I chose the name Strata AI very intentionally.

Strata literally means layers. And in my experience, meaningful AI transformation is never about a single component or a single decision. It’s about addressing many layers—strategy, leadership, people, processes, governance, and mindset—so that AI can deliver real, lasting value.

Over the years, I’ve worked inside and alongside global organizations, helping teams navigate complex change. I’ve seen firsthand how much potential AI has—and how often that potential goes unrealized. We’ve all seen the research showing that more than 80% of AI investments never make it into production. I don’t believe that’s because AI doesn’t work. I believe it’s because organizations and consultants often focus on one narrow aspect of the problem instead of the whole system.

If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Too many companies start with AI as the end goal. But AI is just a technology. It’s a powerful one—but it’s still only a means to an end. The real work starts by being clear about the business outcomes we want to achieve: increased revenue, lower costs, higher productivity, better customer experiences, and more resilient organizations. When we start there and work backward, AI becomes an enabler—not a distraction.

That philosophy is what I call the Strata AI Way.

But Strata AI isn’t just about organizations. It’s also deeply personal.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with practitioners at every level—analysts, product owners, managers, leaders—people who care deeply about doing good work and delivering value. Today, many of those practitioners are anxious about what AI means for their roles, their careers, and their futures. I’ve felt that tension myself, and I’ve watched talented people struggle simply because they weren’t given the right tools, context, or support.

That’s why I have a personal mission to help every practitioner be successful in the Age of AI.

I believe AI should empower people, not sideline them. When practitioners understand how to work with AI—when they know how to apply it thoughtfully and responsibly—it becomes a source of confidence, creativity, and leverage rather than fear.

I built Strata AI to bring these two worlds together: helping organizations succeed at scale, and helping individuals thrive along the way. By taking a holistic, systems-level approach, we help companies move beyond experimentation and help practitioners build skills that matter in the real world.

Real outcomes are available to everyone. But they require looking at the problem honestly, holistically, and with empathy for the people doing the work.

If you’re ready to move beyond AI hype and build something that actually lasts—for your organization and your people—I’d love to help.

Let Strata AI be your strategic partner.

— Kyle Dukes