8 Silent Killers of AI Projects
When an AI project fails, it rarely does so with a bang. No dramatic crash, no flashing red lights, no catastrophic software meltdown.
Instead, it fizzles. Quietly.
The budget is spent. The tool is installed. The excitement fades.
And then… nothing.
No adoption. No outcomes. Just silence.
Let’s be clear: AI doesn’t fail because of the technology.
It fails because of us.
The Real Reasons AI Projects Fail (Quietly)
1. Unspoken Expectations
Everyone thinks they’re on the same page—until they aren’t.
Leadership wants cost savings.
Teams want efficiency.
Vendors want implementation.
But no one has slowed down to ask, “What does success actually look like for us?”
When expectations are unspoken, they’re unmet.
And unmet expectations slowly erode trust and momentum.
2. Lack of Communication
Most AI projects don’t suffer from too much noise.
They suffer from not enough conversation.
Assumptions go unchecked. Concerns go unvoiced. Misalignments go unresolved.
By the time someone finally says, “This isn’t working,” it’s already too late.
3. Human Habits Die Hard
Installing a new AI tool doesn’t instantly change behavior.
You’re not just replacing a task, you’re asking people to think differently.
And most people don’t shift overnight.
The old Excel spreadsheet is still easier.
The manual process still feels safer.
The AI tool? It just sits there, gathering digital dust.
4. No Clear “Why”
If your people don’t know why the organization is using AI, they won’t use it.
If it feels like a top-down mandate, not a bottom-up benefit, it won’t stick.
The best AI adoption stories always start with a clear, human-centered “why.”
Not, “because it’s cool.”
Not, “because our competitor is doing it.”
But, “because it solves this problem for you.”
5. Misperceptions Run the Show
The fastest way to kill momentum?
Let rumors fill the silence.
“It’s going to replace my job.”
“It’s only for techies.”
“It’s just another failed initiative.”
Without intentional messaging, training, and reassurance, resistance festers.
6. Toxic Processes Stay Intact
Bad processes don’t get better with AI.
They get worse, faster.
If your workflows are broken, no AI tool will save them.
You cannot automate dysfunction.
You must name it. Address it. Redesign it.
AI doesn’t need perfection. But it does need truth.
7. Treating AI Like a Project, Not a Strategy
Many companies treat AI like a project, with a timeline, a budget, and an end date.
But AI is not a one-and-done initiative. It’s a long-term strategic shift.
When you box AI into a project plan, you limit its potential to transform your business.
If there’s no plan for how AI aligns with long-term goals, no ownership for driving adoption after launch, and no evolution of workflows, it will die on the vine.
Successful organizations approach AI as a continuous strategy that evolves with their people, processes, and problems.
8. Alignment Is Not a Checkbox
Too many organizations treat “alignment” as a line item:
✅ Kickoff meeting
✅ Tech demo
✅ Approval from leadership
But real alignment is cultural, not procedural.
You have to measure readiness, not just assign tasks.
You must earn buy-in, not assume it.
And you must address the resisters, not avoid them. I encourage teams to invite the resisters upfront, not towards the end of our work.
Because the loud objections? Those are helpful. They point to real concerns.
It’s the silent resistance, the quiet withholding, the passive disengagement that kills projects slowly.
Focus on Human Readiness First
You already know this is my favorite way to start.
Before you buy that AI tool.
Before you launch the pilot.
Before you write a single prompt.
Ask yourself:
Do our people understand why we’re doing this?
Are we ready to change, or just excited about a new toy?
Have we addressed the real, human fears out loud?
AI is not a tech problem.
It’s a people problem with a tech component. I know you are tired of me saying this, but I see it every day.
And like any human-centered initiative, the quiet stuff matters most.
Your Next Step
Audit your readiness.
Not your software stack, your culture stack.
And remember:
If you can’t name the silent killers in your organization, they’re already at work.
ChatGPT Agent and Perplexity Comet
I have been playing with them and will share my findings soon. So far, the ChatGPT Agent is working better than Comet for now.
Do you have them, and what are your thoughts? I would love to see your use cases as well. I think these new tools will replace several of the AI wrapper companies.
Here is one quick test I ran on Friday. Using ChatGPT agent to run through my emails and place them in Eisenhower matrix to bring the urgent items to my attention. The video has no sound intentionally so you can watch the agent work.
Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit Hackathon
We have plenty of volunteers and a good jump on use cases. Now we need sponsorships to sustain the build and maintenance of the MVP for the nonprofits. Our goal is $30k by August 15.
See our sponsorship levels here:
Nonprofits, submit your use cases by August 1. Let us know if you need help completing the form. It takes less than 2 minutes.
We are moving at the speed of AI with this incredible team from Disruption Now and many volunteers from the CincyAI community are leading an in person nonprofit hackathon on September 6.
The Future of Data Hackathon is a one-day event and the precursor to MidwestCon, bringing together teams of students and professionals to help Cincinnati-area nonprofits solve real technology and data challenges.
Use cases submit here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iP8r1bPa5ztnDBObM8qavkUlGqsF80nZDNcGeOwKfm0/edit
2025 AI Adventures
New events are added weekly. Since our community spans over 32 states, we’re making it easier than ever for you to join the conversation from anywhere. These virtual sessions are designed to be interactive and packed with real use cases you can apply immediately.
August
August 12 Miami Valley HR 11:15-1 in Dayton, OH https://mvhra.mightevent.com/events/event-Details.cfm?eventKey=8054
August 13 Crossroads Impact Summit for Nonprofits
September
September 2 CincyAI from 3-5 EST at UC Digital Futures building. Free to attend. In person only. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1344527079689?aff=oddtdtcreator
September 6 Nonprofit Hackathon- Nonprofits submit your use cases by Aug 1. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iP8r1bPa5ztnDBObM8qavkUlGqsF80nZDNcGeOwKfm0/edit
September 10-11 MidwestCon https://midwestcon.live/
This conference is gathering the top innovators, policymakers, creators, and visionaries from across the globe to tackle today’s emerging tech challenges.
September 18 Best in Tech Awards hosted by The Circuit from 5-9 pm https://thecircuit.net/event/best-of-tech-awards-2/
I love answering your AI questions. Feel free to message me.
Where AI and inspiration collide!
Kendra Ramirez
KendraRamirez.com
We provide AI Speaking and Training, AI Readiness Assessments, AI Strategy, AI roadmap and implementation, and AI Coaching for small to mid-size businesses and nonprofits.
**For those new to my work, I have been in tech my whole career. Over 15 years of running my digital agency (website, social media, and lead generation) and 7 years of helping businesses navigate AI. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading over 100 training and speaking sessions, empowering businesses to embrace the transformative potential of AI. My passion lies in simplifying complex technologies to help organizations grow, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
I am so excited that you are on this journey with me! Thank you! 🤗
I have been writing weekly about AI here for over two years. You can search all of my enewsletters here if you are looking to brush up on a certain topic. kendratech.substack.com