The AI Investment Dilemma: From Hype to Enduring Value

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

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The Gap Between AI Hype and Real Business Value

AI is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a board-level priority. But for most organizations, the gap between early experimentation and lasting value is still wide.

Technology leaders are under pressure to show fast results while building systems that won’t break — or become obsolete — in a year. The challenge isn’t just choosing the right tools. It’s designing AI as an evolving capability that scales, adapts and delivers measurable impact over time.

In this 45-minute panel, leaders from DEPT, PepsiCo and Growth Acceleration Partners share candid, real-world lessons from their AI journeys. You’ll hear what separates AI that demos well from AI that actually delivers value — and how to avoid the common traps that cause initiatives to stall.

This session is built for decision-makers who want practical guidance, not hype.

What You'll Learn

The AI Investment Reality

Why most organizations are still early — and what AI maturity actually looks like in practice.

Redefining ROI

How to measure AI success beyond cost savings — including impact on growth, adaptability and decision-making.

From Pilots to Production

What it really takes to scale AI — from governance to infrastructure to feedback loops.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Why AI projects fail — and why the root cause is usually not the technology.

AI vs. Automation

How to identify when AI is the right solution — and when a simpler automation will do.

Driving Adoption

Practical approaches to overcome resistance and build an AI-ready culture — without mandates.

Session Agenda

00:00 – 05:00

Introduction & The State of AI Today

Why AI feels "everywhere" — and why most companies are still behind.

05:00 – 15:00

The ROI Dilemma

Balancing short-term wins with long-term, scalable AI systems.

15:00 – 30:00

What Makes AI Work (or Fail)

Strategy, governance, change management and real-world lessons.

30:00 – 40:00

Adoption, Culture & Leadership

How to drive AI adoption without fear or mandates.

40:00 – 45:00

What's Next for AI Leaders

The mindset shift required to stay competitive in the next 2 years.

Who Should Watch

  • CTOs & CIOs
  • VPs of Engineering / Software Development
  • Chief Innovation Officers
  • Heads of Data, AI or Platform Engineering
  • Technology leaders responsible for AI strategy, governance or ROI

Meet the Panel

Bridget Fahrland

Bridget Fahrland

VP, Applied AI, DEPT

Fern Johnson

Fern Johnson

Former CTO & VP, Infrastructure & Operations, PepsiCo

Joyce Durst

Joyce Durst

CEO & Co-founder, Growth Acceleration Partners

Meet the Host

Jocelyn Sexton

Jocelyn Sexton

VP of Marketing, Growth Acceleration Partners

Watch the Webinar

Get practical frameworks, real-world insights and “no regrets” moves you can apply immediately.