In this episode of The Lucent Perspective, we are joined by Olga Topchaya, the founder and CEO of Lapis AI Consults. Olga shares her expertise in aligning artificial intelligence with strategic business goals, drawing from over a decade in marketing and product development. As a seasoned professional in AI integration, Olga provides practical advice on assessing company readiness for AI, strategies for successful AI implementation, and the importance of custom solutions versus off-the-shelf AI options. Her insights cover the full spectrum of AI adoption, from planning and training to scaling and overcoming barriers.
Key Topics Covered:
How to assess AI readiness in a company
Key steps and fundamentals for successful AI implementation
Misconceptions about AI in business
Importance of aligning AI with strategic business goals
Challenges and opportunities for women in AI
Episode Highlights:
[00:56] – Introduction to Olga Topchaya, her background, and the goals of Lapis AI Consults.
[01:48] – Identifying the markers of an AI-ready business, including executive support, internal champions, and risk tolerance.
[03:33] – Misconceptions about AI implementation, especially for mid-market companies and the role of data.
[05:51] – Steps to executing AI strategies, including goal setting, defining technical requirements, and gradual rollout.
[09:25] – Common challenges in scaling AI, such as cross-departmental buy-in and legacy system integration.
[19:18] – The role of AI in enhancing internal collaboration and cross-functional workflows.
[27:23] – Discussion on the gender gap in AI, Olga’s career transition from marketing, and advice for women entering the field.
[39:08] – Guidance for professionals moving into AI from non-technical backgrounds.
[42:07] – Advice for CEOs on future-proofing their companies with AI, including starting small and embracing iterative improvement.
Olga Topchaya, CEO of Lapis AI Consults, brings a wealth of insights on aligning AI with meaningful business goals, moving beyond basic implementation to create tailored, strategic solutions. With a solid foundation in marketing and product development, Olga shares how companies can use AI to enhance productivity, customer engagement, and support long-term growth. She emphasizes that AI-readiness isn’t just about tools; it requires internal champions, executive backing, and a clear understanding of what AI can—and can’t—achieve.
Dispelling common myths, Olga points out that companies don’t always need vast, structured datasets for effective AI. New AI models work with unstructured data, enabling companies of all sizes to benefit from this technology. She underscores the importance of defining concrete objectives and engaging experts, whether in-house or external, to create custom solutions that match each business’s unique requirements. While off-the-shelf options may work in some cases, businesses with specific security, compliance, or scalability needs often find tailored approaches more effective.
Beyond strategy, Olga shares valuable advice for women in AI, recounting her journey from marketing to tech. She highlights the importance of learning communities, mentorship, and the willingness to pivot into new roles. For leaders looking to prepare their organizations for the future, Olga advocates for starting small, investing in ongoing improvements, and staying attuned to industry developments. This practical approach to AI fosters both resilience and progress, setting businesses on a path toward sustainable success.
About Olga Topchaya:
Olga Topchaya is the founder and CEO of Lapis AI Consults, where she leads the development of tailored AI solutions that align with client goals. With a unique blend of experience in marketing and product development, Olga transitioned into the AI sector to help businesses leverage AI effectively and strategically. Her work at Lapis AI Consults emphasizes practical and custom approaches to AI integration, particularly for companies looking to enhance productivity and customer engagement.
Connect with Olga on LinkedIn: Olga Topchaya on LinkedIn
Learn more about Lapis AI Consults at lapisconsults.com.
Rebecca Hastings, Founder and Director at The Lucent Group Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hastingsrebecca/
Would you like to be a guest? Book a time to speak with Rebecca: https://calendly.com/rebeccahastings/discovery-call The Lucent Group Ltd website - https://www.thelucentgroup.co.uk/
The Lucent Perspective website - https://thelucentperspective.com/ Rebecca has extensive talent and executive search experience supporting digital and technology businesses through complex changes and fast-paced scale-up periods. She works with businesses advising on C-level, technical, sales and commercial appointments, workforce planning, strategic talent management, recruitment processes and associated technology and employer brand development.
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