One sign an organization isn’t actually ready for AI

Summary

Podcast Summary: "One sign an organization isn’t actually ready for AI"

Podcast: Voices of Search (I Hear Everything Podcast Network)
Host: Jordan Cooney
Guest: Steve Wonker, Managing Director at New Markets Advisors
Date: March 4, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode explores a crucial but often overlooked mistake organizations make when introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into their knowledge teams: focusing on the technology itself rather than fundamentally changing work systems and organizational thinking. The conversation zeros in on why AI rollouts stall and what leaders should prioritize to truly benefit from AI-driven transformation.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Core Mistake in AI Rollouts

• Thinking Technology-First, Not System-First
  • Steve asserts that many organizations err by centering their efforts on the tech, instead of seeing AI implementation as a catalyst for rethinking how the entire system works.
  • Quote:

    “They think about AI as technology and not changing the system of work. Put tech at the table, but look at it as the whole system...”
    — Steve Wonker [00:57]

2. Where Leaders Should Refocus

• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Objective-Driven Change
  • Steve recommends assembling cross-functional teams to diagnose where business objectives are currently falling short—before deciding how AI can add value.
  • The focus should be on large goals, such as improving customer offering customization or shortening proposal cycle times, instead of preoccupation with technical implementation details.
  • Quote:

    “Get people together, cross functionally and understand how are your business objectives being suboptimal now without AI. And how might AI improve that? ... That then gets you more right side up, thinking about what your objective is, not the nuts and bolts of technology...”
    — Steve Wonker [02:49]

3. Measurement, Team, and Organizational Structure

• Aligning Team Structure with Real Objectives
  • The episode underscores the importance of reviewing team and organizational design as part of AI readiness. It’s not just about slotting new tools into old workflows.
  • Leaders are urged to evaluate not only if AI can help, but how it should be embedded within teams and objectives, supported by clear measurement strategies.

---

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On the True Nature of AI Adoption:

  “They think about AI as technology and not changing the system of work...”
  — Steve Wonker [00:57]

• On Getting ‘Right Side Up’ in AI Initiatives:

  “That then gets you more right side up, thinking about what your objective is, not the nuts and bolts of technology and how that might be achieved.”
  — Steve Wonker [02:49]

• Host’s Closing Wisdom:

  “Remember, the answers are always in the data.”
  — Jordan Cooney [03:20]

---

Important Timestamps

• 00:42 — Episode introduction; asks about core leader mistakes in AI rollouts
• 00:57 — Steve articulates the root problem: focusing on tech over systems
• 02:37 — Discussion on organizational areas to focus for AI readiness
• 02:49 — Advice on cross-functional objectives and aligning business challenges with AI
• 03:20 — Host’s closing remark

---

Tone and Style

The conversation is pragmatic and insightful, offering listeners actionable ways to reassess their AI strategies. Steve’s advice is direct, prioritizing clarity—“think about the whole system”—while Jordan’s facilitation anchors the discussion in practical leadership concerns.

---

Overall Takeaway:
Organizations aren’t truly ready for AI when they treat it as a plug-in technology rather than a driver for systemic change. The real sign of readiness is a willingness to redesign work structures and objectives—with an unwavering focus on cross-functional collaboration and measurable business outcomes.

Transcript

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

The Voices of Search Podcast is a proud member of the I Hear Everything Podcast Network. Looking to launch or scale your podcast, I Hear Everything delivers podcast production, growth and monetization solutions that transform your words into profit. Ready to give your brand a voice? Then visit iheareverything.com welcome to the Voices of Search Podcast. A member of the I Hear Everything Podcast Network, ready to expedite your company's organic growth efforts. Sit back, relax and get ready for your daily dose of search engine optimization wisdom. Here's today's host of the Voices of Search Podcast, Jordan Cooney.

[Jordan Cooney]

I'm Jordan Cooney and joining me today is Steve Wonker, Managing Director at New Markets Advisors. What's the biggest mistake leaders make when rolling out AI to their knowledge teams?

[Steve Wonker]

They think about AI as technology and not changing the system of work. Put tech at the table, but look at it as the whole system you

[Sponsor Narrator]

need to change Time for a one minute break to hear from our sponsor, Pre Visible. So you're looking for SEO help and you got a couple of options. You could start replying to spam from agencies that claim they can get you to rank number one on Google. You could pay an hourly rate for a consultant who will inevitably nickel and dime you with hourly charges. Or you can work with a cookie cutter agency to quickly launch a strategy less project with low success rates. None of those sound very good now do they? Well, that's where Pre Visible's integrated consulting model comes in. Pre Visible draws From a collective 40 years of SEO and digital marketing experience to unlock your organic growth opportunities. They build custom solutions that combine strategy, technical expertise, content and reporting to effectively operationalize SEO for your business. Pre Physical's four stage approach ensures that your SEO programs thrive through by starting off with a strategy first approach. Then they support you in your efforts to create quality content, help you identify technical issues, and most importantly, they'll work with your cross functional teams to integrate your SEO strategies to make sure that your SEO budget actually drives results, not just your agency's bottom line. So join brands like Yelp, eBay, Canva, Atlassian Square, all who rely on the SEO consultants at Pre Visible. For more information go to Previsible IO. That's Pre Visible. P R E V I S I B L E I O.

[Jordan Cooney]

Absolutely. And on that system, just give us a little bit more clarity as to what those areas of focus should be in terms of team structure, organizational structure, measurement for example.

[Steve Wonker]

Right. So get people together, cross functionally and understand how are your business objectives being suboptimal now without AI. And how might AI improve that? Whether it's customization of an offering or the cycle time you take in making a proposal to a customer, for instance, how is AI changing that? That then gets you more right side up, thinking about what your objective is, not the nuts and bolts of technology and how that might be achieved.

[Jordan Cooney]

Okay, that's all for today, but until next time, remember, the answers are always in the data.