The CEO’s AI Strategy Playbook: 1-Day Immersive Workshop
AI is Not a Tool Problem. It’s a Leadership Challenge.
A Message from Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland:
Every CEO and SME leader is wrestling with the same question: How do I capture AI’s competitive advantage without burning cash on a failed IT project?
Here’s the truth: Your competitors aren’t winning with better technology. They’re winning with better strategy.
They are moving faster. Freeing up cash flow. Making superior decisions with the data you already own.
I designed this workshop because strategic inertia – the paralysis between “knowing AI matters” and actually doing something about it – is the single biggest threat to your SME’s profitability and scalability right now.
This full-day session cuts through the hype. It’s laser-focused on giving you the clarity and executable 90-Day Plan you need to transform your P&L, not your IT department.
This is the intervention that turns strategic risk into competitive velocity.
Who Should Attend?
This intensive workshop is designed for leaders ready to move from AI-curious to AI-capable:
- CEOs and Senior Executives
- SME Owners and Founders
- General Managers and Heads of Department
- Consultants advising SME clients
- L&D and HR Leaders responsible for transformation
Not a fit? This workshop assumes senior decision-making authority. If you’re looking for technical implementation training, this isn’t the right session.
Why This Workshop? The Competitive Advantage
- ROI-Obsessed: Every session ties directly to impact, not theoretical possibilities.
- SME-Proven: Built from 950+ real AI applications reviewed across Irish and European SMEs.
- Action Over Theory: You leave with a validated 90-day plan, not a notebook full of maybes.
- Battle-Tested Insights: Previous attendees include leaders from Vodafone, LinkedIn, Microsoft, AbbVie and 200+ Irish SMEs.
- Your Host: Mark Kelly, AI Ireland Founder, recognized as one of Europe’s most trusted AI advisors. Regular correspondent for RTÉ and Newstalk on AI strategy and implementation.
Full-Day Agenda: From Hype to High-ROI
Morning: Foundation & Value Creation
9:00–9:30 | Arrival & Focus
Registration, coffee, strategic networking.
9:30–10:15 | The AI Reality Check: Stop Losing Money
Why most AI projects fail (and how to avoid it). Clear the hype. Set realistic expectations.
Learn: The Three-Pillar Framework: People → Processes → Perspective.
10:15–11:30 | Pillar 1: AI for People (Value: Efficiency & Retention)
Goal: Increase team capacity without hiring.
Topics: Automated candidate screening, instant onboarding, personalised L&D, productivity tools.
Workshop: Identify your team’s 3 biggest time drains.
11:30–11:45 | Break
11:45–13:00 | Pillar 2: AI for Processes (Value: Profit & Velocity)
Goal: Automate the 80% of work killing your margins.
Topics: 24/7 customer service, automated finance, predictive forecasting, lead scoring, instant campaign generation.
Workshop: Map your top 3 process bottlenecks + immediate AI solutions.
13:00–14:00 | Working Lunch
Peer discussion and Q&A with Mark Kelly.
Afternoon: Strategy & Execution
14:00–15:30 | Pillar 3: AI for Perspective (Value: Growth & Strategic Advantage)
Goal: Better decisions. Faster. With data you already have.
Topics: Spot market shifts earlier, predictive analytics simplified, AI as strategic thinking partner, scenario planning at speed.
Critical Discussion: Ethics, reputation risk, EU AI Act compliance for Irish SMEs.
15:30–15:45 | Break
15:45–16:45 | Implementation: Your 90-Day Action Plan
Goal: Move from ideas to organisational momentum.
Topics: Choosing your first project (maximum ROI, minimum risk), Build vs. Buy cost analysis, measuring true ROI, vendor selection frameworks.
Hands-On Workshop: Build your personalised 90-day plan (Quick Wins → Strategic Foundation).
16:45–17:00 | Commitment & Close
Synthesis of key takeaways.
Your Action: Commit to ONE concrete step you’ll take within 7 days.
