AI can deliver huge efficiencies—but only when the underlying processes are healthy. In this episode, Mary Ann sits down with AI automation expert Malati Patil to explore why so many organizations struggle with hidden workflows, inconsistent data, and misaligned processes long before automation even begins.

Malati shares how small and mid-sized businesses can improve readiness, uncover the “real” process versus the documented one, build practical governance, and shift from doing the work to monitoring the work. If you're thinking about AI adoption or process automation, this conversation will help you understand what needs to be true before technology can deliver meaningful ROI.