In this episode of The Data Source Podcast, James Bowles is joined by Patrick Callinan, Chief Data Officer at CleverCards and Fellow of the Analytics Institute of Ireland. With a background in economics, analytics, and consulting, Patrick brings a sharp lens to the financial realities of AI adoption.

Together, they unpack the often-overlooked costs of building and scaling AI, from compute and talent to data readiness and cultural change. Patrick explains why R&D spending isn't always wasted, why many AI projects still fail, and how businesses can avoid the “innovation theatre” trap by placing the right bets. They also explore how mid-sized firms can strategically embrace AI, and what every business leader should consider before diving in.

If you're a founder, CDO, or tech leader trying to make sense of AI’s real ROI, this episode is a must-listen.