AI Masterclass 2

AI Masterclass 2 brought together a panel of experts from MAPSYS, AI Rising, and IBM to help organizations demystify AI implementation and strategy. Featuring DJ Singley, Chief Technologist & Enterprise Architect at MAPSYS; Dan Greenleaf, CEO of AI Rising; and Alex McDowell and Andrew Bauer, both AI specialists at IBM, the session focused on identifying key opportunities, avoiding pitfalls, and creating real business value with AI.

Where Organizations Are in Their AI Journey

The panel opened with a discussion around survey data gathered from 16 business and technical decision-makers. While the sample size is small, DJ Singley and the panel agreed this data reflects what they are seeing across industries: many companies are still at the beginning stages.

Dan Greenleaf emphasized that while many organizations are playing with tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, those looking to use AI for core business needs—like personalized retail or predictive energy usage—are poised to become market leaders. He warned that "five years ago was the best time to start; today is the second-best."

Understanding AI Is Still a Challenge

The survey "What are you most curious about regarding AI?" also revealed that many are focused on foundational questions such as how to get started, the key benefits of AI, and whether AI can drive meaningful innovation. Dan noted that despite frequent conference attendance, many professionals still lack a true understanding of what AI can and cannot do.

Andrew Bauer emphasized that AI is as much a data challenge as it is a technology challenge. Success hinges on knowing how to align your data with viable use cases. Businesses must also take a platform-based approach, rather than relying solely on fragmented, point-specific tools.

Custom vs. Packaged AI Solutions

A recurring theme throughout the session was the importance of building custom AI solutions as a competitive differentiator. Alex McDowell pointed out that custom AI is no longer slow or expensive to build: "Now you're getting low spend, big return." Prepackaged AI may help companies keep up with peers, but it doesn't deliver a unique edge. DJ echoed this with a real-world example of a company mistakenly believing it was ahead in AI simply because their IT department pointed out existing tools with built-in AI features.

Best Practices and Quick Wins

The panel outlined key strategies for getting started with AI:

• Begin with a design thinking session to explore use cases and assess ROI potential.
• Pilot quickly with low-code/no-code tools like IBM WatsonX Orchestrate.
• Avoid high-risk applications like use-of-force decisions or critical benefits systems early on.

They also stressed the importance of internal alignment. Dan advised organizations to form a committee of cross-functional AI advocates to build momentum and scale efforts.

Final Thoughts: Business Value First

Alex McDowell summed up the core takeaway best: "Business value is all that matters. We're not here to just do cool things." DJ Singley reinforced this, explaining that their engagement strategy starts with ROI calculations before moving into proof of concept.

Whether you’re still exploring or ready to build, AI isn’t just a trend. It’s a fundamental shift. And as Dan warned, those who wait too long may soon find themselves left behind.

Watch the full replay of AI Masterclass Part 2 here, and check out AI Masterclass Part 1 and Part 3 using the links below!

AI Masterclass Part 1: Replay | Blog

AI Masterclass Part 3: Replay | Blog