BAM-OSBAM-OSBAM-OSDaniel Faggella is the founder and Head of Research at Emerj AI Research, an enterprise AI market research firm focused on what’s working in AI and where real ROI is showing up across industries. (https://emerj.com/author/dan/) Through Emerj’s research and interviews, he’s spoken with AI leaders across major enterprises and the broader AI ecosystem to translate cutting-edge capability into practical strategy for executives. (https://danfaggella.com/) Daniel has presented on AI and its implications for organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and INTERPOL, and he gave a TEDx talk in 2017 titled “Can AI Make The World a Better Place?” (https://emerj.com/author/dan/) (https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_faggella_can_ai_make_the_world_a_better_place)
Our guest today is Daniel Faggella, founder and Head of Research at Emerj AI Research. (https://emerj.com/author/dan/) Daniel’s work is focused on separating AI hype from measurable enterprise value—tracking which AI use-cases are actually delivering ROI, and what that means for strategy, vendor selection, and competitive advantage. (https://emerj.com/ai-opportunity-landscape-inquiry/) He’s also taken these insights to global stages, including presenting at the United Nations, and he’s built Emerj’s research products and membership platform to help leaders make smarter AI bets. (https://emerj.com/emerj-deep-fakes-united-nations/) (https://emerj.com/plus/)
AI Opportunity Landscape (AIOL) (annual subscription research)
Emerj Plus (membership)
Custom research / vendor selection / thought leadership services (historical positioning)
From the guest (intake form)
### OPENER 1. You've built quite a reputation for separating AI hype from reality. What initially sparked your interest in AI during your time at the University of Pennsylvania? 2. Your TEDx talk, "Can AI Make The World a Better Place?" has resonated with many. What was the most surprising feedback you received from that presentation? ### SECTION 1: Transition from eCommerce to AI Research 1. Let's dive into your career journey. You went from running an eCommerce business to founding Emerj AI Research. What motivated such a significant pivot? 2. You’ve mentioned nearly going broke getting Emerj off the ground. What were some key lessons from that challenging period that continue to influence your decisions today? 3. How did your early experiences in teaching martial arts and eCommerce shape your approach to building Emerj? ### SECTION 2: Emerj’s Unique Positioning 1. Emerj is known for focusing on "what's possible" vs "what's working" in AI. How do you communicate the importance of this distinction to your clients? 2. Your AI Project Quadrant is an interesting framework. Can you explain how it helps businesses balance short-term ROI with long-term AI maturity? 3. Emerj is a bootstrapped company. How has that influenced your business strategies and decisions compared to companies that seek venture funding? ### SECTION 3: AI’s Real-World Impact 1. You've spoken at the United Nations about deepfakes and AI security. How do you see these issues evolving in the next few years? 2. Can you share a story about a company that successfully integrated AI into its operations, resulting in significant ROI? 3. What are some common misconceptions businesses have about AI integration that you've encountered in your research? ### SECTION 4: Emerj’s Offerings and Impact 1. Emerj’s AI Opportunity Landscape is a key product. How does it empower enterprises to make informed strategic decisions? 2. With Emerj Plus, you target consultants and innovation leaders. What unique value does this membership offer that others might miss? 3. Can you discuss a time when an enterprise’s use of Emerj’s research led to an unexpected breakthrough or outcome? ### SECTION 5: AI’s Enterprise Transformation 1. From your research, what are the most surprising findings regarding AI's true ROI in enterprises? 2. Why have you chosen to focus on enterprise AI, rather than other markets? 3. How do you advise leaders to navigate the hype and reality of AI capabilities within their organizations? ### VIRAL MOMENT 1. If you could change one prevailing narrative about AI in the business world, what would it be and why? 2. What is the most profound ethical dilemma you've encountered in the realm of AI, and how do you personally reconcile it? ### CLOSER 1. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of AI and Emerj’s role in it? 2. For entrepreneurs aiming to scale past $1M, what key piece of advice would you offer them as they consider integrating AI into their business strategies?