5 Proven Ways to Make Your AI Projects Succeed
▼ Summary
– 63% of organizations lack confidence in their data management practices for AI, leading Gartner to predict 60% will abandon AI projects by 2026.
– Virgin Atlantic’s Richard Masters emphasizes using AI to enhance customer experiences, such as predicting flight loads and analyzing operational data.
– Exposing employees to AI tools like ChatGPT has expanded accessibility, enabling non-analytical teams to explore AI’s potential for data reinterpretation and productivity gains.
– Virgin Atlantic uses a unified Databricks platform to streamline data analysis, answering key business questions and improving decision-making with predictive models.
– Masters advises focusing on business needs over technology tinkering, fostering curiosity to prioritize impactful AI initiatives and reduce operational noise.
Nearly two-thirds of companies struggle with data management for AI initiatives, leading many projects to fail before delivering results. Industry research indicates over half of organizations will scrap their AI efforts by 2026 due to poor implementation strategies. However, forward-thinking leaders like Richard Masters, Virgin Atlantic’s VP of Data and AI, demonstrate how businesses can turn these challenges into opportunities.
At a recent industry event, Masters outlined how his team leverages AI to enhance customer experiences while driving operational efficiency. “Our goal is simple, use technology to make every flight exceptional,” he explained. His approach offers five actionable strategies for businesses aiming to succeed with AI.
1. Democratize AI Access Across Teams
Virgin Atlantic now actively introduces AI tools across departments, from chatbots that simplify data queries to predictive models accessible via their internal platform. “Exposing teams to these tools sparks innovation in unexpected areas,” Masters said.
2. Focus on High-Impact Business Questions
Their Databricks-powered platform consolidates data from surveys, flight logs, and customer feedback, enabling rapid analysis. “Instead of scrambling for data, we answer real-time questions, like how delays affect connecting passengers, without lengthy approvals,” he explained.
3. Streamline AI Adoption with Cross-Functional Governance
This structured approach ensures resources go to projects that support broader goals, like improving customer journeys. Senior leaders then weigh in on prioritization, keeping efforts aligned with business strategy.
4. Unify Data to Unlock Agility
This granular visibility, from individual flights to network-wide trends, helps teams act faster. “Rolling up data in any dimension is revolutionary for responsiveness,” he added.
5. Cultivate Curiosity Over Technical Tweaks
“Curiosity is the new competitive edge,” he emphasized. By encouraging teams to explore how AI solves real problems, not just build better databases, companies can cut through noise and drive meaningful innovation.
For businesses navigating AI’s complexities, Masters’ blueprint proves success hinges on alignment, agility, and a relentless focus on value. The key isn’t just adopting AI, it’s embedding it thoughtfully across people, processes, and platforms.
(Source: zdnet)
