{"id":173906,"date":"2026-04-27T23:20:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T04:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etechgs.com\/?post_type=podcast&#038;p=173906"},"modified":"2026-05-11T05:51:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T05:51:25","slug":"why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong","status":"publish","type":"podcast","link":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Most AI Initiatives Fail &#038; What Leaders Get Wrong"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"listen\" class=\"cta-strip\">\n<div class=\"section-inner\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In today\u2019s fast-changing world, many organizations are trying to adopt AI and improve customer experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But often, the challenge\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0the technology itself\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0how people, processes, and systems come together to make it work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this episode of the\u00a0Etech\u00a0Leadership &amp; CX Podcast,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Melissa Wood<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0sits down with\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Melissa M. Reeve<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, Founder of\u00a0HyperadaptiveSolutions\u00a0and author of\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hyperadaptive<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, to explore what it really takes to become AI-ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From learning models to organizational design, this conversation highlights how businesses can adapt, evolve, and move forward with clarity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">About the Episode<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why do so many AI initiatives struggle to deliver results?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Is it the technology? The tools? The investment?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to Melissa, the answer goes deeper.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0real challenge\u00a0lies in how organizations are structured and how people learn and adapt to change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this conversation, Melissa shares how companies can rethink the way they\u00a0operate\u00a0by building better support systems for learning, collaboration, and decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">She explains why simply introducing AI tools\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0enough, how organizations can create continuous learning environments, and why shared knowledge plays a critical role in success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through practical examples, this episode explores how leaders can move step by step not all at once to build stronger, more adaptable organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Right Way to Use AI | From Strategy to Execution | Etech Leadership &amp; CX Podcast\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F4wcjuDlGlU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"section-inner\">\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This Episode Answers the Following Questions and More<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why do many AI initiatives\u00a0fail to\u00a0deliver expected results?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What role do people and structure play in AI adoption?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How can organizations build continuous learning systems?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Why is \u201csocial learning\u201d important in an AI-driven world?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How can leaders support teams through rapid change?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Top Takeaways<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI Success Starts with People:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Technology alone\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0the solution,\u00a0how teams learn, adapt, and collaborate makes the real difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learning Must Be Continuous:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">AI is constantly evolving, and organizations need systems that support ongoing learning,\u00a0not just one-time training.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Structure Drives Outcomes:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clear processes and support systems help organizations turn ideas into\u00a0real results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Balance Speed with Thoughtfulness:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Moving too fast without the right foundation can slow progress\u00a0in the long run.<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Adaptation Happens Step by Step:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustainable change\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0happen\u00a0overnight\u00a0,it happens through small, consistent improvements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Quotes from the Episode<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cMost leaders think they have an AI problem,\u00a0but it\u2019s really a people and structure problem.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAI learning is social\u00a0learning,\u00a0we\u00a0learn it from each other.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cYou can\u2019t expect modern results with outdated ways of working.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cSometimes you need to slow down first in order to move faster.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet the Leaders<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/melissamreeve\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Melissa M. Reeve<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 Founder,\u00a0HyperadaptiveSolutions\u00a0| Author,\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hyperadaptive<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/in\/melissawoodetech\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Melissa Wood<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Dean of Global Leadership Development,\u00a0Etech\u00a0Global Services<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Watch Now: Build an Organization That Can Adapt and Grow<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Discover how leading organizations are preparing for the future by focusing on people, learning, and structure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gain practical insights on how to support teams, improve collaboration, and adopt AI in a more effective way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u25b6\ufe0f Watch the full episode<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"listen\" class=\"cta-strip\">\n<div class=\"section-inner\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\" data-contrast=\"auto\">\ud83d\udce2 Stay updated with more conversations on leadership, AI, and customer experience \u2014 <strong>Subscribe to the\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4fQJ0rb\"><i>Etech Leadership &amp; CX<\/i><\/a> Podcast.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today\u2019s fast-changing world, many organizations are trying to adopt AI and improve customer experience. But often, the challenge\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0the technology [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":175815,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"episode_type":"audio","audio_file":"https:\/\/cdn.etechgs.com\/newetech2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Final-Audio-2-1.mp3","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"https:\/\/cdn.etechgs.com\/newetech2023\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Melissa-Wood-Melissa-Reeve-Podcast.jpg","cover_image_id":"173909","duration":"00:29:49","filesize":"13.65M","filesize_raw":"14312194","date_recorded":"2026-04-28 09:48:24","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"1","itunes_episode_type":"full"},"tags":[77,56,37,27,78,38,25,79,57,80,62,81,82,83,40,52,53,84,31,58,44,45,46,54,47,55,42,29,85],"series":[24],"resource_topics":[94,89],"resource_industries":[95,102],"class_list":["post-173906","podcast","type-podcast","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-ai-in-contact-centers","tag-artificial-intelligence","tag-business","tag-contact-center","tag-contact-center-quality","tag-customer","tag-customer-experience","tag-customer-experience-strategy","tag-customer-support","tag-cx-accountability","tag-cx-leadership","tag-cx-metrics","tag-cx-quality","tag-cx-transformation-etech-leadership-cx-podcast","tag-cxleadership","tag-emotional-intelligence","tag-employee-experience","tag-employee-experience-contact-center-leadership","tag-etech","tag-etech-leadership-cx-podcast","tag-etechpodcast","tag-future-of-ai-in-contact-centers","tag-futureofcx","tag-futureofwork","tag-humanandai","tag-humancenteredai","tag-leadershipdevelopment","tag-podcast","tag-quality-assurance","series-leadership-and-cx-podcast","resource_topic-compliance","resource_topic-customer-experience","resource_industry-cross-industry","resource_industry-financial"],"acf":[],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Podcast-1.jpg","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jim-and-Bill-Podcast_Podcast_.jpg","download_link":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast-download\/173906\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong","player_link":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast-player\/173906\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong","audio_player":"<a class=\"wp-embedded-audio\" href=\"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast-player\/173906\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong\">https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast-player\/173906\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong<\/a>","episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"stitcher":{"key":"stitcher","url":"","label":"Stitcher","class":"stitcher","icon":"stitcher.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/feed\/podcast\/leadership-and-cx-podcast","embedCode":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"9Nb72MkT41\"><a href=\"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong\/\">Why Most AI Initiatives Fail &#038; What Leaders Get Wrong<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/podcast\/why-most-ai-initiatives-fail-what-leaders-get-wrong\/embed\/#?secret=9Nb72MkT41\" width=\"500\" height=\"350\" title=\"&#8220;Why Most AI Initiatives Fail &#038; What Leaders Get Wrong&#8221; &#8212; Etech Global Services LLC\" data-secret=\"9Nb72MkT41\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n\/* <![CDATA[ *\/\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n\/* ]]> *\/\n<\/script>\n"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcast\/173906","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcast"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/podcast"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=173906"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/175815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173906"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=173906"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=173906"},{"taxonomy":"resource_topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_topics?post=173906"},{"taxonomy":"resource_industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.etslabs.ai\/etech26\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_industries?post=173906"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}