The AI Workforce for Higher Ed is Here |

Talk to a Bolt Agent
EP
92
August 26, 2025
Episode 92: 95% AI pilots fail?, Process is the real AI killer, Buying wins 2x over building, Enter the forward deployed engineer

95% AI pilots fail?, Process is the real AI killer, Buying wins 2x over building, Enter the forward deployed engineer

Or listen on:

About the Episode

About The Episode:

In this episode of Generation AI, hosts Ardis Kadiu and JC Bonilla examine the widely misinterpreted MIT report claiming "95% of GenAI pilots fail," exploring why this headline misses the real story. While individual employees are finding significant value with AI tools (90% use personal AI regularly), organizations struggle to capture this value at the enterprise level—not because the technology doesn't work, but due to change management, leadership alignment, and implementation challenges. Through Element451's own QBR automation struggles, the hosts illustrate how the gap between impressive demos and measurable business impact stems from organizational readiness, not technological limitations. They discuss why vendor solutions succeed at twice the rate of internal builds (67% vs 33%), introduce Forward Deployed Engineers as the bridge between technology and business context, and explain why back office automation delivers higher ROI than marketing despite budget allocation. This conversation provides practical guidance for higher education leaders on moving from shadow AI productivity gains to true enterprise transformation, emphasizing that the challenge isn't whether AI works—it's how organizations need to evolve to capture its value.

Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Ardis Kadiu

https://twitter.com/ardis

Dr. JC Bonilla

https://twitter.com/jbonillx

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Generation AI is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

People in this episode

Host

Ardis Kadiu is the Founder and CEO of Element451 and hosts GenerationAI.

Dr. JeanCarlo (J.C.) Bonilla is an executive leader in educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Interviewee

No items found.

Other episodes

Episode #314: Why Faculty Are Your Secret Marketing WeaponPlay Button
Episode #314: Why Faculty Are Your Secret Marketing Weapon

Dustin sits down with Brian Hartnack, Founder and CEO of Archer Education, for a rich conversation about the evolution of digital marketing and enrollment management in higher ed.

Episode 1: How AI Will Redefine Higher Ed in 2026Play Button
Episode 1: How AI Will Redefine Higher Ed in 2026

JC Bonilla sits down with Dr. Paul Russo, Vice Provost and Founding Dean of the Katz School of Science and Health at Yeshiva University.

Ep. 81: Self-Awareness And Handling Failure As A Young ProfessionalPlay Button
Ep. 81: Self-Awareness And Handling Failure As A Young Professional

Jeremy Tiers chats with Conrad Hawley, a 23 year-old former dual-sport college athlete turned motivational speaker.

Episode 88: Student Fans: Using Taylor Swift's Playbook for Higher Ed SuccessPlay Button
Episode 88: Student Fans: Using Taylor Swift's Playbook for Higher Ed Success

Allison is joined by Jenny Petty and Kerri Shook to discuss rethinking student recruitment and retention by building a fan base.

Episode 101: AI Won’t Save Higher Ed, Leadership WillPlay Button
Episode 101: AI Won’t Save Higher Ed, Leadership Will

Mallory Willsea sits down with Dr. Claire Brady, President of Glass Half-Full Consulting and author of the upcoming book AI with Intention: The Leadership Guide for Higher Education.

Weekly ideas that make you smarter

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe
cancel

Search podcasts, blog posts, people