AI has become one of the most talked-about topics in business, but for many board directors, it feels like an overwhelming wave of technology that’s hard to catch up with. Where do you start? What should you know? And how can you engage with AI in a way that’s relevant to your role?
I was delivering a board training session on AI the other day, and one of their biggest ‘aha’ moments, was the fact that you don’t need to become an AI expert to get great value from the tools! In fact, with just 10 minutes a day, you can start to build a practical understanding of AI, enabling you to ask the right questions and understand the opportunities and risks AI brings.
This blog is prompted by that conversation. Learning AI isn’t about mastering complex tools or diving into technical jargon. It’s just about getting started - starting small, experimenting, and building your confidence step by step.
Why AI Matters for Board Directors
As a board director, you oversee every part of your organisation - and across every vertical, AI is playing an increasinglytransformative role. To govern effectively, you need to understand its implications.
Strategic Opportunity: AI is reshaping industries, from predictive analytics in finance to personalisation in customer service. Boards must understand how it can drive growth and efficiency.
Risk Oversight: With AI comes ethical, legal, and cybersecurity risks. Directors need to ask informed questions to manage these risks responsibly.
Future-Proofing: Understanding AI helps directors position their organisations to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
AI isn’t about replacing human judgment—it’s about augmenting it. As PwC notes, “Boards that don’t prioritise AI risk falling behind more forward-thinking competitors.”
10 Minutes to AI Confidence: A Simple Daily Workflow
You don’t need hours of training or technical expertise to start working with AI. Here’s a manageable, 10-minute daily routine to get you started.
1. Explore and Experiment (2 Minutes)
Start small. Dedicate two minutes to learning about AI’s practical applications and testing how it works.
Try This:
• Open ChatGPT and ask: “What are three ways AI can help board directors oversee risk and strategy?”
• Explore the responses, noting anything particularly relevant to your board responsibilities.
This simple exercise builds your familiarity with AI and demonstrates its ability to provide quick, useful insights.
2. Practice with Simple Prompts (5 Minutes)
Hands-on practice is the fastest way to get comfortable using AI. Use it to support your board duties in manageable ways.
Try This:
• To Prepare Questions: “What questions should a board ask when evaluating AI investments?”
Refining prompts helps you understand how to guide AI tools to deliver meaningful outputs. Over time, this skill translates into better governance questions for your organisation.
3. Stay Informed with AI Insights (3 Minutes)
Use AI tools to help you explore the latest trends, research, or ethical challenges in AI adoption.
Try This:
• Ask ChatGPT: “Summarise the latest developments in AI governance for 2024.”
• Explore short articles or blogs summarised by AI. For instance: “Find a recent report on AI’s impact on governance and summarise it in 150 words.”
AI is evolving rapidly, and staying informed is crucial for effective oversight. These tasks help you identify emerging risks, opportunities, and ethical considerations without spending hours sifting through research.
Take the First Step Towards AI Confidence—One Day at a Time
AI is here to stay, and those board directors who embrace its potential will be better equipped to lead their organisations into the future. With just 10 minutes a day, you can start building the confidence to engage with AI meaningfully and oversee its strategic and ethical use.
At Directorly, we specialise in equipping boards and executives with the knowledge and tools to navigate the AI landscape confidently. Our AI Training Programs are designed specifically for Boards and Executive teams - practical, insightful, and tailored to your needs. For more details about the course or to register, please contact us.
The future is here. Ready?