In this episode of AI Readiness, Andy Davis is joined by James Garner, Head of AI & Data at Gleeds, to explore why so many AI rollouts underdeliver—and what to do about it.

James pulls no punches as he shares real-world lessons from organisations misfiring with tools like Microsoft Copilot. From wasted licences to cultural resistance, he explains why the problem isn’t the tech—it’s how we introduce it.

They discuss the critical role of mindset, literacy, and trust in driving adoption, and why most AI strategies fail before they start. You’ll hear why use cases aren’t the real starting point, and how simply asking “can AI do this for me?” can unlock powerful change.

💡 If your team has AI tools but no traction—this one’s for you.

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In this episode, Andy Davis chats with Ako Sabir, a seasoned data and transformation leader in the insurance sector, about what really holds organisations back from embedding AI at scale.

Ako unpacks why technical challenges are rarely the true blockers, and why structural complexity, poor early decisions, and cultural resistance often derail even the best-intentioned AI strategies. From avoiding "proof-of-concept purgatory" to building governance that enables rather than polices, this conversation is packed with real-world experience.

You’ll hear practical advice on how to balance value delivery with foundational maturity — and why successful AI isn’t about tools, but about mindset, trust, and timing.

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Join Thor, Director of Field Engineering at Databricks, and Dan from Primus as they dive into the exciting future of artificial intelligence. In this episode, we unpack what it takes for organisations to get AI-ready, from mastering data governance to promoting ethical AI. With real-world examples, Thor explains how AI can transform businesses, empower teams, and address challenges like bias and accessibility. Whether you're curious about the latest innovations or looking to prepare for the next wave of AI, join us for our latest episode of The Databricks Diaries.

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