What You Take Home
- Your Validated 90-Day AI Implementation Plan (customised to your business)
- Curated Tool List: SME-ready, high-ROI AI solutions
- ROI Measurement Frameworks
- Private Peer Network Access
- EU AI Act Compliance Checklist for Irish SMEs
What Previous Attendees Say
“This was the clarity I needed. We implemented our first AI project within 3 weeks and saw immediate ROI,” – Managing Director, Professional Services
“Finally, someone who speaks business language, not tech jargon. Mark cuts through the noise,” – CEO, Manufacturing SME
“The 90-day plan was worth the price alone. We saved 15 hours per week in our first month,” – Operations Director, Retail
The Cost of Waiting
Every week you delay is a week your competitors are:
- Processing leads faster
- Reducing operational costs
- Making better decisions with better data
- Freeing up your best people to focus on growth, not admin
Strategic inertia is expensive. Action creates competitive advantage.
Investment Options
Option 1: Workshop Foundation – €995
What’s Included:
- Full-day immersive workshop (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Your personalised 90-Day Implementation Plan
- All frameworks, tools, and resources
- Private peer network access
- One 30-minute strategy call with Mark Kelly
Best For: Leaders who need clarity and a validated action plan.
Option 2: Implementation Partnership — €2,495 [Recommended]
Everything in Option 1, PLUS:
- Three 60-minute strategy sessions with Mark Kelly (scheduled across 90 days)
- Priority email support (48-hour response, 90 days)
- Custom AI opportunity assessment for your business
- Vendor evaluation support
- ROI tracking dashboard (customised to your KPIs)
Best For: Leaders committed to implementation who want expert guidance through the critical first 90 days.
Option 3: Strategic Advisory — €4,995
Everything in Option 2, PLUS:
- Six 60-minute advisory sessions with Mark Kelly (over 6 months)
- Quarterly board-ready strategic reviews
- Half-day on-site visit to your office
- Vendor negotiation support
- Exclusive quarterly CEO roundtable
Best For: CEOs treating AI as a board-level priority who want a trusted advisor throughout their transformation.
Workshop Foundation | Implementation Partnership | Strategic Advisory | |
Full-Day Workshop |  | | |
90-Day Plan + Resources | | | |
1-on-1 Sessions with Mark | 1 × 30min | 3 × 60min | 6 × 60min |
Email Support | — | 90 days | 6 months |
Custom Assessment | — | | |
On-Site Visit | — | — | |
Strategic Reviews | — | — | Quarterly |
CEO Roundtables | — | — | 6 months |
Investment | €995 | €2,495 | €4,995 |
Which Option?
Option 1: You want foundational clarity and can execute independently
Option 2: You need guidance through vendor selection and early implementation
Option 3: AI is a strategic priority with significant planned investment (€50K+)
How to Book
Limited workshop participants. Options 2 & 3 have additional capacity limits due to Mark’s advisory availability.
To secure your place, email mark@aiireland.ie with:
- Your preferred option (1, 2 or 3)
- Company name and role
- One-line description of your primary AI challenge
Payment plans available for Options 2 & 3.
Event Details
Date: 13/01/2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8
Dress Code: Business casual
What to Bring: Laptop optional, notebook recommended
FAQ
Q: Is this technical training?
A: No. This is strategic leadership training. Zero coding required.
Q: What if I can’t attend the full day?
A: The workshop is designed as an integrated experience. Partial attendance significantly reduces value.
Q: Can I bring team members?
A: Yes, but each attendee requires a separate ticket. We recommend max 2 people per company to maintain group diversity.
Q: What’s your cancellation policy?
A: Full refund if cancelled 14+ days before event. 50% refund if cancelled 7-13 days before. No refund within 7 days, but you may transfer your ticket.
Q: Will this be recorded?
A: No. The interactive nature and confidential peer discussions make this a live-only experience.
Questions?
Email: mark@aiireland.ie
Web: www.aiireland.ie
Secure your competitive advantage.
AI Ireland is committed to practical, ROI-driven AI education for Irish and European SMEs.
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