In this episode of Business Pulse AI, I had the privilege of interviewing Kristi Perdue. She is the founder and CEO of Alter Bridge Strategies. She is also a certified Chief AI Officer. She authored Power Moves: The No BS Guide to Leading with AI. Kristi’s journey and expertise offer a candid and practical look. They sometimes provide a provocative insight into what it really takes to make AI work for business leaders today.
Key Themes and Takeaways
- AI as a Business Revolution
Kristi is clear: AI isn’t just another tool. It’s a revolution that fuses the best of past innovations. These innovations form a new way of doing business. She compares the current AI wave to a blend of the Renaissance. It’s also like the industrial revolution and the digital age, all rolled into one. Companies that treat AI as a simple software upgrade are missing the point and risk being left behind. - Leadership Alignment and Strategy
One of the most common pitfalls Kristi sees is a lack of leadership alignment. Many organizations launch AI initiatives without a clear, top-down strategy. This results in “pilot purgatory.” In pilot purgatory, 75% of AI projects stall and only a tiny fraction reach full production. True transformation starts with leadership buy-in, a shared vision, and a roadmap that’s revisited as the technology evolves. - AI Implementation: Beyond the Hype
Kristi warns against the “throw it over the wall to IT” mentality. AI requires a reevaluation of business processes, robust governance, and ongoing training. Simply letting employees experiment with generative AI tools isn’t enough. Organizations need clear policies. They need strategic use cases and a willingness to rethink how work gets done. - The Evolving Role of the Chief AI Officer
The Chief AI Officer (CAIO) is emerging as a critical role. This role is less about deep technical expertise. It focuses more on orchestration, strategy, and cross-functional leadership. Kristi describes the CAIO as the “growth engine” for organizations. It is responsible for weaving AI into every aspect of business. The role keeps pace with a rapidly changing landscape. - Unlocking Productivity and Creativity
When used strategically, AI can unlock creative ideas, automate tedious tasks, and dramatically improve productivity. Kristi shares real-world examples, such as building custom AI agents to simulate board feedback or streamline multi-step business processes. The key is to start with a business problem. Do not start with the technology. Keep humans in the loop for oversight and guidance. - Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The AI landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. Kristi emphasizes the need for continuous learning, community engagement, and adaptability. She highlights the importance of evaluating AI tools based on specific business needs. She also stresses staying informed about the latest advancements, especially as AI becomes more user-friendly and accessible. - AI in Healthcare and Beyond
Kristi is particularly excited about AI’s potential in healthcare. It ranges from accelerating drug discovery to improving patient care. She notes that the possibilities are vast. Organizations must be proactive in exploring how AI can drive innovation and efficiency in their sectors.
Memorable Sound Bites
“AI is a revolution, not just a tool.”
“You need a strategy for AI implementation.”
“75% of AI projects are stuck in pilot mode.”
“AI is changing fast and it’s overwhelming.”
“AI can unlock creative ideas.”
“AI needs human oversight to be effective.”
“The Chief AI Officer is a strategic role.”
“AI is a growth engine for organizations.”
“It’s beyond a full-time job right now.”
“It’s all about the possibilities.”
“You can create a video in seconds.”
“It’s a fascinating world.”
Chapters
- Introduction to AI in Business
- Kristi Perdue’s Journey with AI
- Building an AI Strategy
- Unlocking AI’s Potential for Productivity
- The Role of Leadership in AI Strategy
- Real-World AI Applications and Challenges
- Building Effective Teams for AI Implementation
- The Evolving Role of the Chief AI Officer
- Navigating the AI Landscape and Tools
- The Future of AI Agents in Business
- Exploring the Exciting Possibilities of AI
Watch the Highlights and Full Webcast
Below, you’ll find some extracts from this inspiring webcast.
For those who want the full experience, the entire webcast video is also available below.
https://riverside.fm/shared/exported-clip/ea48c7603919ccefd9ca
Personal Reflection and Thanks
Kristi’s approach to AI strategy is direct and people-first. This is a breath of fresh air in a field often clouded by hype and jargon. She shares both her personal journey and practical frameworks willingly. This makes the episode a must-watch for any leader serious about leveraging AI for real business impact.
A heartfelt thank you to Kristi Perdue for your candor, expertise, and vision. Your contribution made this episode both practical and inspiring.
What’s Next?
- Connect with MD Consulting to discover how we can help your business harness AI for strategy, productivity, and innovation.
- Explore my book. Check out the training. Try our new app featuring over 100 AI agents. All of these are designed to keep you ahead in the AI-powered business landscape.
- Watch video extracts below for highlights from this episode.
- Click below to access the full webcast video.
For more interviews, insights, and press coverage, visit my blog at davidmerzel.com.
Connect and Learn More
Remember to connect with me to get started today in your path to become the best version of yourselves!
Connect with MD Consulting for strategic guidance on AI adoption.
Check out my book, and explore the training programs. Try the new App featuring over 100 AI experts. It is designed to help you and your team stay ahead in the AI era.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out more interviews and press coverage on my blog. Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders at the forefront of digital transformation!
You can also go through AI adoption. Additionally, you can experiment with my Go-to-Market AI platform with 100+ specialized AI experts!. There is a free trial.
Engaging with You
As part of this journey, I also want to engage with you, my readers, by sharing portions of the book. Your feedback, comments, and suggestions will be invaluable in shaping the final product. I believe in the power of co-creation and would love to incorporate any specific concepts or ideas you have. Of course, I will give full credit to any contributions that make it into the book.
Join the Conversation
If you have any suggestions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. If you would like to discuss specific concepts, reach out thru personal messaging. I’m always happy to have a conversation and explore new ideas. Together, we can create something truly special. You can connect with me via email at mdconsulting@davidmerzel.com. I look ahead to further discussions!
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