How to Sink an AI Project: Proven methodologies to Awesomely Fail

In this thought-provoking and engaging session, attendees will explore the often-overlooked pitfalls that derail AI initiatives before they even get off the ground. Rather than focusing on best practices, this talk flips the script by examining the worst practices — the ones that organizations repeatedly fall victim to, despite mounting experience and investment.

We’ll take a deep dive into the “digital culture trap,” where enthusiasm for innovation outpaces the cultural readiness and operational maturity needed for meaningful AI adoption. You'll also be introduced to the “Three Digital Not-Needed Skills” — common mindsets and habits that masquerade as digital competence but actually hinder progress.

This session will dissect why so many AI projects fail to scale, stall in pilot phases, or generate little value — and why companies continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.