The Librarian Who Wants You to Slow Down-HB

Jan 21

JANUARY 21, 2026| 00:39 | Episode 102

Jill Heinze, Founder of Saddle-Stitch Consulting

Jill Heinze helps startups turn AI risks into competitive advantages. A former academic librarian turned AI strategist, she founded Saddle-Stitch Consulting after spending two decades in market research, competitive intelligence, and digital strategy. As former Research Director at a major consultancy, she built responsible AI frameworks for Fortune 500 clients and founded the firm's first executive AI governance committee. Her superpower? Using research methods to uncover real risks before they become expensive problems. She hosts Responsible Tech Talks on LinkedIn Live and serves as Responsible AI Program Director for the American College's Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Intro

Jill Heinze, the founder of Saddle Stitch Consulting and a distinguished UX researcher, elucidates the critical intersection of technology and human experience in our discussion. She emphasizes that the rapid advancement of AI should not eclipse our responsibility to consider its impact on individuals and society at large. Throughout the conversation, Jill highlights a staggering statistic: 95% of organizations fail to achieve return on investment from their AI initiatives, attributing this failure to a lack of understanding of user needs and the inherent risks of technology implementation. We delve into the imperative for founders to engage with their teams and audit AI usage within their organizations to mitigate potential pitfalls. Ultimately, Jill advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach technology, urging us to prioritize thoughtful engagement over reckless acceleration.

The dialogue with Jill Heinze, a prominent figure in user experience research and the founder of Saddle Stitch Consulting, unfolds a critical examination of the intersection between technology and human experience in the context of artificial intelligence. Jill articulates a profound concern: the hasty deployment of AI technologies without a thorough understanding of their implications poses substantial risks not only to organizations but also to the individuals who interact with these technologies on a daily basis. Through her extensive background as a librarian and UX researcher, she underscores the necessity of grounding technology in real human experiences rather than abstract notions. Her insights urge founders to prioritize the well-being of users and to engage deeply with the communities affected by their technological innovations. In a landscape where 95% of organizations reportedly fail to realize a return on investment from AI initiatives, Jill's perspective becomes an invaluable guide for those looking to navigate the complexities of integrating AI responsibly. She emphasizes the importance of asking critical questions about the potential repercussions of new technologies and advocates for a shift in mindset from mere risk management to recognizing opportunities within those risks.

The episode serves as a clarion call for a more human-centric approach to technology, reminding us that the decisions we make in the realm of AI will shape our collective future. The conversation with Jill Heinze delves into the often-overlooked aspect of technology's impact on human lives, presenting a compelling case for responsible AI implementation. Jill shares her journey from librarian to UX director and now to founder, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. She reflects on the inherent unpredictability of technology and the necessity of embedding a human perspective in AI governance. The discussion reveals that technology does not exist in isolation; rather, it interacts with human behaviors, expectations, and societal norms. Jill's experiences illuminate the challenges faced by organizations that move too quickly without proper consideration of the ethical implications of their technological advancements. Her assertion that 'moving fast and breaking things' is not always a commendable practice resonates throughout the episode, as she encourages a more deliberate approach to innovation.

Conversation

This dialogue serves as a guide for founders who are eager to harness AI's potential while remaining acutely aware of their responsibilities toward their users and the broader community. In this engaging episode, Jill Heinze articulates the necessity of a paradigm shift in how startups approach the integration of artificial intelligence into their products. Drawing on her wealth of experience, she highlights the alarming statistic that 95% of organizations fail to achieve a return on investment from their AI efforts, attributing this failure to a lack of foundational understanding and user engagement in the development process. Jill advocates for the importance of obtaining 'ground truth' by engaging directly with users and understanding their needs before deploying AI solutions. The conversation emphasizes that technology should be informed by the realities of human interaction rather than abstract models or hypothetical scenarios. Jill's insights challenge the prevalent startup culture of rapid iteration, urging founders to consider the ethical implications of their technological choices. By the episode's conclusion, listeners are left with a potent reminder that the future of AI is not merely about innovation for its own sake, but about fostering a landscape where technology serves humanity rather than undermining it. The shared wisdom in this discussion is essential for any founder aiming to build a sustainable and responsible business in the age of AI.

Takeaways

A comprehensive understanding of technology necessitates recognizing its profound impact on human lives.
The prevailing notion of moving swiftly in startup environments can lead to detrimental consequences if not managed carefully.
Organizations should conduct audits of AI tools being used by employees to mitigate risks associated with proprietary data exposure.
Effective governance in AI must be grounded in the lived experiences of users, ensuring relevance and applicability.
Startups must prioritize honest conversations regarding their AI implementations to avoid falling into the 95% that do not achieve ROI.
It is imperative to establish a connection between technology and its real-world implications to foster responsible innovation.