Artificial Intelligence is now a critical tool for driving innovation, boosting productivity and gaining a competitive edge. However, for many business leaders, the world of AI can seem complex, technical and overwhelming. You’ve heard the hype, but how do you move from understanding AI’s potential to implementing it in your organisation?
At AI Ireland, we specialise in demystifying AI for business leaders. We provide hands-on, practical workshops designed to give you and your team the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions. We’ve worked with leading companies like Abbott and AbbVie, helping their leaders translate AI theory into real-world business value.
To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of 40 frequently asked questions to address your most pressing concerns about AI workshops and how they can benefit your business.
General Questions about AI Workshops
1. What is an AI workshop for business leaders?
An AI workshop for business leaders is an interactive training session designed to help executives, managers and decision-makers understand the strategic value of artificial intelligence. It focuses on the business application of AI, not the technical details.
2. Why do business leaders need AI training?
Leaders need AI training to bridge the knowledge gap, confidently evaluate AI proposals, identify opportunities and mitigate risks. A basic understanding of AI helps leaders make informed investment decisions and lead their teams effectively.
3. What’s the main goal of these workshops?
The main goal is to empower leaders to move from “AI hype” to practical, real-world application. You will learn to identify where AI can deliver the greatest impact, boost productivity and drive innovation within your organisation.
4. What topics are typically covered?
Workshops cover a range of topics, including:
- Debunking common AI myths.
- Identifying and prioritising AI use cases.
- Understanding different types of AI (e.g. generative AI, machine learning).
- Ethical considerations, governance, and risk management.
- Hands-on exercises with real-world AI tools.
5. What is the difference between an AI workshop and a regular course?
Workshops are highly interactive and practical, often focusing on a specific business challenge or a hands-on project. A traditional course may be more theoretical and cover a broader range of topics without as much direct application.
Benefits and Outcomes
6. What are the key benefits of an AI workshop for my business?
The key benefits include:
- Increased Productivity: Automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows.
- Improved Decision-Making: Use data-driven insights to make more informed and accurate strategic choices.
- Enhanced Innovation: Discover new business models, products and revenue streams.
- Competitive Advantage: Stay ahead of the curve by strategically integrating AI before your competitors do.
7. Can an AI workshop help my company save money?
Yes. By identifying inefficiencies and automating tasks, AI can significantly reduce operational costs. AI can also help optimise resource allocation and detect issues that would otherwise lead to costly errors.
8. What kind of ROI can we expect from an AI workshop?
While ROI varies, many companies report significant time and cost savings. For example, some have seen content review times reduced from days to minutes, or content production and reach increase by five times or more.
9. How does this workshop help with employee adoption of AI?
Training makes employees more comfortable with new technologies. When they see how AI tools can help their work rather than replace them, they are more likely to embrace the change and support new initiatives.
10. How will a workshop help my team with AI strategy?
An AI workshop gives your leadership a shared vocabulary and understanding. This common foundation allows you to create a cohesive, long-term AI strategy aligned with your overall business objectives.
Curriculum and Content
11. Is this workshop tailored to specific industries?
Yes, workshops can be customised to your industry’s unique challenges and regulatory landscape. We use examples and case studies that are directly relevant to your business function.
12. Do we need a technical background to attend?
No. Our workshops are designed for business leaders and require no prior coding or technical skills. The focus is on strategy, application and business impact.
13. What tools will we use during the workshop?
We use a tool-agnostic approach so you can apply the concepts to the platforms your team uses every day, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace or Slack. We also provide hands-on experience with top AI tools.
14. Will the workshop help us identify the best AI tools for our needs?
Absolutely. We’ll help you understand the landscape of AI tools and learn how to evaluate and select the best solutions for your specific business problems.
15. Does the workshop cover generative AI?
Yes. The workshop includes modules on generative AI, including large language models (LLMs) and how they can be used to improve customer service, content creation and internal workflows.
16. How do you cover the ethical and legal aspects of AI?
We dedicate a significant portion of the workshop to ethical AI. We discuss important topics like data privacy, bias, algorithmic transparency and how to establish a strong governance framework for AI use.
17. Do you offer ongoing support after the workshop?
Yes. Since AI evolves so quickly, we offer follow-up sessions and support to ensure your team’s skills remain current and that you can continue to implement your AI strategy successfully.
Logistics and Practicalities
18. What is the typical duration of an AI workshop?
Workshops can range from a two-hour “Essentials” session to a half-day or multi-day deep dive, depending on your company’s needs and goals.
