AI promises transformative results but also has a knack for failing in unexpected ways. To launch a serious AI program, organizations need to have clear business alignment and cultural readiness, defined objectives and use cases, executive sponsorship and leadership buy-in, a culture and skill set conducive to AI, a solid data strategy and governance framework, scalable technical infrastructure, and well-defined processes for the entire AI lifecycle. Without these essentials in place, AI initiatives risk stalling or failing due to poor decision-making, brand damage, or compliance issues. By ensuring readiness across these five dimensions, organizations can dramatically increase their chances of delivering meaningful and safe AI-driven impact.