In this episode of Edge of Excellence, we sit down with Ed Perkins, Principal Consultant, vCIO, and the architect behind iuvo’s secure, self-hosted AI platform, to unpack what AI adoption really looks like inside modern businesses.

Instead of adding to the noise, this conversation cuts straight through the hype. Ed breaks down the biggest misconceptions leaders have about AI, why companies feel so much pressure to “do something” quickly, and how hype from major vendors and industry success stories fuels both overconfidence and fear. He also explains why some organizations are rushing in blindly, while others are pretending AI doesn’t exist, despite the fact that employees are almost certainly using it already.

Drawing from real client experiences and decades of supporting data-intensive industries, Ed offers a clear, practical roadmap for leaders. He covers:

• How to tell the difference between hype and real opportunity
• Why leadership alignment and culture matter more than tools
• The risks of ungoverned AI use, including accidental data exposure, hallucinations, and unexpected access to sensitive information
• Why an AI policy is the essential first step
• How private/self-hosted AI environments (like iuvo Secure AI) protect IP and reduce risk
• What leaders should understand about Copilot, SharePoint permissions, and data governance
• How AI can speed up decision-making and free teams to focus on higher-value work
• How fast AI is evolving, and why strategies must stay flexible

Ed also shares practical advice for leaders who are curious about AI but don’t know where to start.

Whether you're hesitant about AI, excited but overwhelmed, or trying to build a responsible long-term strategy, this episode gives you the grounded, candid clarity you need to move forward with confidence.