AI adoption is a bit like flossing, says David McCarthy – it’s great in theory, but we don’t always do what’s good for us. I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time in boardrooms where AI is the hottest topic in the room, second only to whether we’re ordering pastries or sandwiches for lunch. It starts the same way every time: a well-dressed executive clicks through slides about AI transformation, efficiency gains and the impending revolution of work. The nodding is enthusiastic.