Stop Thinking Like a Technician. Start Leading Like a Transformer.

Welcome to Small Business Big AI! In this powerful third episode of our Mindset & Messaging summer series, Kim and Hal dive deep into the mindset shift every small business owner needs to survive and thrive in the AI era.

Are you still stuck wearing the “chief doer” hat — grinding, hustling, and managing every detail? It’s time to trade it forthe “chief architect” hat and start leading like a transformer. This episode exposes the 7 hidden technician traps that cause most AI projects to stall or fail — and shares how to avoid them with city-planner precision.

 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The real reason 70% of AI pilot projects never make a dime — and how to avoid this costly pitfall.
• Why data quicksand can sink your AI efforts before they even start — plus practical tips to clean up your data and get solid footing.
• How chasing shiny demos leads to Proof-of-Concept Purgatory — and why budgeting rollout at launch is your secret weapon.
• The Talent Illusion: Why weekend YouTube tutorials won’t cut it and how to onboard AI talent withoutbreaking the bank.
• The costly Trust Gap—what happens when AI mishaps destroy customer confidence and how transparency can save your reputation.
• How to build governance and cyber defenses tailored for small businesses without drowning in red tape.
• The financial trap of vendor lock-in and cloud costs — and strategies to keep your AI infrastructure flexible and affordable.
• The critical Credibility Cliff—why one PR blunder can topple your entire AI skyline, and how to prepare for rapid recovery.

Why you can’t afford to miss this episode

If you’re still firefighting, buried in data chaos, or chasing the latest shiny AI tools without a clear plan—this episode is yourwake-up call. Kim and Hal bring the tough truths, practical solutions, and real-world stories (including Jordan’s journey) to help you build an AI strategy that’s scalable, sustainable, and profitable.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Kim’s signature IMPACT Framework and how it can guide your AI journey: DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!

• Book a 15-minute AI strategy session with Hal — limited availability to help you blueprint your next quarter: DM us on LinkedIn or Facebook!

• YouGov U.S. National Trust in AI Survey, 2025
• 
  eloitte “Gen-AI Risk Landscape” Report, 2025

---

Music Credit: “I Am with You” by Dream Cave; EpidemicSound via iStock.com

Sound Effects: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/