How AI Mistakes Become Reputation Crises
24 June 2026

How AI Mistakes Become Reputation Crises

The Little Questions

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AI is your newest colleague but is it your biggest communications risk?

In this episode of Little Questions, the podcast from Apella Advisors, hosts Jenny Scott and James Kirkup dive into the growing challenge of artificial intelligence in corporate communications. From AI-generated legal submissions that land firms in court trouble to opinion pieces that editors can spot as machine-written from a mile away, they explore why AI mistakes are quickly becoming a reputational issue for organisations.

Jenny and James unpack a recent case involving a major law firm whose attempt to explain away an AI-related error by blaming a junior employee only made matters worse. They discuss why "throwing the intern under the bus" remains one of the worst instincts in crisis communications, and why human accountability still matters even when technology is involved.

The conversation also examines the strange moment we're living through with AI. Organisations are rushing to adopt powerful new tools, yet audiences, journalists and stakeholders are becoming increasingly suspicious of content that feels too polished, too structured, or just a little bit inhuman. As AI becomes more embedded in everyday business processes, how transparent should companies be about using it?

We'd love to know what you think. Email us at podcast@apellaadvisors.com and please consider leaving us a review.

This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.