10 Strategies to Bring Your Team Along on the AI Journey: A Leader’s Guide for 2025

As AI reshapes the workplace, leaders face a critical responsibility: not just to introduce new technology but to bring their teams along on the journey. Successful adoption of AI requires more than technical know-how; it requires leaders to inspire, guide, and equip teams to see AI as a tool that amplifies their own capabilities and drives the organization’s goals. Here’s how leaders can build an AI-ready culture, using both practical steps and inspiration to guide their teams.

1. Lead by Example

Leadership in AI adoption begins with you. Demonstrate your commitment to learning by using AI tools in your own work—automate recurring tasks, analyze data, and engage with predictive insights that inform decision-making. Sharing your own journey, including the missteps and successes, shows that embracing AI is not only expected but encouraged.

"As a leader, I make it a point to use AI in daily tasks, whether it’s crafting content or analyzing data trends in minutes. This sets the tone for the team and demonstrates the impact AI can have at all levels."

Practical Step: Share a weekly update with your team on how you’re using AI in specific tasks and the results you’ve achieved. Showing them your own learning curve will make AI feel more accessible. As your team members start experiencing success, invite them to share as well.

2. Paint a Clear Vision for AI’s Impact

For many, AI feels abstract, and its relevance isn’t always clear. Connect AI adoption to your team’s tangible goals—whether that’s serving clients more effectively, reducing repetitive work, or even solving complex problems that once seemed out of reach. Explain that AI isn’t here to replace people but to empower them by taking on routine tasks, freeing them up to tackle bigger challenges.

"Imagine if we could cut repetitive tasks by 30%. What could we achieve with that time?"

Practical Step: Schedule a vision-setting session that outlines how AI supports key objectives, from increasing team efficiency to enhancing customer experiences. By grounding AI in the team’s day-to-day work, you’ll help them see it as a means of accomplishing their own goals.

3. Showcase Real-Life Use Cases and Success Stories

Nothing makes AI feel more relevant than real-life stories. Share examples of how other teams or organizations are using AI to gain a competitive advantage or streamline their operations. This could be a competitor’s use of AI to drive down costs or a case study from your industry showing AI-driven personalization that resonates with customers. These stories turn the abstract into the actionable.

"I recently read about a team in our industry that used StoryTap’s Video AI to significantly improve their UGC process. Imagine what that kind of solution could do for us."

Practical Step: Create a rotating library of AI case studies and success stories from your industry. Discuss one case study each week in team meetings, identifying lessons that could apply to your organization’s goals. This keeps the team inspired and informed about what’s possible.

4. Invest in Tailored Training Programs

AI adoption requires skills, and skills require training. Invest in training programs that focus on practical applications of AI within specific roles. A training session that highlights how AI can simplify data analysis, automate scheduling, or enhance customer insights will make the value tangible. Structured training can demystify AI, giving team members the skills to confidently integrate AI into their daily routines.

"We’re not just learning AI; we’re developing expertise that will set us apart. It’s about gaining the skills to thrive in an AI-driven marketplace."

Practical Step: Organize a phased training program, beginning with AI fundamentals, then advancing to role-specific applications. Encourage ongoing learning by providing access to webinars, online courses, and industry workshops.

5. Designate AI Champions

Appoint “AI champions” within the team who are enthusiastic early adopters and can provide hands-on support to others. These champions become in-house experts who help guide the rest of the team, making it easier to troubleshoot issues, share best practices, and ensure the team is supported through the learning process.

"Think of our AI champions as our guides for innovation. They’re here to inspire and support us as we embrace these new tools."

Practical Step: Appoint two or three team members to act as AI champions. Provide them with advanced training and empower them to host Q&A sessions, run mini-workshops, or offer office hours where team members can get help and guidance.

6. Encourage Experimentation Without Fear of Failure

AI adoption isn’t an all-or-nothing approach; it’s an iterative process. Give your team the time and freedom to explore AI tools, encouraging them to try new applications, experiment with workflows, and see what works best. Make it clear that mistakes are part of the process and that every attempt brings valuable insights.

"Set aside 30 minutes a week to explore a new AI tool. It’s not about getting it right immediately; it’s about learning through doing."

Practical Step: Implement a weekly “AI experiment” slot where team members try AI tools on low-risk tasks, such as automating calendar invites or generating report summaries. Sharing insights from these sessions fosters an environment of learning and innovation.

