Why 70% of Your AI Budget Is Being Wasted on the Wrong Thing ft. Ex-Google (Fitbit) Executive
Why 70% of Your AI Budget Is Being Wasted on the Wrong Thing ft. Ex-Google (Fitbit) Executive  
Podcast: 10X AI with Julius Neil
Published On: Wed Mar 25 2026
Description: SummaryJaison Williams has led talent strategy at Accenture, Google (Fitbit), Pfizer, American Express, Expedia, and Warner Brothers Discovery. He's watched every major tech wave hit organisations — and he says AI is fundamentally different. The skill gap is individual, invisible, and already splitting teams.In this conversation, Jason Williams discusses the transformative impact of AI on talent strategy and organizational development. He emphasizes the urgency for organizations to adopt AI technologies to remain competitive, while also highlighting the importance of focusing on people and culture in the implementation process. Williams addresses the challenges of AI adoption, including the need for leadership to adapt and the potential for AI to amplify existing inequalities. He also explores the future of work, the evolving role of managers, and the necessity for organizations to nurture creativity in an AI-driven landscape.TakeawaysAI represents a fundamental shift in technology adoption compared to previous waves.Organizations are racing to adopt AI to avoid being left behind.The majority of investment in AI should focus on people and culture, not just technology.Leadership alignment is crucial for successful AI implementation.AI adoption is as much a cultural challenge as it is a technological one.Delayed adopters may have an advantage by focusing on specific use cases.High-performance teams and future-ready workforces require different strategies.The future of work will see increased internal mobility and gig roles.Performance management will need to evolve in an AI context.Creativity and human understanding will remain irreplaceable in the age of AI. sound bites"Don't be scared of AI.""AI will amplify inequality.""Humans understand humans the best."Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI and Talent Strategy01:58 The Unique Nature of AI Adoption04:41 The Urgency of AI Implementation05:55 Beyond Financial Constraints in AI Adoption08:18 Navigating Fear and Talent Strategy in AI11:06 Cultural Challenges in AI Adoption12:39 Opportunities for Late Adopters14:32 High Performance vs. Future Ready Workforce18:04 The Future of Work in an AI-Driven World20:09 The Evolving Role of Management22:26 Performance Management in the Age of AI26:56 Accountability and Ownership with AI29:49 Trust Issues in AI Adoption31:31 Essential Leadership Qualities in AI Organizations32:53 The Importance of Community and Values in Leadership34:00 AI's Role in Diversity and Inclusion36:16 Designing for Inclusion in AI38:46 AI as a Creative Amplifier: Threat or Opportunity?43:09 The Future of AI in Entertainment45:43 Leading Through the AI Era46:33 Rapid Fire: Personal Insights on AI