By Gertude Van Horn, SVP & CIO, Cien.ai

“AI doesn’t fail. Organizations fail at AI.” 

– Andrew Ng, Co-founder of Google Brain and Coursera

Are You Really Ready for AI?

AI is on every boardroom agenda and top of mind for every C-Suite. But while the excitement is real, so is the fear. Many organizations are asking themselves: Are we ready for this?

For most, the answer is complicated. Executives worry whether their data is clean enough, whether their staff is trained, whether the ROI is real, and—perhaps most importantly—whether a failed AI project will put their reputation — and their career — at risk.

And these aren’t abstract concerns. Gartner warns that through 2026, 60% of AI projects unsupported by AI-ready data will be abandoned.

The Better Way: Start with What Works

The fastest path to AI confidence isn’t custom builds or open-ended experiments. It’s proven platforms.

SaaS-based AI applications like Cien’s TrueAI Go To Market Suite provide a path to success without the pain. These solutions:
– Improve data quality as part of their core operation
– Deliver value without requiring heavy infrastructure investment
– Allow teams to learn AI by doing, not by theorizing
– Are calibrated to solve specific, high-value problems like GTM inefficiencies
– Provide measurable outcomes and benchmarks to build trust across departments

It’s the difference between betting on an untested concept—and deploying a solution with a clear track record of success.

Why It Works

Many AI projects fail not because the AI didn’t work—but because the organization wasn’t ready. They lacked clean data, internal alignment, clear KPIs, or realistic expectations.

That’s why starting with a platform that’s already solved those problems matters. Companies start with proven solutions, succeed quickly, and scale smart.  A solution like TrueAI automatically augments and cleans CRM, Sales and GTM data, offering early wins in efficiency, forecasting, and revenue acceleration. More importantly, it gives teams a safe way to gain AI experience without the pressure of proving out a multi-year transformation roadmap.

What Success Looks Like

Success isn’t just “using AI.” It’s using it confidently and credibly. With the right platform, AI becomes less scary—and more trusted.

When companies implement platforms like TrueAI, they:

• Dramatically improve data quality, so that high quality data you can trust becomes the foundation for not just this initiative, but for future automation, digital transformation, and even agentic AI use cases.  
• Gain visibility into pipeline quality,  propensity to win deals, rep performance, and uncover growth and revenue opportunities
• See measurable improvements in GTM productivity
• Build trust among stakeholders through rapid, tangible results
  

It’s a pragmatic path to AI maturity—without the drama.

About the Cien.ai Data Exec Series

This article is part of our Data Exec Series, inspired by our work with B2B business leaders, growth consultants, and PE operating partners. These articles focus on becoming a data-driven executive, ready for the AI revolution. If you’re interested in RevOps and GTM performance, also explore our Growth Essentials and Practical RevOps Analysis Series.