Artificial intelligence is no longer just a headline, it’s a business reality. For many organizations, the question isn’t if they should adopt AI, but how to do it in a way that creates real value without unnecessary risk.
That was the focus of the September 2nd i4Series event, where business leaders, innovators, and community members gathered to dig into the practical side of adopting AI.
As facilitator, I witnessed conversations that went far beyond the hype. Our panelists and moderator shared insights rooted in experience, and their perspectives highlighted both the promise and the pitfalls of this technology. Here are the key themes that stood out.
Start with the “Why”
Too many companies jump into AI because it’s the trend of the moment. The panelists made it clear: you need a purpose. Are you automating repetitive tasks? Supporting complex decision-making? Capturing institutional knowledge? Without a defined business problem, AI initiatives struggle to deliver meaningful results.
“The sooner you turn on the AI engine, the sooner you’re going to start tapping into the full potential of your teams,” said Brendan Lopes, Founder & CEO of Multipli Tech, encouraging leaders to take a thoughtful but proactive approach.
Data is the Foundation
No matter how advanced the algorithm, AI depends on high-quality data. Businesses must identify their data sources, digitize workflows, and ensure information is clean and structured. An “AI-first” mindset treats data not as a byproduct of operations but as a core product that fuels innovation.
Dan Harmeson, Director of Operations at Worthwhile, put it this way, “AI should be seen as a partner in our work, helping us to streamline processes and focus on the creative aspects of our roles.”
Strategy Over Shortcuts
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to implementation. Some businesses will buy off-the-shelf solutions, others will develop custom models, and many will embed AI into existing platforms. The right decision depends on your strategy, resources, and goals, not on what’s trending in the headlines.
Our moderator Doug Kim, founder of the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm, reminded attendees to rethink the terminology itself: “Think of this technology as ‘augmented intelligence,’ not artificial intelligence. Properly implemented, it can improve productivity, operations, client service and ultimately company value by orders of magnitude. It’s a tool for augmentation and not a substitute.”
Legal and Security Risks Are Real
The panel also spotlighted the risks of rushing into AI adoption. Many platforms now use customer data to train their systems unless you opt out. Issues like data privacy, hallucinations, prompt injections, and IP ownership carry serious consequences.
Recent case studies drive this point home:
- Air Canada was held accountable after its AI-powered chatbot gave false information to a customer, illustrating how “hallucinations” can create costly legal liabilities.
- Intellectual property disputes have already emerged when AI blurred the lines of ownership between human-created and machine-assisted work.
“Embracing AI is not just about innovation; it’s about managing the risks that come with it to ensure we protect our data and our clients,” said Steven Drew, Chief Risk and Security Officer with Palmetto Technology Group (PTG), underscoring the importance of building safeguards early.
Balancing Speed with Responsibility
AI adoption can feel like a race, but moving too quickly can lead to tech debt, security vulnerabilities, and loss of trust. Responsible adoption means balancing innovation with safeguards, making sure AI is deployed transparently and sustainably.
The Bigger Picture
The conversations at this event weren’t abstract. They were grounded in the real challenges and opportunities businesses face today. Attendees weren’t asking, “What can AI do someday?” They were asking, “How do we make it work for us now?”
That’s the value of i4Series: bringing people together to connect, learn, and act on the issues shaping business today.
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