Staging environment

Where to Start with AI in Business (Without Wasting $100K+)

Hosted by Mel MacDonald

In this video

What you'll learn

Stop chasing shiny AI distractions

Learn how to spot which ideas are real wins and which will waste your time, so you only back projects that matter.

Know exactly where to begin with AI

Use a simple value/effort test to rank opportunities by ROI - giving you clarity and confidence on your first move.

Avoid the $100K mistake most leaders make

Walk away with a practical repeatable tool for choosing AI projects that deliver results, not regrets.

Why this topic matters

Too many leaders waste months - and sometimes $100K+ - chasing AI hype that never delivers. The issue isn’t the tech, it’s picking the wrong projects. In this 10-minute Lightning Lesson you’ll get a free tool to cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and spot projects that save time, cut costs, and deliver real ROI.

You'll learn from

Mel MacDonald

Former Fast 100 Founder, now AI Transformation Consultant for mid-sized firms

Mel MacDonald has led AI transformations across education, construction, and retail - scaling one business from 200 to 2000+ clients while reducing admin headcount by 70%. She now trains leaders in practical, risk-aware AI adoption. Her focus: helping traditional businesses cut through the hype and unlock measurable efficiency, growth, and team capability.

Previously at

GSK
LRQA
Ministry for Primary Industries
Fonterra
UQ
See all products from The AI Training Group

Go deeper with a course

Practical AI Implementation for Leaders of 'Traditional' Businesses
Mel MacDonald
View syllabus