Work & Insights

Case studies and notes from the front line of applied AI.

Case studies from 400+ client engagements across 10 geographies, plus essays and operating playbooks on making AI actually move the P&L.

Articles

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What Is the Durable AI Index?

durable AI index

What Is the Durable AI Index?

The Durable AI Index is 10dem's diagnostic for scoring AI use cases on Impact, Feasibility, and Stickiness. Here is what each axis means and why Stickiness decides which pilots survive.

July 6, 2026 · 5 min read

AI Consultant vs In-House Hire: Which Is Right for You?

AI strategy

AI Consultant vs In-House Hire: Which Is Right for You?

An AI consultant, a fractional team, or a full-time hire each fit a different moment. Here is how to choose on speed, cost, seniority, breadth, and risk.

July 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Fractional AI Team vs Agency vs Big 4: How to Buy AI Help

AI consulting

Fractional AI Team vs Agency vs Big 4: How to Buy AI Help

Three ways to buy AI help, compared on seniority, speed, cost, adoption, and lock-in. Where each one wins, and where each one leaves you stranded in month six.

July 6, 2026 · 5 min read

What Is Applied AI? A Practical Definition for Operators

Applied AI

What Is Applied AI? A Practical Definition for Operators

Applied AI is using AI to change how real work gets done and move a business outcome, not shipping a model or chasing generative hype.

July 6, 2026 · 4 min read

How to Measure the ROI of an AI Project

AI ROI

How to Measure the ROI of an AI Project

Most AI ROI numbers are fiction because no one set a baseline or checked whether anyone still uses the tool. Here is how to measure it honestly.

July 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Build vs Buy AI: a Decision Framework for Mid-Market Teams

build vs buy

Build vs Buy AI: a Decision Framework for Mid-Market Teams

Buy the common majority that proven tools already cover. Build only for the specific, high-frequency decision that moves your P&L. Here is how to tell them apart.

July 6, 2026 · 5 min read

An AI Change Management Framework That Actually Sticks

AI adoption

An AI Change Management Framework That Actually Sticks

AI adoption fails when people quietly route around tools they do not trust. Here is a framework that makes the new way of working the path of least resistance.

July 6, 2026 · 6 min read

How to Prioritize AI Use Cases (the Durable AI Index)

AI strategy

How to Prioritize AI Use Cases (the Durable AI Index)

Most teams rank AI use cases on impact alone and wonder why the winners die in month six. The Durable AI Index adds the variable everyone skips: Stickiness.

July 6, 2026 · 6 min read

Why AI Pilots Fail (And How Mid-Market Teams Make Them Stick)

AI adoption

Why AI Pilots Fail (And How Mid-Market Teams Make Them Stick)

Most AI pilots do not fail because the model was wrong. They fail because the workflow was never redesigned and the team was never brought along. Here is the pattern, and how to break it.

July 6, 2026 · 5 min read