AI is the hottest topic in business today, but for many agencies, it’s more of a buzzword than a business advantage. Stats show that most AI projects fail to deliver results, and that leaves entrepreneurs wondering: Is it worth the risk?
Brent Weaver says yes.
As CEO of E2M Solutions Inc., a white-label digital agency with over 300 team members, Brent has helped agencies around the world adapt to massive shifts in technology. Today, he reveals how to build an AI-first culture that empowers employees, creates better client outcomes, and ensures agencies stay competitive for years to come.
But before we proceed, don’t forget that this episode is brought to you by videocasestory.com. Click here if you need help collecting, crafting, and delivering customer stories.
Why Most AI Projects Fail and Why That’s Good News
Most AI projects don’t work out. Studies consistently show that the majority of initiatives fail to deliver measurable impact. Yet for the few that succeed, the payoff can transform a business forever. At first glance, that track record looks discouraging, but Brent points out that this high failure rate is exactly what creates an opening for small and mid-sized agencies.
AI investment is about asymmetrical returns. Nine experiments might flop, but the one success could permanently change your business. Think: never writing another proposal, cutting hours of admin time, or creating new services your competitors can’t match.
The risk? Some wasted hours.
The reward? A long-term competitive edge.
The “Not Yet” Folder: Turning Failures into Future Wins
Instead of abandoning failed experiments, Brent encourages business owners to keep a “Not Yet” folder. AI evolves at lightning speed, doubling its capabilities every six months.
That automation that didn’t quite work today? It might run flawlessly in six months. By treating projects as “not yet” rather than “never,” you future-proof your innovation pipeline without reinventing the wheel.
Creating an AI-First Culture at E2M
Brent knew that for AI to succeed, it couldn’t be a side project. It had to become part of the company culture. His answer? AI First Saturdays.
On the first Saturday of each month, E2M’s 300+ team members gather for training, live demos, and hands-on experimentation. Employees pitch ideas, form squads, and showcase projects ranging from a Loom alternative built in-house to “Ally,” an AI-powered project management assistant that verifies client requirements and SOPs.
The result is a culture where AI isn’t a threat, but a tool for empowerment. Employees become AI superheroes, using technology to do more in less time, with greater creativity.
Small Teams Can Move Faster
You don’t need 300 employees to start. In fact, smaller agencies may have an advantage. Without layers of governance and red tape, they can test, pivot, and adopt AI much faster than large corporations.
Brent suggests focusing on areas where AI can free up time proposals, content generation, and project management, while keeping client relationships and strategy human. Trust, accountability, and empathy are still irreplaceable.
Measuring the Future: New KPIs for Agencies
Traditionally, agencies measure around $150K–$200K in revenue per employee. But with AI leverage, Brent envisions agencies reaching $500K to $1M per employee.
This isn’t about chasing revenue, it’s about creating impact. With the right mix of human creativity and AI efficiency, small teams can deliver the results of much larger agencies, without bloated overhead.
The Takeaway for Business Owners
Brent Weaver’s message is clear: AI isn’t replacing agencies, it’s empowering them.
Here’s what you can apply from this episode:
- Embrace failure as the price of innovation.
- Keep a “Not Yet” folder to revisit projects as AI evolves.
- Create cultural rituals (like AI Saturdays) to keep your team engaged.
- Start small, automate where it saves time, but keep strategy human.
- Track new KPIs that measure both efficiency and impact.
If you want your agency to thrive in the AI era, the time to start is now.
Watch the full episode now, and make sure to leave your questions or comments about the conversation.