AI That Scales: Mindset Before Machines

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This episode explores how organisations can advance AI capability by shifting from siloed, linear thinking to ecosystem thinking. Barbara Wittmann outlines why many AI initiatives fail, how mindset transformation enables responsible adoption and where real innovation begins inside an organisation. She explains the role of the middle, why data foundations matter and how ethical leadership can guide sustainable AI-driven change.

👉 Full Show Notes
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/783

🎙️ What you’ll learn

• How to identify AI use cases that align with real business strategy
• How mindset training supports sustainable AI transformation
• How to build cross departmental ecosystems that accelerate innovation
• How to move proofs of concept into production with stronger data baselines
• How to lead ethically during AI driven organisational change

✅ Highlights

• “What in the world are we doing with AI?”
• “Everyone is stuck on really making it work.”
• “We go in with a workshop called Mindset Before Machines.”
• “People want to fix their pressing issues without going to the root cause.”
• “We need to start thinking in constant innovation cycles.”
• “You cannot delegate complexity anymore.”
• “Technology is part of your DNA, not a side piece.”
• “AI implementation is essentially a very human problem.”
• “Values are grounding to us.”
• “Ethical transformation calls for wisdom in leadership.”
• “You have to understand the problem before you move to the next step.”
• “It is the miracle drug, the snake oil in the pioneer days.”

🧰 Mentioned

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarawittmann/
• Digital Wisdom Collective: https://www.digitalwisdomcollective.com/mindset-before-machines
• Substack: https://digitalwisdomcollective.substack.com/
• Company Website: https://www.digitalwisdomcollective.com/

✅Keywords
ai adoption, leadership, organisational change, ecosystems, mindset, data quality, innovation, proofs of concept, ethical transformation, productivity, strategy, silos

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith