcome mistakes? And how can project leaders create a culture that accepts mistakes—and spins them into opportunities for greater efficiency and innovation? Key themes [01:58] What is failure—and how has your view of it changed throughout your career? [07:31] Project professionals share their mistakes—and the biggest lessons learned from them [17:29] How failure can fuel innovation and efficiency [22:06] Ways to create a team culture that accepts mistakes with accountability [31:08] Tips on how to bounce back—and grow—from failure…

Projectified

1
Seeding Sustainability: Agriculture Innovations to Feed Future Generations 25:19

47 weeks ago25:19