Notes on shipping AI
Field notes on getting AI from strategy into production, for B2B tech, SMB and agency teams.
The pilot-to-production checklist: what has to be true before an AI demo becomes a system
Most AI pilots fail to reach production because teams skip the hard work between demo and deployment. This checklist covers the six non-negotiable conditions that separate a working prototype from a production system.
ReadHow to Choose Your First AI Use Case (Impact vs Effort, With Examples)
Start with high-impact, low-effort AI use cases that solve real business problems and have clean data. Most companies fail by chasing flashy demos instead of boring wins that actually ship.
ReadAI Strategy for Marketing and Creative Agencies: How to Sell AI-Powered Work Without an In-House AI Lead
Marketing and creative agencies can sell AI-powered work by partnering with a fractional AI CTO who builds the technical foundation, validates feasibility, and de-risks client promises. This lets you pitch confidently without hiring a full-time AI team.
ReadThe EU AI Act for SMBs: what actually applies to you in 2026
Most SMBs are not building high-risk AI, but almost all of them are deployers under the EU AI Act. What that means in practice, the deadlines, and the 5 things to do now.
ReadFractional CAIO vs full-time hire: which one does your company actually need?
Under ~200 employees, a fractional CAIO wins on cost, speed and risk. Above that, or when AI is the product, hire full-time. The honest decision framework.
ReadHow much does a fractional AI CTO cost in 2026?
Typical fractional AI CTO retainers run $5k to $15k per month for one to two days a week. Here is the full pricing picture, what drives it, and when it beats a full-time hire.
ReadThe AI bottleneck moved from models to governance
In 2026, 72% of enterprises run agentic AI in production, but only 1 in 5 governs it well. If your AI has stalled, the model is almost never the reason.
ReadHow to run an AI readiness assessment
A readiness assessment is a two to four week audit that tells you, with a number, whether your team can ship AI and what to build first. Here is what a good one looks at.
ReadWhat is a fractional AI CTO, and when do you need one?
A fractional AI CTO owns your AI strategy and execution part-time, usually one or two days a week. Here is what they do, how a CAIO differs, and the signs you need one.
Read5 signs your company needs a fractional AI CTO
If your board wants an AI strategy, your POCs never ship, or nobody senior owns AI, you probably need a fractional AI CTO. Here are the five signs, and what to do.
ReadThe AI use cases that actually reach production in B2B
Most AI use cases die as demos. The ones that ship share three traits: clear owner, real data, and a business metric. Here are the ones that reliably reach production.
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