A lot of organizations have experimented with AI, but far fewer are seeing real business results.
At the Leadership Exchange, this panel focused on what it actually takes to move beyond experimentation and turn AI into measurable ROI.
Over the past few years, many organizations have experimented with AI, but the challenge today is translating experimentation into measurable business value. Moderated by Tracy Lee, CEO at This Dot Labs, panelists featured Dorren Schmitt, Vice President IT Strategy & Innovation at Allen Media Group, Greg Geodakyan, CTO at Client Command, and Elliott Fouts, CAIO & CTO at This Dot Labs. Panelists discussed how companies are moving from early AI experiments to initiatives that deliver real results.
They began by examining how experimentation has evolved over the past year. While many organizations did not fully utilize AI experimentation budgets in 2025, 2026 is showing a shift toward more intentional investment. Structured budgets and clearly defined frameworks are enabling companies to explore AI strategically and identify initiatives with high potential impact.
The conversation then turned to alignment and ROI. Panelists highlighted the importance of connecting AI projects to corporate strategy and leadership priorities. Ensuring that AI initiatives translate into operational efficiency, productivity gains, and measurable business impact is essential. Companies that successfully align AI efforts with organizational goals are better equipped to demonstrate tangible outcomes from their investments.
Moving from pilots and proofs of concept to production was another major focus. Governance, prioritization, and workflow integration were cited as essential for scaling AI initiatives. One panelist shared that out of nine proofs of concept, eight successfully launched, resulting in improvements in quality and operational efficiency.
Panelists also explored the future of AI within organizations, including the potential for agentic workflows and reduced human-in-the-loop processes. New capabilities are emerging that extend beyond coding tasks, reshaping how teams collaborate and how work is structured across departments.
Key Takeaways
- Structured experimentation and defined budgets allow organizations to explore AI strategically and safely.
- Alignment with business priorities is essential for translating AI capabilities into measurable outcomes.
- Governance and workflow integration are critical to moving AI initiatives from pilot stages to production deployment.
Successfully leveraging AI requires a balance between experimentation, strategic alignment, and operational discipline. Organizations that approach AI as a structured, measurable initiative can capture meaningful results and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
Curious how your organization can move from AI experimentation to real impact? Let’s talk. Reach out to continue the conversation or join us at an upcoming Leadership Exchange. Tracy can be reached at tlee@thisdot.co.
