Why Your Business Might Not Need More AI It Might Just Need Better Thinking

Most business owners hear "AI" and immediately think: we need that. Myles Harrison thinks the opposite — and he built a company around it. Myles is the founder of  Praktikai, a boutique data and AI consulting firm whose name literally means practicality. A veteran of Big Five firms like Accenture and PwC, he now helps business owners cut through the noise and ask the real question: is technology actually your problem? In this episode, Myles shares why a bajillion-dollar tech investment can still fail if your people and processes aren't aligned, what it actually looks like to be a "sober, pragmatic" voice in an industry obsessed with hype, and how the best consultants don't make themselves the hero — they make their clients look good. We also dig into: - The three-part operating model that most AI projects get wrong - Why Myles is still waiting on the paperless office before worrying about the Terminator - The farming metaphor that reframes how we think about automation and knowledge work - What burnout on the Big Five consulting track actually taught him about limits - The airport moment that surprised him most about working with clients in person If you've ever wondered whether AI is actually the solution — or just the most expensive way to avoid fixing the real problem — this episode is for you. ### Timestamps 00:30 Welcome and introductions 01:15 What is Praktikai — and why "practicality" is the whole point 02:45 From Big Five consulting to accidental entrepreneur 04:30 How to know if you need a consultant: "what part of your job sucks the most?" 06:15 The operating model problem: people, process, and technology 08:10 Why complexity is not the same as excellence 09:45 What makes consulting gratifying — and why the goal is to make clients look good 11:30 Myles' bearish take on AI: signal vs. noise and the paperless office problem 14:00 The farming metaphor: automation, knowledge work, and what actually disappears 16:20 The next five years: under-promise, over-deliver, and do good work 18:00 Finding your limits: burnout, sleep, and what fast-paced consulting actually costs 20:30 The airport moment — what surprised Myles most about working with clients in person 22:30 Where to find Myles and PRAKTIKAI   Learn more about PRAKTIKAI and how Myles helps businesses cut through AI hype and focus on what actually moves the needle: prktk.ai Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.