7. Embrace AI-Human “Co-Intelligence” for Enhanced Collaboration

Ethan Mollick’s concept of "co-intelligence" is a powerful model for using AI not as a replacement for human judgment but as a collaborator that enhances human creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making. In this model, AI and humans work together in an iterative process where each side learns and builds on the other’s strengths. Rather than solely relying on AI-generated insights or human intuition, co-intelligence encourages a blend, allowing each to fill in the gaps where the other might fall short.

Mollick explains that by combining the analytical power of AI with human creativity and strategic thinking, teams can reach insights that would otherwise be out of reach for either side alone. This co-intelligence mindset redefines AI as a true teammate, one that learns from feedback, adjusts, and enables teams to approach challenges from new perspectives.

"AI can make us more creative by augmenting our insights and allowing us to iterate ideas faster than ever before," says Mollick. "Co-intelligence is about embracing that synergy."

Practical Step: Encourage teams to view AI as a collaborator, where feedback loops are essential. For example, start with an AI-generated draft or analysis, then refine it with human insights. This process helps both AI and human team members learn and grow in tandem, resulting in more nuanced, impactful outcomes.

8. Differentiate Horizontal and Vertical AI for Tailored Use

One of the best ways to clarify AI’s role is by explaining the difference between horizontal and vertical AI applications. Horizontal AI, like ChatGPT, handles broad, general tasks, while vertical AI is tailored for industry-specific needs. For example, tools like FifthRow automate complex enterprise processes, while AI Palette provides consumer insights specific to the CPG industry. Showing the team how to leverage both types strategically maximizes AI’s impact.

"Horizontal AI is our versatile assistant, while vertical AI is our specialized advisor, custom-built for our needs."

Practical Step: Provide a breakdown of recommended AI tools, distinguishing between horizontal and vertical applications, and explain how each can support different types of tasks. This helps the team see how different AI tools fit into their workflows.

9. Celebrate Small Wins and Progress Milestones

Transforming an organization through AI doesn’t happen overnight. Celebrate each milestone, whether it’s a successful AI-powered project, a time-saving process, or an improved customer experience. Recognizing these small wins reinforces the team’s efforts and builds momentum for further adoption.

"Every time we make progress with AI, we’re building a foundation for future success. Let’s celebrate each step forward."

Practical Step: Host a monthly “AI Wins” session where team members share success stories and insights from their AI projects. Recognizing these achievements reinforces AI as a strategic asset and motivates the team to continue innovating.

10. Keep the Team Informed and Curious

AI is evolving at a rapid pace, and so should your team’s understanding of it. Share the latest developments in AI, relevant case studies, and updates on new AI tools that could benefit the team. Curiosity about AI’s future will drive continuous learning, helping the team stay agile and informed.

"AI is constantly advancing, and so are we. Let’s stay curious and explore how each new development can support our work."

Practical Step: Set up a shared AI knowledge hub where team members can access updates, case studies, and articles on AI advancements. Monthly “AI Insight” sessions where new trends or tools are discussed will keep curiosity and excitement alive.

Conclusion: Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI

The role of a leader in AI adoption is about more than implementing technology; it’s about creating an environment where teams feel empowered, inspired, and equipped to use AI as a catalyst for growth and innovation. By guiding your team along the AI journey thoughtfully, you’ll not only drive meaningful change but foster a culture that’s prepared for the future.

When AI becomes a valued “team member,” organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency, creativity, and impact. This roadmap provides a practical framework for building an AI-ready team that’s empowered to innovate, adapt, and lead in an increasingly AI-driven world. At HauerX Holdings, we believe in the transformative potential of AI and are committed to building a portfolio of companies dedicated to helping organizations like yours harness that power to its fullest.

About the Author

Jason Hauer is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and Inc. 500 honoree, dedicated to transforming businesses through AI-driven innovation and growth. As CEO of HauerX Holdings, Jason partners with leading AI companies to build brands that will own the future. He shares actionable insights through his thought leadership platforms, Serial Growth Lab and the How I AI’d This podcast, inspiring leaders to leverage AI for transformative impact. Connect with Jason to explore how AI can drive your business forward.

Image Credit: Linus Zoll & Google DeepMind / Better Images of AI / Generative Image models / CC-BY 4.0