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AI Isn't a Magic Bullet — Alvarez & Marsal’s Raf Postepski on Why Adoption Matters More Than Tech
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In this episode of Advising the Advisors: AI in Consulting Unlocked, host Bolu Ben-Adeola sits down with Raf Postepski, Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Alvarez & Marsal, to navigate how legacy organizations can effectively implement AI, the balance between industry-specific and general AI solutions, and the evolution of consulting in an AI-driven world.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to move beyond AI pilot projects by building clear organizational vision and operational frameworks
- Why the “top-down meets bottom-up” approach is crucial for successful enterprise AI adoption
- The principle of "build for competitive advantage, buy for parity" in AI implementation
- How to avoid tool sprawl by creating cohesive AI experiences across organizations
- Why industry-specific AI may be less crucial than effective process codification and data strategy
With vast experience helping Fortune 500 companies move beyond pilot projects, Raf has built a career transforming how businesses operationalize AI at every level. His journey from designing operating models to leading AI initiatives has positioned him at the forefront of organizational transformation. Drawing from his background in banking and operational implementation, Raf brings a unique perspective that combines strategic insight with practical execution expertise.
Episode Highlights:
- [03:33] How Smart AI Boosts Quality, Consistency, and Revenue
AI isn't just about cutting costs; it's about raising the bar on quality, consistency, and growth. While AI can reduce headcount in repetitive tasks, the real value lies in how it's orchestrated across business processes: integrating with data, aligning with workflows, and enhancing customer interactions. When used smartly, AI empowers teams to upsell, personalize, and deliver consistent brand messaging, all while increasing productivity and revenue potential. - [08:18] Overcoming AI Adoption Challenges
One of the biggest reasons AI fails to gain traction in large organizations is the lack of a clear, unified vision. Without a top-down strategy that defines what AI is for, why it matters, and how it should be used, teams end up operating silos, tools multiply, and confusion spreads. To drive real adoption and ROI, leaders need to embed AI into the organization's core operating model, align messaging across every layer, and create a shared ecosystem. - [14:37] Does Every Industry Need Specialized AI?
You don't need a custom AI for every industry. What really matters is codifying your business's unique processes, data, and know-how. Generic models are powerful enough if you clearly define what you want them to do and feed them in the right context. So, instead of building niche tools from scratch, focus on capturing your competitive edge and training AI to work with that. Build for what makes you special; buy for everything else.
More Highlights from this Episode:
- [01:05] AI Confusion in Legacy Companies
- [19:55] When to Build or Buy AI
- [27:15] Advice for Young Consultants
If your business is investing in AI but struggling to see real impact, this episode is for you. Discover the hard lessons, the breakthroughs, and the strategies that separate AI success from failure.
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Episode Resources:
Advising the Advisors: AI Consulting Unlocked is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so.
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