In a recent LinkedIn post, Jason Averbook discusses the critical human factors that undermine the success of enterprise AI implementations, highlighting a common reason for the failure of pilot programs.
Averbook points to a startling statistic from MIT NANDA, noting that “95% of enterprise AI pilots deliver zero measurable ROI.” He posits that this widespread failure is not due to technological shortcomings but rather to the unaddressed human reactions to change. Averbook introduces a framework to understand these challenges.
Identifying the ‘Five Wounds of Change’
According to Averbook, these human-induced obstacles manifest as what he terms the “Five Wounds of Change.” He identifies these patterns as consistently appearing regardless of industry or organizational scale.
“Five patterns that exist in every industry and at every scale whether enterprise or departmental or individual. . Showing up the same way every time an organization drops AI on unprepared humans trying to figure out the next.”
Averbook details these five wounds:
- Fear of Replacement
- Loss of Mastery
- Decision Fatigue
- Trust Erosion
- Identity Disruption
In Averbook’s view, these are not unique issues but predictable responses that emerge when AI is introduced without adequate preparation for the workforce. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and naming these challenges.
The Path to Solving AI Adoption Challenges
Jason Averbook argues that simply identifying these human-centric issues is the first step toward mitigating their impact. He states:
“Name them and you can start to solve for them. Skip them and they eat your ROI from the inside.”
This perspective suggests that organizations often overlook the psychological and emotional toll that significant technological shifts can have on employees. Averbook’s framework provides a language and structure for understanding these often-unseen barriers.
Addressing the Human Element in AI Rollouts
Averbook announced a webinar series, “Now to Next,” scheduled to begin on August 12th, 2026, dedicated to exploring these concepts. He positions this event as an opportunity for leaders and employees alike to gain insights into managing the human side of AI adoption. The session is designed to be interactive, mirroring discussions typically held with client leadership teams.
He further explains the value proposition for attendees, even those unable to join live:
“Can’t make it live? Register anyway. → Full recording within 24 hours → Research deck with every citation → One-page diagnostic template, yours to run.”
Averbook concludes his post with a call to action, encouraging registration and sharing, aiming to help organizations “move together from Now to Next.” His insights underscore the critical need for a human-centered approach in the deployment of artificial intelligence to ensure that technological advancements translate into tangible business value.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Jason Averbook on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on August 4, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →