AI Readiness Audit
Typically 2–4 weeksAn honest assessment of where your business actually stands: your data, your people's literacy, and where AI would help or hinder. You learn your starting point and what needs to happen before you move forward.
I help founder-led businesses get serious about AI.
I'll help you cut through the noise, work out what's actually relevant to your business, and figure out where to begin.
01The opportunity
The businesses getting the most from AI aren't just doing the same things faster.
They're doing things they couldn't have attempted before — making better decisions, serving customers in new ways, running leaner operations. That's the real opportunity: not efficiency, but expanded capability.
Most mature businesses know that opportunity is there. The problem is knowing where to begin.
Startups can design for AI from day one. Established businesses can't — and shouldn't try to. The starting point looks different, and getting it right matters.
That's exactly what I help with.
02What I do
Three ways in. Each one earns its place.
Strategic AI Roadmap
Follows the audit, or commissioned aloneThe opportunities most relevant to your business objectives, sequenced into a practical plan that reflects what you can realistically deliver. Not a theoretical strategy document — a working plan.
AI Advisory
Fixed days per month · scope agreed upfrontAn AI-fluent partner in your corner on an ongoing basis — without the cost or commitment of a full hire. For founder-led teams that need an experienced voice in the room.
Not ready for a full programme? We can start with a single session.
03About
I'm Darren.
I've spent 25+ years in design, product management and founder roles, building and running businesses where the job was to make good decisions under uncertainty — and bring people with you. That's precisely the background this work requires.
The bottleneck in AI adoption for most SMEs isn't technology. It's knowing what to prioritise, in what order, and how to bring your people with you.
I'm based in London. I work internationally with SMEs — particularly founder-led businesses where the leadership is close to the decision and committed to getting it right.
04Current engagement
I'm currently working with an international investment group across their portfolio — managing the transition to AI-native operations, building internal literacy, and identifying and sequencing the highest-value opportunities for each business.
“Having worked with Darren over a number of years, his continued self-development and ability to master changing technologies has resulted in him always delivering professional and cutting edge projects.”A Millet Managing Partner · Antler
“Working with Darren was brilliant. I could not recommend him highly enough. One of those rare occasions where the result wildly exceeds the brief.”B Scott Founder · Gogeta
05Get in touch
Not sure where to start? That's exactly what the first conversation is for.
Book a free 20-minute call. No pitch. Just a conversation about where you are and whether I can help.