Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail: How Smart AI Adoption Drives Business Growth with Greg Boone of WalkWest
October 23, 2025
What does authentic leadership look like in today's rapidly evolving business landscape? In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson sits down with technology executive and AI thought leader Greg Boone to explore leadership lessons learned from firing toxic clients, championing workplace respect, and staying ahead of the AI revolution. Through personal stories and practical insights, they discuss how leaders can create environments where teams thrive while maintaining a competitive edge.
Whether you're an aspiring leader or seasoned executive, this conversation offers valuable "cheat codes" for building trust, driving innovation, and leading with conviction in an AI-powered world.
On this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson sits down with Greg Boone to discuss how staying true to your values even when it means walking away from lucrative clients or doubling down on team development can fuel sustainable business growth without compromising what your organization stands for.
What You'll Learn:
- Ethical and People-First Leadership: Maintaining integrity even at the cost of revenue, fostering a safe culture for feedback, and leading by example through continuous learning.
- Empowering Teams for Change: Investing in employee education and using frameworks like “Personal, Fun, and Safe” to reduce fear and resistance toward new technologies.
- Strategic Adaptation and Innovation: Addressing modern lead flow challenges and adopting domain-specific AI tools to stay agile and effective in evolving markets.
About the Guest
Greg Boone is a tech-savvy CEO and innovation strategist helping organizations turn AI into real business value. As CEO of Walk West, he leads digital transformation for brands seeking to scale smarter and faster. He previously co-led Blue Acorn iCi through a $125M acquisition by Infosys and served as CEO of Cleartelligence. Greg blends deep technical expertise with strategic clarity, advising Fortune 500s through startups on how to lead through disruption, implement AI effectively, and build future-ready cultures. He’s a sought-after speaker known for translating complexity into momentum for a variety of topics, including new approaches to GenAI, technology, and digital innovation.
Resources:
High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.