19. Can you deliver the workshop on-site or off-site?
We offer both on-site delivery at your company’s location and off-site sessions at a dedicated venue. We also provide virtual options.
20. How many people can attend a workshop?
Workshops are typically designed for a group setting to encourage collaboration and discussion. The ideal size can be discussed during your initial consultation to ensure the best experience for your team.
21. Do you offer workshops for different departments?
Yes, we offer targeted training for different departments, including marketing, operations, HR, finance and product teams. The content is tailored to their specific workflows and pain points.
22. How do we get started?
Getting started is easy. Simply book a discovery call with us to discuss your goals, and we’ll outline a customised workshop plan, deliverables, and a quote.
23. How far in advance do we need to book?
It’s recommended to book your workshop at least at least 30 days in advance to ensure we have ample time to customise the content and secure your preferred dates.
Addressing Concerns and Common Myths
24. Is AI just a fad?
No, AI is a foundational technology that is reshaping industries. It’s a strategic imperative, not a passing trend. Leaders who understand this will be better positioned to drive growth and stay competitive.
25. Will AI replace my employees?
AI automates tasks, not entire jobs. The goal is to free up your employees from repetitive work so they can focus on more creative, strategic and high-value tasks that require human judgement and empathy.
26. Is my data safe with AI?
Data privacy and security are critical. We emphasise best practices for data governance and use, ensuring you understand how to protect sensitive information and comply with regulations like GDPR.
27. Do we need to have a lot of data to start with AI?
While data is the fuel for AI, the quality of data is more important than quantity. We’ll show you how to leverage your existing data effectively and identify the right data sources for your projects.
28. My team is already busy. Is this a good use of their time?
Training your team is a crucial investment. The time spent in a workshop will pay off by increasing efficiency, reducing errors and unlocking new opportunities that would have been missed otherwise.
29. Is our company too small or too traditional for AI?
Not at all. AI is accessible to businesses of all sizes and industries. Our workshops are designed to help you find “quick wins” and build a scalable AI strategy, regardless of your company’s size or sector.
30. Who are some of your past clients?
We have worked with a range of leading companies, including StayCity, Savills, Acrele Lecole, Abbott and AbbVie, helping their leaders and teams become more confident and effective in the age of AI.
10 New FAQs for Business Leaders
31. What is the difference between AI and machine learning?
Machine learning is a subset of AI. Think of AI as the broad field of creating intelligent machines, and machine learning as a specific technique that allows those machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed.
32. What is an AI strategy roadmap?
An AI strategy roadmap is a high-level plan that outlines how your business will use AI to achieve its most important long-term goals. It serves as a structured guide, ensuring AI initiatives are aligned with overall strategic objectives and deliver measurable business value.
33. What are some real-world examples of AI in a business context?
AI is used in Ireland for everything from optimising logistics and supply chains to personalising customer experiences on e-commerce sites. Other examples include predictive maintenance in manufacturing and fraud detection in the financial sector.
34. Can this workshop help us with regulatory compliance for AI?
Yes. The workshop will cover important topics like the GDPR and the evolving legal landscape around AI. We can help you understand your responsibilities and the importance of responsible AI development to avoid regulatory pitfalls.
35. How can AI help with talent management and recruitment?
AI can help automate resume screening, identify skilled candidates based on data and analyse workforce trends. This frees up your HR team to focus on strategic human resources rather than administrative tasks.
36. Will the workshop help us create a culture of innovation?
Yes. By demystifying AI and providing hands-on experience, the workshop encourages your team to experiment and think creatively about new ways to solve problems, promoting a forward-thinking, innovative culture.
37. How can we get our board on board with AI investment?
The workshop provides the business case for AI, backed by real-world examples and ROI figures. It equips leaders with the knowledge and confidence to articulate the strategic value of AI to the board and secure the necessary funding.
38. How is the workshop content kept up-to-date with rapid AI changes?
Our workshop is continuously updated to reflect the latest developments in AI technology. We focus on foundational concepts and strategic frameworks that remain relevant even as specific tools evolve.
39. Can the workshop be tailored for a non-profit or public sector organisation?
Yes. The principles of AI can be applied to any organisation. We can customise the content to address the unique challenges of the public sector, such as citizen engagement, resource management and improving service delivery.
40. What are the first steps to take after the workshop?
After the workshop, the next steps include creating a small pilot project, identifying a dedicated project owner, and establishing a clear set of metrics to measure the pilot’s success before scaling up your AI initiatives.
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