Your First AI HireAI Capabilities AuditCAIO LeadershipGlobal StaffingTraining & Certification
Personal BrandsBusiness WebsiteAI Programs
BlogAboutSchedule A Consultation

Get C-Level AI Leadership Without the $300K Mistake

Most companies don't need a $300K full-time CAIO. They need strategic AI leadership that drives real results — without the risk of the wrong hire.

Start with a Free Consultation →
CAIO Leadership
The Problem

You Wouldn't Hire a VP of Sales Without a Proven Sales System

So why hire an AI executive before you have an AI system?

The VP Sales Trap

Companies hire a VP Sales before they have a repeatable sales process. The hire fails. They blame the person, not the system.

The CMO Trap

Companies hire a CMO before they know their customer. Millions spent on campaigns. Zero ROI. The CMO is gone in 18 months.

The CFO Trap

Companies hire a CFO before they have clean books. The CFO spends all their time on cleanup instead of strategy.

The CAIO Trap

Companies hire a CAIO before they have an AI program. The hire costs $300K+, takes 6 months, and often fails. We break this cycle.

The Comparison

Fractional CAIO vs Full-Time CAIO

FactorFull-Time CAIOEdge8 Fractional CAIO
Annual Cost$200K–$350K + benefits + equityStarting at $5,400 / quarter
Time to Start4–8 months to hireDay 1
RiskWrong hire = $300K mistakeROI guarantee or we work free
ScalabilityFixed headcountScale up or down as needed
ExperienceOne person's knowledgeEntire Edge8 team + methodology
First Results3–6 months minimumWithin 30–60 days
Three Paths

Choose Your AI Leadership Model

Option A
Strategic Advisory

Dave Hajdu serves as your advisory CAIO — attending key meetings, guiding AI strategy, and helping you build internal capability over time.

Best for: Companies beginning their AI journey
Option B · Most Popular
Fractional CAIO

Dedicated part-time AI leadership embedded in your organization. We own the AI program, manage the team, and drive results — just like a full-time executive.

Best for: Companies scaling AI programs
Option C
CAIO-in-Residence

Full-time embedded AI leadership for a fixed period. We build the program, hire and train internal talent, then transition out when you're self-sufficient.

Best for: Companies ready to go all-in
The Roadmap

Your 90-Day AI Leadership Journey

1
Month 1
AI Landscape Assessment
We audit your current AI usage, data infrastructure, and team capabilities. We establish quick wins and build your AI roadmap.
2
Month 2–3
Program Design & First Implementation
We design and launch your highest-ROI AI program. Your team is trained. Processes are established. Results start appearing.
3
Month 4–6
Scale & Systematize
We expand successful programs across your organization, build internal AI capability, and establish governance and measurement systems.
Who It's For

Built for Ambitious Organizations

Series A/B Startups

Build AI into your product and operations before your competitors do.

Mid-Market Companies

$10M–$100M companies ready to use AI for competitive advantage.

Private Equity Portfolio

Deploy AI across your portfolio for faster value creation.

Enterprise Divisions

Move faster than corporate IT by building your own AI capability.

Ready for AI Leadership That Delivers?

Schedule a free consultation to find the right CAIO model for your organization.

Schedule A Consultation →