Artificial Intelligence, or AI as we know it, has become a powerful force in today’s business world. It has been reshaping how organizations operate. Companies in different sectors are now acknowledging and recognizing the potential of AI to improve productivity, drive innovation, and, most importantly, create a competitive edge. However, the challenge most businesses face is the integration of these AI technologies into their current business structure, which means a careful and strategic implementation is required.
One step to address this challenge is having an AI champion in your organization. These individuals play a crucial role in aligning AI’s technological capabilities with business objectives and encouraging a culture of innovation. In this article, we will explore what an AI champion is and how to create one in your organization to ensure your company fully embraces the potential of AI.
The Current State of AI in Business
Despite the growing importance of AI in the business world, many organizations still find themselves unprepared to make such a shift. Most companies lack AI expertise at the top management or even within their staff, which makes them unready to integrate AI and maximize its benefits.
If this knowledge gap exists at the highest management level, decision-makers often hesitate to integrate AI into their operations. Their limited understanding of AI’s capabilities and applications can lead to missed opportunities and a reluctance to invest in AI projects that could significantly benefit the business.
Aside from fears and doubts, misconceptions about AI are common among top executives, leading to misguided assumptions about its capabilities, risks, and costs. The combination of limited expertise and misunderstanding creates a barrier to AI adoption that could potentially put these businesses at a competitive disadvantage in an increasingly AI-driven market.
What Exactly is an AI Champion?
An AI champion is a critical individual in an organization who will bridge the gap between AI technological capabilities and business objectives. The importance of this role lies in their position to address concerns and hesitations from the top management. They are not only well-versed in AI’s technical aspects but also have a deep understanding of the business’s objectives and how AI can be leveraged.
AI champions are expected to provide guidance on best practices, identify opportunities where AI can add value, and lead the efforts to integrate AI into business operations successfully. What makes an AI champion unique is their ability to communicate complex AI concepts in a way that is easily digestible to all stakeholders, from top management to front-line employees.
They don’t necessarily need excellent technical skills, but AI champions are willing to learn AI thoroughly to truly understand the technology and its potential to benefit the business. They also possess strong leadership skills as they advocate AI adoption and guide the entire organization through the process.
Benefits of Having an AI Champion
Bridging the gap between AI providers and the company:
An AI champion is the link between AI providers and the organization to ensure that the solutions implemented are well-suited to the company’s unique needs.
Better alignment of AI initiatives with business goals:
An AI champion works with various departments to identify where AI can make the most significant impact, ensuring that resources are directed toward the business areas that will benefit most from AI.
Reducing fear and resistance to AI adoption:
With their knowledge of both AI and business objectives, an AI champion can help alleviate the concerns and fears of staff by educating them on the benefits and how AI can enhance their day-to-day work.
How to Develop an AI Champion
Identify passionate employees:
The first step in developing an AI champion is to identify an employee who is genuinely passionate about AI and innovation. A technical background is unnecessary, but one should show a keen interest in AI and a desire to learn more. It’s essential to look for curious and proactive employees interested in AI and how it could benefit the business.
Investing in their AI education and training:
Once potential AI champions are identified, invest in them. Please provide them with opportunities to deepen their understanding of AI, such as workshops, courses, and AI tools.
Supplement their training and education by encouraging them to explore AI within the business and allowing them to test new ideas and experiment with AI applications. Don’t forget to support them in this process. The hands-on experience and encouragement will empower them to discover innovative ways to integrate AI into the organization.
Empowering them to lead AI initiatives:
The next step is to empower these employees to take the lead on AI initiatives. Please give them the authority to spearhead AI projects. Trusting them with leadership responsibilities can ensure AI champions have the platform to drive meaningful change.
Empower Your Organisation by having an AI Champion.
To stay competitive in today’s AI-driven marketplace, businesses must invest in developing AI champions within their organizations. These individuals are not just advocates for AI but serve as the driving force behind the successful integration of AI into the company’s operations.
Without AI champions, even the most promising AI projects may fail to deliver the expected benefits. Businesses may also miss the opportunity to implement an AI solution that could be a game changer in their operations.
An AI champion has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate, creating benefits that both the organization and its employees can reap. By investing in these champions, companies can confidently navigate the complexities of AI adoption.
Read more articles by Justine Bate:
Creating a Knowledge-Sharing Culture in an IT Organization: A Blueprint
I am the Program Manager and Consultant at Emerging Tech Armoury, with a passion for leveraging technology to drive business transformation. I specialize in AI and M365 Copilot training, empowering organizations to harness the full potential of AI in their operations.
With extensive experience in AI training, I equip teams with the necessary skills to innovate and excel in their roles. My tailored Copilot training programs are designed to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Dedicated to shaping the future of work, I collaborate closely with clients to develop customized AI training workshops that drive efficiency and boost resilience.
