Latina tech pioneer reveals the hidden gaps costing executives millions in failed AI implementations
The conference room fell silent as the CEO scrolled through another AI vendor’s pitch deck, promising “instant transformation” for less than the cost of a team lunch. Dr. Myra Roldan watched from across the table, recognizing the same pattern she’d witnessed dozens of times: another executive about to confuse consumer-grade AI tools with enterprise transformation. That moment of misaligned expectations would spark what became UnDesto AI’s mission, helping leaders understand that real AI adoption isn’t about quick fixes, but fundamental business transformation.
As the first Latina Chief AI Officer in the industry, Dr. Roldan has spent over 12 years watching executives stumble through AI adoption with the same costly misconceptions. In a field where Latina women represent just 1% of professionals, her perspective on responsible AI implementation has become increasingly vital as organizations rush toward digital transformation without understanding what it truly requires.
The $20 Illusion That’s Costing Millions
The problem isn’t that executives don’t want AI, it’s that they’re approaching business AI the same way they’d approach a personal ChatGPT subscription. Dr. Roldan has seen this pattern repeatedly: leadership teams assume that because they can get impressive results from consumer AI tools, enterprise implementation should be equally simple and inexpensive.
“Executives think they can treat business AI like downloading an app,” explains Dr. Roldan, who has guided organizations through AI transformations at companies ranging from Amazon to emerging startups. “They see a $20 monthly subscription and assume that’s the extent of their investment. Then they’re shocked when their hastily implemented AI initiative fails to deliver business value or worse, creates compliance nightmares.”
This disconnect between perception and reality led Dr. Roldan to develop what would become UnDesto AI’s signature approach: the six pillars of AI transformation, Strategy, Infrastructure, Data, Security, Governance, and People. Unlike quick-fix solutions, this framework addresses the foundational elements that determine whether AI initiatives succeed or become expensive mistakes.
From Barrier-Breaker to Business Builder
Dr. Roldan’s journey to becoming a leading voice in AI transformation began long before the current AI boom. With over 20 years in technology and a track record of pioneering work in emerging technologies like cloud computing and immersive reality, she had already established herself as someone who could see beyond the hype to identify what actually works.
Her path wasn’t without obstacles. Breaking into tech leadership as a Latina woman required navigating an industry where representation remains critically low. But those challenges also provided unique insights into how transformation really happens, not through technology alone, but through inclusive approaches that consider all stakeholders.
“Being the only Latina voice in many AI strategy conversations has shown me how homogeneous perspectives can create blind spots in implementation,” Dr. Roldan notes. “Diversity isn’t just about representation, it’s about building AI systems that work for real businesses with real people.”
The Framework That Prevents AI Disasters
The turning point for UnDesto AI came when Dr. Roldan realized that most AI consulting focused on implementation without addressing readiness. Organizations were spending millions on AI tools while skipping the foundational work that determines success. This insight led to the development of practical tools like the AI Readiness Assessment App and the AI Opportunity Prioritization Matrix, resources that help executives identify where AI can create value before investing in solutions.
“We’ve codified 12 years of what works and what fails into frameworks that prevent executives from wasting resources on hype-driven initiatives,” explains Dr. Roldan, whose approach has earned recognition as a LinkedIn Top Artificial Intelligence Voice. Her methodology goes beyond typical AI consulting by addressing the human element that technology-first approaches often overlook.
The six-pillar framework has become particularly relevant as organizations realize that AI governance, security, and workforce readiness aren’t optional add-ons, they’re prerequisites for sustainable transformation. Companies that skip these foundational elements often find themselves facing regulatory compliance issues, security vulnerabilities, or workforce resistance that can derail even well-funded AI initiatives.
Intelligence That Scales Beyond Enterprise
Recognizing that not every organization has enterprise budgets for AI transformation, Dr. Roldan developed Intelligence by UnDesto AI, a platform that makes enterprise-grade AI strategy accessible through templates, guides, and courses. The IntelligenceSuite™ packages the same frameworks used with major clients into practical resources that smaller organizations can implement immediately.
“We took the tools and assessments from our enterprise consulting work and made them available to any organization ready to approach AI strategically,” Dr. Roldan explains. The platform includes everything from AI literacy programs that build foundational fluency to hands-on offerings like automated workflow development, all designed to bridge the gap between AI potential and practical implementation.
This democratization of AI strategy expertise reflects Dr. Roldan’s broader mission of making AI transformation inclusive and accessible. By removing the barrier of expensive consulting engagements, Intelligence by UnDesto AI enables organizations of all sizes to benefit from proven frameworks rather than learning through costly trial and error.
Beyond Buzzwords to Business Results
Dr. Roldan’s latest book, “L.E.A.D. the Shift: Driving an AI-Ready Workforce,” addresses another critical gap she’s observed: the assumption that AI adoption is primarily a technology challenge. Her research shows that successful AI transformation requires equal attention to organizational change management, workforce development, and leadership alignment.
“Technology is the easy part,” notes Dr. Roldan, whose work has been featured across major industry platforms. “The hard part is preparing your organization to use AI effectively while maintaining the human connections that drive business success.”
This human-centered approach has distinguished UnDesto AI in a crowded field of AI vendors. Rather than selling generic solutions, the firm focuses on helping executives understand how AI fits into their specific business context, industry requirements, and organizational culture.
The Path Forward for Strategic AI Leaders
As AI continues evolving from experimental technology to business necessity, Dr. Roldan’s message to executives is clear: the cost of getting AI wrong far exceeds the investment required to get it right. Organizations that treat AI adoption as a quick technology fix often end up spending more on remediation than they would have invested in proper planning.
For executives tired of AI vendors promising unrealistic results and ready to approach transformation strategically, UnDesto AI offers a different path. Through battle-tested frameworks, practical tools, and leadership that understands both technology potential and business reality, the firm helps organizations build AI capabilities that create lasting competitive
