The Capacity Problem
Part Four of Our Series on AI Adoption
We have already covered two major barriers to AI adoption: the fundamentals of the employee experience and the trust employees place in their organization. The next barrier is simpler and relatable to almost everyone. Employees cannot adopt new technology when they do not have the capacity to absorb anything new because they are already stretched too thin.
AI requires a lot of upfront effort. Learning new tools, experimenting, adjusting workflows, and rebuilding habits all take time. But most employees are already operating at or beyond capacity. Their day is a steady stream of tasks, messages, and meetings (on meetings on meetings). There is no margin left for experimentation, even with tools that promise to save time later.
This is where the cultural disconnect shows up. Leaders see AI as an efficiency unlock. Employees experience it as additional work stacked onto a full load. And when capacity is tight, even well-intentioned change feels like a burden.
In our employee experience framework, perceptions of workload and capacity sit near the center because they determine whether employees can absorb change at all. When teams are stretched thin, adoption slows. Not because employees are resistant, but because they are exhausted.
AI will not take hold inside organizations that do not create room for people to learn and adapt. Capacity is not a soft variable. It is one of the structural conditions required for change. Without it, even the smartest tools stall on impact.
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SpeedStudio Podcast:
Ep. 124 - Peta Mullens at the Tour Down Under
Nikki and Chad are in the Studio on MLK Day, where we get an update on why you should never wear rings while trail running. Yikes. They call recurring guest Peta Mullens to discuss why “Dry January” is out and “Jealous January” is in. She’s there working commentary for the Tour Down Under, so they get the low down on the 30-minute time zone of Adelaide, what it’s like talking to someone from the future, how it’s actually the Tour of Adelaide, and why it’s the favorite race of the year for World Tour pros.
They talk brand activations, local punters, hands-and-knees, wine tasting as a job, racing RADL GRVL, and a little grog at weddings never hurt anyone. They also chat about whether Dylan Johnson is enjoying Australia, a breakdown of the 3-on-1 finale of the women’s race, how women’s racing is so unpredictable, and how the TDU provides opportunities for new riders.
Peta gives insights on how she prepares for the commentating job (podcasts!), her plans for 2026, coming back to the US, trail racing, why wearing gloves while running isn’t cool, her kit design preview, chasing Summer, how to stay in Australia for 6 months, bakery recommendations, why to watch out for Kangaroos, and Dylan’s delusional confidence regarding surfing and driving a stick. As always with Peta, this one is a wild ride.
Everywhere you get your pods.