Getting Your Data AI-Ready

The Guest

Ben Etherington, co-founder and CTO of Webforge Development, has built his career on revolutionizing workflows—first in the UK film industry with franchises like Jurassic Park, James Bond, Star Wars and The Mandalorian, and now in the AI space. Recognizing the growing influence of technology in production, Ben shifted focus from film to tech, equipping businesses to thrive in an AI-driven future.

"AI and technology aren’t here to replace us—they’re here to augment how we work," Ben shares, reflecting on his journey from set design to building systems that empower businesses to adopt AI effectively. Today, he specializes in AI readiness, helping organizations align their people, processes, and tech to leverage AI's potential.

What Is AI Readiness?

Ben has developed a framework for AI Readiness, helping organizations align their people, processes, and technology to leverage AI effectively. “Without all three of those things aligning, you’re not ready for AI,” he said.

According to Ben, AI readiness boils down to:

1. Structured vs. Unstructured Data: Is your data organized and queryable?
2. Integration of Systems: Do your tools and platforms communicate effectively?
3. People & Processes: Are your team and workflows optimized for AI adoption?

These elements must align to ensure that AI tools deliver value rather than chaos. Check out the NinjaCat AI-Readiness Checklist for additional resources to prepare data for AI.

Why Most AI Ventures Fail

Ben shared a startling statistic: 85% of AI ventures could fail, according to Gartner. The reported reason being unrealistic expectations and a lack of focus on business use cases.

“A lot of people say they’re ‘using AI,’ but really, they’ve just used ChatGPT once,” Ben noted. Effective AI adoption starts with literacy—not just in technology, but in understanding your business’s needs.

One critical piece of advice: “Don’t adopt AI because you think you have to. Start with your pain points. What’s the one thing that’s driving you crazy? That’s where AI can help.”

Focusing AI Fear Properly

For those hesitant to adopt AI, Ben emphasized the importance of starting small and focusing on augmentation, not replacement.

“People are naturally resistant to change,” he said. “But AI isn’t here to take your whole job—it’s here to make parts of your job easier, so you can focus on higher-value tasks.”

Ben warned of the more important potential pitfalls to focus on with AI, such as data security risks. “I had a client say they uploaded all the financial information into GPT, and the minute he said it, he could tell my disappointment. If you’re using public models without understanding their limitations and lax security protocols, you’re exposing your business to unnecessary risks.”

ROI vs. RO-Why: Measuring AI Success

Ben's first question for anyone claiming they need AI is, "why?" If you know specifically why you are eager to use the latest tech, you're much more likely to stick with the digital transformation required. Ben’s approach to measuring AI success is refreshingly practical. He focuses on two metrics:

1. Revenue Generation: Does the AI solution increase profits?
2. Time Saved: Does it reduce time spent on repetitive tasks?

These metrics directly tie to the organization’s top and bottom lines, ensuring tangible results.

“We don’t just promise ROI on AI to our clients. We give minimum, middle, and maximum scenarios so businesses can make informed decisions,” Ben said.

The Future of AI: A Collaborative Journey

As businesses continue to navigate the AI revolution, Ben believes the key to success lies in collaboration, education, and integrity.

“Whether you hire someone or take the time yourself, stay up-to-date with AI developments in your industry. And remember: AI is here to augment, not replace,” Ben advised.

For leaders feeling overwhelmed, Ben offered this encouragement: “Don’t think you need to master AI overnight. Start with what’s irritating you most—those small, repetitive tasks. From there, you’ll see the value and build momentum.”

The Links

Ben on LinkedIn
WebForge Development

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