The 5-Step System That Fixes Stalled AI Projects (and Everything Else)

From transformation to AI adoption – here’s a simple, proven method that actually works.

Sometimes, it’s not a tech problem.

It’s not a strategy problem.

It’s a stuck problem.

That moment where you’re spinning your wheels – with too many options, no clear next step, or worse, the fear that nothing will change even if you try.

I’ve been there. So have my clients.

And I’ve found that almost every breakthrough – in tech, business, or life – comes down to the same five steps.

Let me walk you through the simple system I use with clients, in my business, and even in my personal life when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.

Step 1: What’s the real problem?

Start by clearly stating where you are today. Not just the surface-level frustration, but the underlying pattern.

A CIO I worked with recently thought their issue was poor stakeholder engagement. But once we dug in, it was clear the real problem was that IT was seen as reactive and order-taking – not a strategic partner.

✅ Don’t skip this. If the foundation’s wrong, everything built on top will crumble.

Step 2: What does better look like?

What would “better” actually look like? What’s the dream scenario?

When I started evince Consulting, I wasn’t just chasing billables. I wanted more freedom, more impact, and the chance to help leaders grow. That vision shaped every decision I made.

For your IT team, this might be shifting from ticket-takers to trusted advisors. For your life, it might be finally getting time and energy back.

✅ Be ambitious. A vague goal will get you vague results.

Step 3: What’s been in the way?

Here’s where it gets honest.

What’s stopped you?

What have you already tried?

Why didn’t it work?

A team I worked with had rolled out a new operating model three times – each time with the same slide deck. It wasn’t the model that failed. It was the execution. They hadn’t changed how people worked, thought, or were supported.

✅ Patterns don’t break themselves. You have to be willing to change.

Step 4: Commit

At some point, you’ve got to decide: are you in or not?

I see this in advisory sessions all the time. That pause before someone says, “Right. Let’s go.” When a CIO realises they can’t keep deferring the hard stuff. Or when a founder stops chasing every new AI tool and focuses on the one that solves a real problem.

✅ 100% in beats 80% effort every time. Make a commitment – even a small one – and stick to it.

Step 5: Take action

Now you move.

Make a plan. Be consistent. Expect failure.

Adapt when it comes.

✅ Action builds clarity. Momentum is more important than perfection.

Put It in Practice: AI Strategy and Copilot Adoption

Let’s apply the same system to a real world scenario:

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