AI is now a new norm in the corporate world. Companies employ AI in large numbers, with 78% of organizations reporting their use of AI in 2024. This is an increase of 2% from the previous year.
However, trying AI is one thing. Scaling AI adoption across your business in a way that has authentic value and impact is another thing. Despite the large number of companies using AI in one capacity, the majority are stuck in the “proof of concept” stage, with only 4% of companies gaining considerable value from using AI.
AI needs to break out of high-tech silos and be embedded throughout the business. This provides a great opportunity to promote efficiency, reduce errors and generate revenue within the company. However, to lift this, companies must start with their representatives, namely C-Suite.
Why C-Suite needs AI training
Big decisions need to come from the top. C-Suite executives will impact and inform your business's broader AI training strategy. They need to understand the AI platforms and tools that the team uses, as well as the potential AI use cases. This information allows you to ensure that the training sessions that team members receive are tailored to the specific needs of the business unit.
But they are desperately unskilled. A recent Cisco study found that many CEOs fear that AI-related knowledge gaps will hinder decision-making in the executive office, and more than half worry that business growth can be thwarted.
This creates a disconnect between the boardroom and personnel. This is happening in offices, construction sites, classrooms – to be honest, it's hard to think of a workplace with AI. it's not growth.
And here is the problem. The business environment is increasingly demanding AI skills, but the key drivers of that change don't know how to implement it. Over the next decade, all employees need to be data retelling, not just employees working at Charcoal.
Executives cannot require teams to be proficient if they are not capable of using AI-powered sales platforms or workflow management systems. C-Suite executives should have a basic understanding of how AI works, their applications within the business, and where they are within the company's broader business strategy.
How to Train Leaders with AI
C-Suite executives must register for a dedicated AI training program. Ideally, this will be a blend of structured, professionally-led sessions and practical experiences, including effective, rapid generation practices and real-time use of AI productivity tools.
We recently worked with a major financial services company to work with our senior team, Upskill 200. After talking to the leader at a bank boot camp, he stood out especially to me. Experts are worried about not only becoming more AI literal, but also keeping up with new demands for data handling and privacy.
Each sector raises its own risk area for C-Suite leaders to monitor. For example, consumer retailers are facing increasingly detailed fire safety submissions for customer data and construction companies. Everything needs to be carefully managed from the top.
Implementing AI throughout the C suite doesn't happen without hurdles. Generally, companies invest heavily in AI technology, with C-level executives putting pressure on them to demonstrate their value. However, leaders need to demonstrate this by paying close attention to non-technical factors such as skills, culture and change management.
I want to see companies start from the top with C-Suite as they start implementing their AI strategies. Having senior leaders with the knowledge, ability and confidence to use AI for their work allows businesses to begin building a culture of AI engagement in the bones of their business.
Dr. Raul Gabriel Urma is the author and founder of Cambridge Spark, an education technology company, and an entrepreneur at Edtech.
AI is now a new norm in the corporate world. Companies employ AI in large numbers, with 78% of organizations reporting their use of AI in 2024. This is an increase of 2% from the previous year.
However, trying AI is one thing. Scaling AI adoption across your business in a way that has authentic value and impact is another thing. Despite the large number of companies using AI in one capacity, the majority are stuck in the “proof of concept” stage, with only 4% of companies gaining considerable value from using AI.
AI needs to break out of high-tech silos and be embedded throughout the business. This provides a great opportunity to promote efficiency, reduce errors and generate revenue within the company. However, to lift this, companies must start with their representatives, namely C-Suite.
