Episode Player

The AI ROI Problem Is Rarely the Model

The Digital Transformation Playbook

Chapters
0:00
Why AI ROI Often Disappoints
3:07
Where Value Leaks In Practice
5:22
The Adequacy Threshold Explained
7:18
Workflow Examples That Stall Returns
9:23
When The Model Is The Constraint
10:32
The Agent Trap And Hidden Risk
12:06
Leader Checklist For Capturing Value
14:34
Closing And Where To Read More
The Digital Transformation Playbook
The AI ROI Problem Is Rarely the Model
Jul 30, 2026
Kieran Gilmurray

AI programmes often fail to deliver financial returns even when the underlying models perform well. The real constraint frequently lies in the organisation’s ability to convert technical capability into measurable business value.

This episode explores how workflows, decision rights, data, governance and incentives determine AI ROI.

TLDR / At a Glance

• The AI Adequacy Threshold
 • Models as operational components
 • Workflow and decision bottlenecks
 • Data access and integration
 • Governance as value infrastructure
 • Agentic AI operating requirements

Leaders should diagnose the binding constraint, redesign the operating model and define how efficiency gains will translate into revenue, cost, quality or capacity.

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