Before you bring AI into your business, ask yourself: are you ready for it, or are you about to automate the chaos you already have?In this episode, Maartje van Krieken breaks down AI readiness through the lens of business triage - a reality check for leaders who want to move fast without making a bigger mess. She explains why success starts with stabilizing your systems and why small, structured beginnings often create the strongest results.Maartje also shares how opportunity framing helps teams define success and measure real impact instead of chasing hype. What does readiness look like in your business? And what would happen if you treated AI as a long-term skill to build, not a quick fix to apply?By the end, you’ll see AI as a tool for clarity and capability, not chaos, and know exactly where to start.Episode Breakdown:00:00 To AI-ify or Not to AI-ify?01:57 When Not to Start an AI Project04:09 How AI Can Multiply Business Chaos07:04 Rule 1: Don’t Automate the Rubbish10:06 Rule 2: Start Where Your House Is in Order14:00 Rule 3: Ring-Fence the First AI Project18:29 Rule 4: Build with Enthusiasts and Corporate Memory Keepers22:00 Rule 5: Define Success Through Opportunity Framing25:34 The Real Meaning of AI ReadinessConnect with Maartje van Krieken:Connect with Maartje on LinkedInVisit The Chaos Games Consulting websiteVisit The Business Emergency Room websiteSubscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTubeSubscribe to Maartje’s SubstackHost Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm