The AI Reality Check: Why Digital Foundations Still Matter
Tech Talks12 Syys 2025

The AI Reality Check: Why Digital Foundations Still Matter

Are businesses really ready for AI, or just feeling the pressure to keep up?

In this episode, Nixon Hire CIO John Whitlow delivers a clear-eyed reality check. He explains why many organisations, especially SMEs, are still stuck in the foothills of digital transformation, struggling with basics like poor data quality (where up to 80% of data is useless).

We dig into:

  • Why AI hype often outpaces digital readiness

  • The soaring demand for AI skills vs. the lack of real training

  • Why AI strategy must be organisation-wide, not just IT

  • The role of leadership and DE&I in building high-performing teams

  • Hybrid working’s rebound and the business case for sustainability

John draws on his experience moving from fractional to permanent CIO, showing how human decisions and trade-offs shape tech success far more than flashy tools.

Listen in for a grounded perspective on what it really takes to make AI work.


Download your copy of the Digital Leadership Report here

Tech Talks is powered by Nash Squared, the leading global provider of technology and talent solutions. Find out more about our solutions at⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.nashsquared.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The music on Tech Talks is created by London artist Lemzi:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lemzi.com⁠⁠

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