In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper explore how leaders can cut through the hype around artificial intelligence and focus on real-world impact. The conversation dives into why so many AI initiatives fail, how cognitive biases affect AI adoption, and why finance professionals must learn to ask better questions before deploying models.

John Thomas is the Founder and CEO of the Global Institute of Data Science (GIDS), a consulting and professional development organization focused on helping organizations successfully implement AI and data science initiatives. He serves as a Fractional Chief AI Officer for Fortune 500 companies and teaches AI and machine learning courses at Caltech CTME and UC San Diego Extended Studies.

In this episode, you will discover:

1. Why 85% of AI projects fail and how to avoid
2. The difference between AI hype and real implementation
3. How augmented intelligence improves human decision-making
4. Why asking the right questions about AI models matters most
5. How AI can help with risk analysis and financial decision-making

This episode highlights that successful AI adoption is not about chasing the latest technology trends but about asking better questions, understanding assumptions, and focusing on real business problems. As AI continues to evolve, finance leaders who combine human judgment with intelligent systems will be best positioned to turn AI from hype into measurable results.

Follow John:

GIDS: https://gidsco.substack.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-thomas-foxworthy-m-s-data-science-1718073/

Future Alpha Event: https://www.alphaevents.com/events-futurealphaglobal/agenda-page/filter?_gl=1*1j0347f*[…]ovIhoCWOYQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAomEzrlLzh-epjUJjbfXNnASlChga

Follow Glenn:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiii

Follow Paul:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Follow QFlow.AI:

Website - https://bit.ly/4i1Ekjg

Future Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai.

Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.

In Today’s Episode:

[03:05] – Meet John Thomas

[04:11] – Augmented intelligence explained

[11:21] – Global Institute of Data Science

[15:18] – Why AI projects fail

[21:29] – Understanding AI models

[24:45] – AI in portfolio risk analysis

[30:16] – Best advice for finance leaders

[32:15] – Rapid-fire questions & wrap-up