In this episode of The Consultant’s Way Podcast, hosts Dean McMann and Anthony Paluska unpack the gap between AI headlines and what leaders actually see on the ground. They explore why breathless claims often come from those selling the tools, and why smart operators are pressing for proof that shows up in real outcomes rather than momentum metrics.

The conversation moves past hype to what creates value: aim narrow, define the job to be done, and measure in business terms. The hosts draw a useful parallel between technology and talent, arguing that purpose built tools and role specific skill building tend to outperform general platforms and generic training. One memorable example involves a niche AI system that impressed not because it did everything, but because it did one thing exceptionally well.

They also tackle the uncomfortable side of ROI. If a project does not grow revenue, the savings have to come from somewhere, which is one reason many pilots stall before they touch the operating model. The challenge to leaders is simple and demanding: define the problem in plain language, choose the smallest meaningful use case, and set acceptance criteria you would defend in a boardroom.

If you are navigating pressure to “do something with AI” while your dashboard still looks stubbornly normal, this episode offers a practical lens and sharper questions to ask before you scale. The hosts keep it candid, skeptical in the right places, and focused on moves that translate to measurable value. Tune in to hear where they believe proof should come from next and how to align tools, teams, and metrics without pausing the business.