Don’t wait for perfect data—start, then improve (Sam Wong, Mark Anthony Group)

Sam Wong, Senior Director of Data and AI at the Mark Anthony Group, explains how a business-first AI incubation program can turn experiments into production value. He outlines a five-part framework, the importance of executive and business sponsorship, partnering with a vendor ecosystem, and prioritizing use cases by value versus effort. Wong discusses why you shouldn’t wait for perfect data, how AI projects catalyze data governance and quality, and how a blended federated/centralized operating model scales delivery in a mid‑market company. He also tackles change management and job-loss fears, positioning GenAI as augmented intelligence.

• What does it take to build an incubator that learns fast and delivers real value?  
• When is “good enough” data enough—and how can AI expose and improve the gaps?  
• Which operating model and governance practices drive adoption without slowing execution?