Turning AI into Action: Building Predictable, High-ROI Partnership Programs

Kathryn Rose delivered a practical and grounded session focused on how AI can enable partner leaders to move beyond ambiguity and into data-backed decision-making. Her key message? You don’t need perfect data; you need a strong story.

🔍 Why This Matters:

In many organizations, partnerships are still considered experimental or “nice to have.” Kathryn explained that one of the most effective ways to shift this mindset is through predictability, and AI can be a big enabler.

🔑 Key Highlights:

1. Directional Data Beats No Data

You don’t need exact numbers to build a case. Kathryn encouraged using directional metrics to help executives understand scale. For example:

“If we run this co-marketing webinar, we could get 50 attendees. Even a 20% conversion rate on qualified leads could result in two 6-figure deals.”

2. Tell the Full Growth Story

Go beyond vanity metrics. What’s the real value of a partnership campaign? Tie outcomes to actual business objectives like enterprise pipeline, sales velocity, or customer retention.

3. Embrace Low-Risk Pilots

Executives are more likely to say yes to something small and measurable. Kathryn recommended framing ideas as 90-day experiments with built-in checkpoints. For example:

“Let’s try this three-part webinar series. If it hits XYZ targets, we can scale it into a 12-month roadmap.”

4. De-Risk with Clear Mitigation Plans

Don’t ignore what could go wrong. Address risks head-on and show that even the worst-case scenario has upside. Example:

“Only two attendees? If they're high-quality enterprise leads and we spent no money? That’s still a win.”

5. Make the Executive Ask Easy

Present a plug-and-play plan: who’s needed, how long it’ll take, the cost, and the expected ROI. The easier you make it to say yes, the more likely you’ll get greenlit.

Kathryn’s session was a toolkit for every partnership leader who’s struggled to make their case. Her advice was clear: Show value early, speak the language of the business, and back it up with the best data you’ve goteven if it’s not perfect.

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