AI continues to transform how organisations operate – but why do so many projects fail to deliver on their promise?
At times, the fields of artificial intelligence, business analytics, and data science are subject to extreme hype – including exaggerated promises of future technologies and extravagant claims of transforming the lives of consumers. These claims risk an erosion of trust in the data-driven approach to decision making and business transformation. This presentation offers a balanced perspective – acknowledging the future possibilities and tempering the hype that many data science projects fail to achieve their stated aims – perhaps as many as 80 percent – is the basic premise of the presentation. The presenter will share his learnings based on decades of real-world experience at leading organisations worldwide as well as years of thorough research on why data science projects fail and how to make them a success. There are lessons that all practitioners of business analytics and data science can learn from their experiences, and strategies that firms should adopt to maximise their return on their AI and analytics investments.
Join us for a virtual session exploring the realities behind AI and data-driven transformation. While the potential of AI is widely recognised, many initiatives fall short—often due to overhype, misalignment, or lack of practical implementation strategies.
In this session, Dr Evan Shellshear, Principal at Boston Consulting Group X (BCG’s Data Science and AI division), will share insights from decades of global experience and research, unpacking why up to 80% of AI and data science projects fail—and what organisations can do differently to succeed. The discussion will be led by Aldo Gutierrez, Director of Data Advisory, Analytics & AI at McGrathNicol.
What you will gain:
- A realistic perspective on AI beyond the hype
- Key reasons why AI and data science projects fail
- Practical strategies to improve success rates and ROI
- Lessons from real-world implementations across industries
Event details:
📅 Friday, 22 May 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 pm (AEST)
👉 Register: SACC Members Free, Non Members $15
This is an online event. Login details will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
About the Speakers
Dr Evan Shellshear is currently a Principal at BCG X (Boston Consulting Group’s AI and Data Science division). He has a BA and BSc from the University of Queensland, a Diploma and PhD from the Nobel Prize winning Institute of Mathematical Economics at the University of Bielefeld in Germany and over fifteen years of experience in building global AI and statistical algorithms for industries from manufacturing to retail, HR to supply chain, oil and gas to energy. He has published or co-published four books on topics ranging from the Amazon Best Seller Innovation Tools to AI in Medicine as well as the Wiley best seller Why Data Science Projects Fail: The Harsh Realities of Analytics and AI, without the Hype. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, having taught topics from business analytics to AI strategy.
Link to book https://www.amazon.com.au/Why-Data-Science-Projects-Fail/dp/1032660309
Aldo Gutierrez is currently Director of Data Advisory, Analytics & AI at McGrathNicol. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Management from Tecnológico de Monterrey and Masters degrees in Mathematical Modelling & Simulation, Economics, an MBA and DBA Strategic Management, Data & Technology, all from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). With more than 25 years of experience across banking, finance, investments, and data strategy, he has been guiding organisations diverse sectors to become AI and analytics-driven enterprises through tailored data strategies, governance programs, and AI solutions. He has two forthcoming books — one as sole author and one as co-author — and is a sought-after keynote speaker at conferences. He currently serves as an Advisory Board Member and Non-Executive Director, providing strategic guidance on AI governance and ethical AI practices.
This event is organised by the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Swedish Chambers in APAC
#AI #DataScience #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #BusinessStrategy
