Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and How Sheera Eby Ensures Success

The Crucial Shift in AI Adoption: Why Most Companies Get It Wrong

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), organizations are eager to integrate the latest technology into their operations. However, the stark reality is that 95% of AI pilots fail to deliver measurable business impact, according to a recent report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This failure is not due to flawed technology, but rather the lack of organizational readiness, insufficient training, and undefined processes.

Having worked across a variety of industries, from Fortune 500s to EdTech and global nonprofits, Sheera Eby, a seasoned marketing leader and AI transformation consultant, has been instrumental in leading organizations through moments of transformation. Whether navigating telecom deregulation or modernizing marketing organizations, her work has always focused on more than just deploying new tools, it's about creating systems that are primed for success.

Marketing Leader & AI Transformation Consultant

Sheera Eby’s journey began in the world of marketing, where her success was driven by a combination of data-driven strategy, behavioral insights, and a relentless pursuit of optimization. Over the past 20 years, she has scaled agencies, optimized marketing funnels, and helped companies grow through smart automation. Recently, Eby has shifted her focus to something that many companies are racing to fully embrace: artificial intelligence.

“I’ve seen firsthand how powerful AI can be, but it’s clear to me that many organizations treat AI as just another tool to plug into their existing systems,” Eby says. “That’s where they go wrong. AI is a system itself, it requires new ways of thinking, training, and processes to truly be effective.”

Her work in AI transformation revolves around ensuring that AI adoption is not a siloed project but a system. This means looking at people and processes in addition to data and governance, and reengineering how things are done to make AI work in a meaningful way.

A Bold Approach to AI Transformation

One of Eby’s major breakthroughs in AI adoption came when she reengineered a campaign asset and content process, reducing 40% of the steps involved. This change led to a significant increase in productivity and output for the team, showcasing how minor shifts in process can have a massive impact on results. For Eby, this is just the beginning.

“AI isn’t just about automating tasks,” she explains. “It’s about creating a framework that enables transformation across the entire organization. When you reimagine your processes, people are empowered to work more effectively, and AI can unlock its true potential.”

In addition to process optimization, Eby emphasizes the importance of training and governance in AI adoption. She points to the MIT report, which notes that a lack of organizational readiness and insufficient skill sets are major barriers to AI success. This is why she believes it’s essential to not just implement AI, but also to build the systems and structures that ensure it becomes a powerful asset.

Proven Success Across Industries

Eby’s ability to successfully integrate AI within complex organizations is a testament to her deep understanding of both the technical and human aspects of transformation. Her work spans across multiple sectors, including SaaS, EdTech and financial services, where she has consistently driven measurable results.

But it’s not just about numbers for Eby. She’s passionate about mentorship and believes in developing teams that are equipped to lead AI transformations from within. She’s frequently sharing her insights on LinkedIn, writing about the intersection of AI, marketing, and digital transformation, with a particular focus on how companies can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to AI failure.

What Sets Sheera Eby Apart

What makes Sheera Eby stand out from others in the AI consulting space is her holistic approach to AI adoption. While many focus solely on the technology itself, Eby ensures that AI is viewed as part of a transformation strategy with change management practices. This systems-based thinking makes her approach unique.

“I don’t see AI as a simple tool, it’s a way of reimagining how we work,” she explains. “For AI to be successful, organizations need to look at their entire ecosystem: people, processes, data, and technology all need to be aligned for true transformation to happen.”

Eby’s success has also been shaped by her broad experience across industries. From helping Fortune 500 companies modernize their marketing strategies to driving innovation at global nonprofits, her ability to adapt to different business models and scales is what allows her to deliver consistent results.

The Future of AI and Marketing

Looking ahead, Eby is excited about the future of AI in marketing and business. As AI technology continues to advance, she believes that the organizations that thrive will be those that understand how to leverage AI in a way that transforms their entire approach to business.

“I’m seeing some incredibly exciting trends in AI adoption, but there’s still a long way to go,” she says. “Companies need to stop thinking of AI as just a tool and start thinking of it as a key element in their organizational evolution.”

Eby’s work will continue to focus on helping organizations navigate this transformation, ensuring that AI adoption isn’t just about technology, but about creating systems that allow businesses to scale, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly complex digital world.

Sheera Eby Honored with "Best Women in AI Innovation" Award in Chicagoland for 2025

Sheera Eby has been recognized as a leader in AI innovation with the prestigious Best Women in AI Innovation in Chicagoland award for 2025. This recognition highlights her exceptional ability to transform organizations through AI by integrating systems, people, and processes—setting her apart in an industry where most pilots fail. Eby's commitment to fostering organizational growth, optimizing workflows, and championing sustainable, people-first AI adoption has driven measurable success across multiple sectors.

Embracing AI for Organizational Growth

As organizations look toward the future, Eby encourages leaders to view AI not just as a tool, but as a powerful catalyst for organizational growth and transformation. By aligning their people, processes, data, and technology with a holistic approach to AI, companies can harness its true potential and drive meaningful, long-term results.

Ready to Transform Your Business with AI?

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? To learn more about how Sheera Eby can help your organization navigate the complexities of AI transformation, visit SheeraEby.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. Don’t let your AI adoption be part of the 95% that fail—take action today to build a system that will drive real results tomorrow.