The One Percent Problem That Creates 68% Productivity Gains

95% of AI pilots fail to reach production, but it's not because of the technology. Brett Schklar, CEO of AI First Leadership and author of "AI Without the BS," has tracked AI adoption across 1,800 companies over two years and discovered the real bottleneck: the "frozen middle."In this conversation, Brett reveals why senior managers and directors represent both the highest resistance and highest potential impact for AI adoption. We explore his data showing marketing teams achieving 2.3x productivity gains while others fall behind, and his practical approach to building AI capacity through 1% weekly improvements that compound to 68% productivity gains.Key topics covered:✅ Why the "frozen middle" blocks AI adoption✅ How intelligence becomes a commodity but wisdom remains human✅ The K-shaped productivity curve emerging in organizations ✅ Department-by-department ROI data from 1,800 companies✅ Why focusing on 1% problems beats transformation strategies✅ Building internal AI champions and centers of excellence✅ The identity crisis driving AI resistance✅ Practical tactics for mid-market AI implementationTimestamps:00:00 — Intro and Brett's background05:30 — From AI resistance to AI mandates: two-year evolution12:00 — The model selection dilemma and governance concerns18:45 — Scaling AI education beyond workshops25:30 — The "frozen middle" problem explained32:15 — ROI data across departments and functions38:00 — Marketing productivity vs. content quality concerns45:20 — Bringing marketing and sales together with AI52:00 — Weekend project recommendations57:00 — Brett's essential tools and where to connectCheck out Kevin’s stuff:Ascend Labs: https://ascendlabs.ai/Follow Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinguywilliams/Get practical AI guidance: launchpad.ascendlabs.aiSchedule a conversation with Kevin: tidycal.com/kevinwilliamsConnect with Brett: AI First Leadership on LinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/bschklarWebsite: brettschklar.comBook: https://bit.ly/AIWithoutBS