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

Co-Founder of AI Idea Lab and Founder of Element451

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

Interviewee

No items found.

Other episodes

Ep. 54: A President's Playbook for Institutional AI Leadership in Higher EdPlay Button
Ep. 54: A President's Playbook for Institutional AI Leadership in Higher Ed

Brian Piper sits down with Dr. Rachelle Keck, President at Grand View University, to explore what institutional AI leadership in higher ed looks like from the president's office.

Pulse Check: The Value of Higher Ed: Spoiler Alert, It's More than ROI — Part 3Play Button
Pulse Check: The Value of Higher Ed: Spoiler Alert, It's More than ROI — Part 3

In Part 3 of this Pulse Check Series, host Michele Ehrhart is joined by Tom Addonoizio, Vice President for University Communications & Chief Marketing Officer, to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence in academia and the workforce. They discuss how AI acts as a productivity tool rather than a job replacement, highlighting the growing importance of human success skills like adaptability, collaboration, and critical interpretation.

Episode #346: Why Campus Design Still Matters in the Digital AgePlay Button
Episode #346: Why Campus Design Still Matters in the Digital Age

Dustin speaks with Martin Kimmel, President & Co-Founder of Kimmel Architecture, about how thoughtful campus design can strengthen institutional identity in an era of financial constraints and evolving student expectations.

Episode 104: How Kennesaw State Built a 40-Student Influencer Team on a Shoestring BudgetPlay Button
Episode 104: How Kennesaw State Built a 40-Student Influencer Team on a Shoestring Budget

Allison sits down with Cinnamon Dowd, Director of Enrollment Services Marketing & Communications, and Emily Williams, Social Media Specialist at Kennesaw State University, to explain how to tap into the most authentic channel on your campus: your own students.

Ep. 95: How To Drive Enrollment Through Authentic StorytellingPlay Button
Ep. 95: How To Drive Enrollment Through Authentic Storytelling

Jeremy has a conversation with Kelly Peiffer who shares insights on how colleges can leverage authentic storytelling to drive enrollment and build genuine connections with prospective students and their families.

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