
How AI Works:
5 Choices That Kill ROI
Most organizations aren’t failing at AI because the technology doesn’t work. They’re failing because of specific organizational design decisions made at rollout.
Research analysis done by 18 Coffees shows five common strategic choices leaders make that hinder AI adoption—and practical ways to course correct before pilots become expensive dead ends.
Complete the form below to access the free white paper.
What’s Inside
This white paper outlines the strategic choices that determine whether AI delivers real value—or stalls out in pilot purgatory.
- Five common rollout choices that kill ROI (and how to reverse them)
- Why most pilots never reach production
- What these choices actually cost at the organizational level
- How to build AI capability that actually scales
Who It’s For
Anyone interested in successfully integrating AI into their organization. If you’re in one of these roles, this white paper is for you:
- Executives sponsoring AI investments and being asked to “show ROI."
- Functional leaders responsible for adoption (HR, ops, product, customer teams).
- IT and transformation teams trying to scale.
- Anyone seeing “we bought the tools, but nothing changed.”
Why Partner with 18 Coffees for Your
AI Strategy & Implementation
AI Insights & Thought Leadership
Stay ahead of the curve with our latest research and articles on strategic AI adoption.

White Paper: Five AI Choices That Kill ROI
Most organizations aren’t failing at AI because the technology doesn’t work. They’re failing because of specific organizational design decisions made at rollout. Research analysis done by 18 Coffees shows five common strategic choices leaders make that hinder AI adoption—and practical ways to course correct before pilots become expensive dead ends.

The Lab for Applied AI: Where Research Meets Industry
As a faculty affiliate for the Lab for Applied AI at Loyola University Chicago, co-founder Caleb Gardner is combining research-driven insights into the future of the data science powering new AI technologies with practical applications for effective AI integration and workforce development.

Your AI rollout has a trust problem—here's how to fix it
For many leaders anxious to capitalize on the productivity gains promised by AI, this moment feels like an important opportunity. But most workers are seeing warning lights. This moment isn’t just about onboarding a transformative new technology—it’s about guiding people through maybe the most significant mindset shift of their careers.






