As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the business environment, business report‘s training division launches Business Report AI Academy, a new executive education experience designed to help small business leaders move through uncertainty and into practical implementation.
Sponsored by Pellerin Technology, the five-session academy provides a structured leadership learning path that takes participants from a basic understanding of artificial intelligence to developing a customized AI implementation roadmap for their organization.
Designed specifically for business owners, executives, and senior leaders, the AI Academy combines expert guidance, executive insights, real-world business applications, collaborative learning, and experimentation with today’s leading AI tools.
“Many leaders understand that AI will impact their organizations, but have yet to decide where and how to start,” said Guy Barone, COO of Melara Enterprises and Leadership Academy. “This academy is designed to help executives build confidence, identify meaningful opportunities, and develop a practical path to implementation that aligns with business strategy.”
Business Report AI Academy is led by a group of accomplished facilitators and presenters representing business, technology, education, workforce development, and innovation, including:
• Josh FleigChief Innovation Officer, Economic Development, Louisiana
• Dr. Andrew SchwartzLSU EJ Ourso College of Business, Professor of Information Systems and Director of AI Initiatives
• Lukas SpielvogelBaton Rouge Youth Coalition CEO
• Justin Obneyfounder and CEO of obney.ai
• Adrian Owen JonesPartner, Success Lab
• Tony ZandersPresident and CEO of Nexus Louisiana, Founder and CEO of Skilltype
• Tammy TuminaroCOO of Pellerin Technology
• beverly brooks thompsonPhD, CFRE, Chief of Staff, Pellerin Companies
Throughout the program, participants will explore AI applications across core business functions, including sales, marketing, customer service, operations, finance, human resources, procurement, and executive leadership.
The Academy’s curriculum progresses through a clear induction process.
• Session 1 establishes basic AI literacy and business context
• Session 2 covers real-world business applications and AI tools.
• Session 3 will help participants identify high-value AI opportunities within their organizations
• Session 4 will focus on leadership, governance, implementation strategy, and change management.
• Session 5 culminates in a capstone workshop where participants complete and present an AI implementation roadmap tailored to their business.
Participants will graduate from the Academy with:
• A practical understanding of AI and its business applications.
• Identifying high-value use cases
• Structured AI implementation roadmap
• Greater confidence in leading AI-related discussions and decisions
• A peer network of business leaders navigating similar changes.
Business Report AI Academy begins in August 2026 and consists of five sessions held in Baton Rouge.
session schedule
• Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
For more information about Business Report AI Academy and to register, click here.
